Home Assistant has taken a significant step forward by adding a native Roborock integration to its platform. This new addition allows users to seamlessly integrate their Roborock robot vacuum cleaners directly into Home Assistant, whether the device is set up via the Roborock app or the Mi Home app. Previously, users had to rely on a custom integration, which required the Roborock to be configured through the Mi Home app. This latest development simplifies the process and offers a more robust and streamlined experience for Roborock owners.
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Key Features of the Roborock-Home Assistant Integration
The official integration between Roborock and Home Assistant is designed to be feature-rich, providing users with comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities. Below is a detailed overview of the available features:
- Selective Room Cleaning: This feature allows you to specify which rooms your Roborock vacuum should clean. Whether you want to focus on a specific area or schedule different rooms for cleaning at different times, this integration gives you the flexibility to manage your cleaning needs with precision.
- Dock Controls: You can manage your vacuum’s docking actions directly from Home Assistant. This includes sending your Roborock to its dock for charging or other maintenance tasks without needing to access the Roborock app separately.
- Manual Vacuum Remote Control: For those times when you need to manually control your vacuum, the integration provides a remote control feature. This can be particularly useful for spot cleaning or navigating tricky areas.
- Status Information: Stay informed with real-time updates on your Roborock's status. The integration provides detailed information, including cleaning duration, battery level, error reports, and consumable status (e.g., brushes and filters).
- Camera and Map Viewing: One of the standout features is the ability to view the camera feed and the cleaning map associated with your Roborock vacuum. This allows you to monitor your vacuum's progress in real-time and ensure that it's covering the intended areas.
This integration not only enhances the usability of Roborock vacuums but also embeds them more deeply into the Home Assistant ecosystem, making it easier to create smart home automations that include cleaning tasks.
Important Considerations
While the integration employs local polling, meaning it gathers data from the vacuum directly without relying on cloud services, there is currently no built-in option to block the vacuum from accessing the internet. This is an important consideration for users who are focused on privacy or want to reduce internet dependency for their smart devices.
Transitioning from the Custom Roborock Integration
With the official Roborock integration now available in Home Assistant Core 2023.5, users of the custom integration might wonder if it's time to make the switch. Deciding whether to uninstall the custom integration and adopt the official one depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Reliability vs. Cutting-Edge Features
If you prioritize reliability and prefer a solution that has undergone extensive testing, the official integration is likely the better choice. The official version benefits from rigorous quality control, reducing the likelihood of encountering bugs or issues during use.
Conversely, if you enjoy experimenting with new features and don't mind a bit of instability, the custom integration might still be appealing. Custom integrations often receive updates more frequently, allowing users to access the latest features and improvements ahead of the official version. However, this comes with the trade-off of potentially encountering more bugs or inconsistencies.
Making the Switch
Before deciding to uninstall the custom integration, it's a good idea to review any specific features or configurations you've set up that might not be available in the official version. If your current setup includes advanced customizations, ensure that the official integration meets your needs before making the transition.
To uninstall the custom integration:
- Backup Your Configuration: Always start by backing up your Home Assistant configuration. This ensures you can revert any changes if needed.
- Remove the Custom Integration: Navigate to the Integrations page in Home Assistant and locate the custom Roborock integration. Uninstall it by following the on-screen instructions.
- Install the Official Integration: After removing the custom version, search for the official Roborock integration in the Home Assistant Add Integration section. Follow the prompts to configure it.
By carefully considering your needs and the capabilities of each integration, you can make an informed decision on which version of the Roborock integration is best for your smart home setup.
Why Roborock Vacuum Cleaners Are a Favourite Among Home Assistant Users
Roborock vacuum cleaners have garnered significant popularity within the Home Assistant community due to their blend of advanced features, reliability, and seamless integration capabilities. These devices offer robust cleaning performance coupled with intelligent mapping technologies, allowing users to customise cleaning routines with precision. The ease of integrating Roborock vacuums into Home Assistant enables users to create sophisticated automations, such as scheduling clean-ups when residents are away or initiating cleaning cycles based on specific triggers like pet activity. Additionally, the brand's commitment to continuous software updates ensures that users benefit from the latest advancements, making Roborock a trusted choice for those looking to enhance their smart home ecosystem.
Conclusion
The introduction of the official Roborock integration into Home Assistant represents a major advancement for users looking to streamline their smart home ecosystem. This integration offers a comprehensive set of features that allow for greater control, monitoring, and customization of Roborock robot vacuums. Whether you choose to adopt the official integration or stick with the custom version, this development is a clear win for the Home Assistant community, providing users with more options and improved functionality.
For those looking to make the most out of their Roborock vacuum, this integration is a step in the right direction, making smart home cleaning more accessible and integrated than ever before.
