In a bold move, Roborock, the innovative Chinese robot vacuum cleaner manufacturer, has unveiled its latest masterpiece at CES 2023: the Roborock S8. Renowned for features such as sonic mopping and reactive 3D obstacle avoidance, Roborock has always been a formidable contender. However, Amazon's iRobot held one significant edge over its rival – the patent for the dual brush system. Until now, that is. With the introduction of the Roborock S8, the dual brush system is no longer exclusive to iRobot. But the S8 brings more than just a new brush to the table. Let's delve into the upgrades that set this next-generation vacuum cleaner apart.
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A Short History of Roborock
Roborock, founded in July 2014 by Richard Chang, quickly established itself in the robotics and smart home industries. A pivotal partnership with Xiaomi in 2016 led to the release of the successful Xiaomi Mi Home Robotic Vacuum Cleaner. This laid a strong foundation for future innovations, including the Roborock S5 in 2017, which combined vacuuming and mopping capabilities. Roborock continued to enhance its products, with the S6 in 2019 offering improved navigation and multi-floor mapping.
Expanding its product line, Roborock introduced the H6 cordless stick vacuum in 2020 and the S7 in 2021, featuring sonic mopping technology and automatic mop lifting. Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Roborock has become a leading player, delivering smart, efficient, and reliable cleaning solutions globally.
What Differentiates the Roborock S7, S7 MaxV, and S8?
Roborock has consistently pushed the boundaries of home cleaning technology, and the announcement of the S8 at CES 2023 has generated considerable excitement. Let's explore how the S8 stands out from its predecessors, the S7 and S7 MaxV.
Roborock S7: Setting the Standard
The Roborock S7 set a high bar with its innovative features:
- Sonic Mopping Technology: This model introduced sonic vibration, scrubbing floors up to 3,000 times per minute for a deeper clean.
- Auto-Lifting Mop: The mop lifts automatically when carpets are detected, allowing for seamless transitions between different floor types.
- Advanced Navigation: With its advanced lidar navigation, the S7 creates precise maps, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning.
- Long Battery Life: The S7's 5200 mAh battery provides up to three hours of runtime in quiet mode.
Roborock S7 MaxV: Enhancing Intelligence
Building on the S7, the S7 MaxV brought additional intelligence and power:
- MaxV Object Recognition: Equipped with dual cameras and AI, the MaxV system can identify and avoid obstacles like shoes, pet waste, and cables. It even features a small torch for navigation in low-light conditions.
- Increased Suction Power: The S7 MaxV offers enhanced suction compared to the S7, making it even more effective at removing debris.
- AI-Driven Navigation: The advanced AI allows for smarter navigation and more effective obstacle avoidance, improving overall cleaning efficiency.
Roborock S8: The Next Generation
The newly announced Roborock S8 takes innovation a step further with significant upgrades:
- Dual Brush System: Incorporating a dual brush system, a feature previously exclusive to iRobot, the S8 enhances debris collection and minimizes hair tangles.
- Unmatched Suction Power: The S8 boasts an impressive 6,000 Pa suction power, surpassing both the S7 and S7 MaxV.
- Varied Docking Options: The S8 series introduces multiple docking options, including an auto-emptying dock for the S8+ and a comprehensive maintenance dock for the S8 Pro Ultra, which handles dustbin emptying, water replenishment, and mop cleaning and drying.
- Enhanced Navigation System: The S8 retains the advanced lidar navigation for precise mapping and adds improved AI-driven object recognition from the MaxV. With 3D structured light and infrared imaging technology, the Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance system helps the robot vacuum identify and avoid potential hazards on the floors, in both bright and dark rooms.
A Dynamic Duo of Brushes for a Cleaner Home
iRobot's Roomba robot vacuum cleaners have long reigned supreme in the world of automated cleaning, not due to their motor prowess, but rather their clever use of two brushes – double the amount of their rivals. This patented dual brush system not only aids in debris collection but also minimizes the dreaded hair tangles.
Comparing the brushes of Roborock and iRobot is akin to comparing apples and oranges, as the former employs flaps while the latter opts for rubber nubs. The true test of performance will come once these machines are in the hands of reviewers. However, one observation can already be made: iRobot Roomba S9+'s D-shaped brushes are wider than those on Roborock's model, enabling a closer approach to walls, cupboards, and other obstacles.
While iRobot remains tight-lipped about suction power figures and Roborock's calculations are dubious, it's safe to assume that the S8's reported 6,000 Pa will outshine its closest competitors. The Roborock S7 MaxV's impressive suction and single brush system have already won over many reviewers, so here's to hoping the new system edges even closer to perfection.
A Smorgasbord of Docking Options for Roborock S8
In a departure from the previous generation, the Roborock S8, S8+, and S8 Pro Ultra each feature slightly different vacuum cleaner units and markedly distinct docks. Unlike the uniformly specced S7 MaxV series, the new models boast varying dustbin and water tank capacities. The Roborock S8 houses a 400 ml dustbin and 300 ml water tank, the S8+ a 350 ml dustbin and 300 ml water tank, and the S8 Pro Ultra a 350 ml dustbin and 200 ml water tank.
Fingers crossed that these alterations pertain only to the dustbin and water tank, not the rest of the unit. If so, Roborock could offer the dustbin or water tank as part of each upgraded dock sale.
The Roborock S8+ features an auto-emptying dock, capable of handling dirt and debris for at least a month. As for the rather unfortunately named Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, it takes care of emptying the dustbin, replenishing the vacuum's water supply, and cleaning and drying the mop. All that's left for you is the occasional water refill and filter cleaning, making the Roborock S8 a true hands-off household helper.
Summary
The Roborock S8's innovative features, such as the dual brush system, bridge the gap between previous models, enhancing cleaning efficiency and convenience. With various docking options and improved energy consumption, the Roborock S8 is set to challenge iRobot's dominance in the robot vacuum market.
