Massachusetts-based iRobot announced this week that it’s expanding its already-impressive lineup of Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners. While officially unveiling the Roomba 960 vacuum, the robotics innovator also pulled back the veil on a brand new smartphone application compatible with its Braava jet Mopping Robot. With marked improvements in the Roomba’s efficiency, navigation, and connectivity, iRobot has yet again shown that it is at the top of the robotic solutions industry.
While simply saying it has upgraded the existing Roomba platform is enough to sway its existing user base into adopting the 960, a published press release shed more light on the included features. The Roomba 960 boasts an enhanced intelligent navigation system, wireless connectivity HOME App control, and 5 times more air power than any previous Roomba vacuum. Furthermore, the 960 comes standard with the same premium features found in the 800 and 900 series, such as Dirt Detect focused cleaning, Recharge and Resume, and tangle-free debris extractors. In other words, the 960 is the smartest and most effective Roomba vacuum to date.
“As iRobot continues its push to address significant opportunities within the connected home, we are very excited to bring Roomba 960 and Braava jet app compatibility to market,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “This is a significant milestone as we are now able to offer a more accessible Roomba with mapping capabilities and cloud-connected features across multiple product lines. iRobot will continue to build upon its connected robot technologies moving forward, allowing for an enhanced customer experience and for our products to play a larger role within the smart home.”
Concerning the new HOME App for its Braava jet-mopping bot, iRobot now give users unprecedented control over a range of home cleaning options directly on a smartphone. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, owners can start and stop their Braava jet, customize its cleaning settings, and install over-the-air updates right from the app. Furthermore, not only is the application available for download immediately but it’s available for both iOS and Android users with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Those interested in securing a Roomba 960 won’t have to wait long as iRobot has made the device available for purchase upon its announcement, and is selling the vacuum for $699 via its website.
