Colin Angle, iRobot's deus ex-machina had announced it last August: we changed the software of our cleaning tools because by now the user has become so familiar with the tool that he does not simply want it to clean the house but do exactly according to your needs, more or less programmable but also instantaneous and, thanks to artificial intelligence we are able to offer advice and optimize the cleaning work also based on the seasons.
And so we had an old acquaintance sent back for a few weeks: the i7 + robot already reviewed on these pages for a new tour within the walls of the house that would allow us to experience the most updated interface of the device. Here is the result of the experience.
The packaging
Let's leave the word to the gallery of images below: in the large cardboard box (very little plastic inside – and for this iRobot is to be commended) there are the robot vacuum cleaner and the tank-dock that you will connect to the power socket and that you ensures an autonomy of about 30 complete emptying of what is collected by the vacuum cleaner and finally a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier, an extra filter, an extra side brush and two extra bags for emptying the dock.
Operation
As for the pure operation of motors, dragging, cleaning, we don't have much to add to the previous review except to refer you to the chapter on the new software: what we have to say is that the robot has exceptional traction both for power and for the configuration of the rollers located in the lower part: with a small ramp positioned in the right place it is also possible to proceed with the cleaning of apartments that have a step between one room and another or, for example, a raised joint between an interior and a veranda: the accuracy of the detection of the new software, after at least 3 “reconnaissance” can help to find the transition point between one environment and another and avoid manually moving the robot.
In our test we intervened in a house that houses both a cat and a dog (long-haired) and the extraction of the hairs from the living room carpet was very effective: we still had to insert a non-slip under the carpet because the robot arrived very quickly it tended to move it from its original position.
The Robot has a high thickness of 9.22 cm (we are however in the standard dimensions of the category) which does not allow it to clean under some very lowered sofas and this must be evaluated in any case during the purchase phase if you have a furniture of this type.
The suction power, which is 10 times higher than that of the 600 series, allows you to work even on wooden slatted floors or to collect even the most difficult dirt to recover.
As mentioned, the big difference is the software: in our case we had already scanned the house with two other Roomba products (a top-of-the-range robot and Braava Jet that can work in perfect combination for vacuuming and washing floors even on specific areas. alternating as needed with the times you decide).
The application
Given that the initial configuration is very easy and involves the very simple insertion of the password of your wi-fi router, the robot is recognized in a few seconds and configures itself and immediately asks to know your home in an “exploration” phase that is made without suction to save battery and make it travel longer. However, keep in mind that with 3 hours of recharging the i7 + can work for 75 minutes with active suction, times confirmed by our on-site tests.
The detection accuracy is excellent especially after 2 or 3 patrols of the environment but from the first you have a fairly defined perimeter that allows you to easily “baptize” the rooms. With the latest software you can also define specific areas: a carpet, the kitchen table, the entrance with which to call up an instant cleaning when needed or schedule repeated cleaning for greater effectiveness; this will save you time, money and lead to greater efficiency.
If the setting phase remains more or less the same, it is the continuous use that rewards the user: as the robot learns about the house, exploring it even in different light conditions and responding to your instant commands, it understands what the areas that require more frequent cleaning and proposes a consequent behavior that will help you, even with the changing seasons, to obtain maximum efficiency. In short, a Genius that follows you month after month and transforms the vacuum cleaner into an object in constant evolution.
Both the Roomba i7 / i7 + and s9 / s9 + robot vacuum cleaners and the Braava jet m6 floor cleaner can also provide specific advice for each individual environment: how to clean the floors on a Friday evening or in the dining room and in the kitchen after each meal.
We command the robot by voice
Being able to “baptize” rooms and even specific areas of the house also allows us to improve the dialogue with the robot and, thanks to Alexa and the Google Assistant, we can communicate to the i7 + the individual operations to be carried out without having to access the smartphone screen: this is true. reveals absolutely rewarding for those who want to install a Roomba in the home of an elderly person who is unfamiliar with small screens but can use the voice to give quick commands and is also convenient for those who, despite not having accessibility problems, want to communicate faster with the vacuum cleaner. In our gallery the simple Alexa setup screens. With the new software version we will be able to say “Alexa clean around the kitchen table” confident that the robot will accurately identify the area to be cleaned.
Programs, tips and quick actions
For those who prefer access from the smartphone, the new application is much easier to use by showing quick actions and, thanks to a pinch of AI, suggesting the actions to be taken following the most frequent ones recorded in the robot's history. Finally, the automations can also be linked to third-party home automation devices such as an August Lock door opening system that detects whether we are at home or not and starts cleaning when the robot is free. iRobot ensures that our privacy data is absolutely safe.
Conclusions
We could not doubt the extreme efficiency of the i7 +, nor the convenience of pairing with the dock: what makes the difference in daily use is the extreme comfort and precision of the new interface that optimizes the use of the robot not so much in our absence. (in many cases it is enough simply to program a total cleaning) as in our presence with the cleaning of individual rooms or small areas that may have become dirty temporarily or that we believe should be subject to repeated cleaning: this type of “behavior” reduces waste and the noise produced by the efficient device while we are inside the house and allows us, even in periods of forced lockdown, to make the robot act in the rooms where we do not reside for work or for fun.
In short, the cleaning robot becomes more versatile and “obedient” and adapts better to our needs that cannot be programmed over time.
Pro
Cleaning efficiency, tank-dock comfort, very convenient and efficient direct interface, low waste of movements both for the direct cleaning of some areas and the entire room, excellent traction that allows you to overcome obstacles
Versus
High thickness, noise in the “unloading” phase of the dirt in the dock-tank, high price (periodic offers can knock it down a lot)
Retail price
i7 + with dock normally costs € 999 including VAT. For black Friday 2020 there are big discounts: on November 16th it is on sale on Amazon for € 699.
For more information on iRobot, visit www.irobot.it. IRobot products are distributed in Italy by Nital.
