Upon unboxing the iRobot, the vacuum cleaner makes a good impression. Everything is neatly packed, including enough parts to perform maintenance for a good period. Simple instructions are included to quickly set up the robot ready for use. The first impression is reasonably positive, although I did notice that the vacuum cleaner is quite tall, especially when compared to the latest models from other brands.
I had already installed the app before my order was delivered. The new iRobot app is not my favorite. It all feels a bit illogical and disorganized. The map looks fine once the robot has completed the mapping round. However, I had to reset the app multiple times to be able to add furniture. The app kept showing a white screen. I read a few things about this online, so I don't seem to be the only one who encountered this. After resetting it a few times, it became visible, and since then, it has worked without problems. However, the robot did add an ‘extra room’ which does not exist, but which I cannot remove under any circumstances. It does allow splitting or merging, but unfortunately, the app does not permit deletion here.
Connecting the robot to Wi-Fi was difficult. The robot kept giving error messages about being unable to connect to the network. After looking up the error code, it appeared to be related to special characters in the Wi-Fi password. Although this immediately resolved the issue, meaning the error code is accurate and useful, I find it somewhat outdated that such a device struggles with special characters in a password. Hopefully, iRobot can change this via a software update.
The first mapping went well without collisions. Different floor types were no problem, and the thresholds between different rooms were also driven over fairly easily (low thresholds). The app shows exactly where the robot is driving and what it is doing. Perhaps not important, but personally, I always find that handy. What I do miss, however, is an indication of what the robot encounters when something is in the way. My other robot displays a symbol on the app with a photo. The iRobot does nothing with this. In terms of vacuuming performance, I have to praise the iRobot. The floor, even on the carpet, is virtually free of dust and dog hair after the vacuuming round. The device navigates neatly and drives reasonably tightly around items on the floor. It even managed to leave my accidentally left-behind USB cable in place.
So far, I must say that I am surprised and enthusiastic about the iRobot. Until I started testing the mopping function. It started well. The robot found its own route well without any strange diagonal maneuvers. It started with the outermost edges of the house to then ‘fill in’. That is also where the problem started immediately. Not only were all existing stains left behind, but the robot also managed to create new stains. Streaks, stains, foam, puddles of water, drops. I had to cancel the robot's task to go and fix the floor myself. I made multiple attempts because iRobot itself indicates that the streaks are diminishing. I absolutely do not have the experience that it is getting better. Maybe I have a Monday morning model when it comes to the mop, but I found it shockingly bad.
Would I recommend the product or not? If it is mainly about vacuuming and with the hope that iRobot can improve the mopping somewhat via firmware, I would dare to recommend it if a substantial discount on the recommended retail price were available. The potential certainly seems to be there. The mop extends and gets into corners reasonably well. However, something seems to go completely wrong with the settings regarding detergent and water. The app could also use some improvement, and hopefully they can increase the volume of the robot's voice a bit. In my experience, the dock makes too much noise when it is in the area where you are sitting (living room, kitchen). If the dock could be placed further away, this would not be a major problem.
