iRobot adds lower-cost Roomba i3+ with self-emptying bin

iRobot introduced the Roomba i3+ today, its lowest-cost robot vacuum that features a self-emptying cleaning base. It also features iRobot’s new Genius Home Intelligence Platform for personalized cleaning control.

The iRobot Roomba i3+ robot vacuum is available now in the U.S. ($599) and Canada ($749) at iRobot’s online store. It’ll hit retailers in September. The new Roomba i3 is also now available without the clean base starting at $399 USD and $499 CAD. Both are expected to be available in other international markets beginning in Q1 2021.

Like the iRobot Roomba i7+ ($799.99) and Roomba s9+ ($1,099.99) robot vacuums, the Roomba i3 robots automatically empties up to 60 days worth of dirt into the clean base, which doubles as its charging station. Once the battery on the Roomba is low, it’ll automatically return to the charging base and resume cleaning once charged.

Unlike some of the top-of-the-line Roombas, however, the i3+ and i3 don’t include iRobot’s smart mapping abilities. This allows the Roombas to map your house so you can tell them to clean specific rooms and even specific areas of specific rooms.

The new vacuums use a three-stage cleaning system that consists of dual rubber brushes, an edge-sweeping brush to get into corners, and suction power that iRobot claims is 10x that of the Roomba 600 Series.

Using the new iRobot Home App, the Genius platform offers personalized control over how, when and where Roombas clean. Available for iOS and Android devices, the Genius platform can control the i3 robot vacuums via event-based automations, recommend cleaning schedules by observing your cleaning habits, and offer preset favorite cleaning routines.

“Innovative cleaning experiences have been, and always will be, foundational to our product offerings,” said Keith Hartsfield, executive vice president and chief product officer at iRobot. “We have a proven track record of delivering products that make consumers’ lives easier. The Roomba i3+ expands our lineup to offer not only exceptional cleaning performance and value, but greater personalization and control delivered by iRobot Genius. The iRobot Genius platform also allows the Roomba i3+ to evolve and get smarter over time, providing new ways for customers to clean their unique homes.’

When paired with Alexa-enabled devices or the Google Assistant, users can control the Roomba i3 robots with their voice. iRobot Genius is also available on the Roomba i7/i7+ and s9/s9+ robot vacuums and Braava jet m6 robot mops.