iRobot unveils new Roomba with revolutionary carpet cleaning tech
SealForce technology promises to extract 3x more dirt from carpets
1Next-gen cleaning technology
iRobot introduced its new flagship robot vacuum, the Roomba Max 875, at IFA Berlin. Priced at $1,199, the device features SealForce, a new carpet cleaning technology. When detecting carpet, the system lowers a skirt around the cleaning head for better sealing. Combined with a new vane-type motor delivering 20 L/s airflow, the technology promises 3x deeper carpet cleaning compared to previous models.
2Record-breaking specifications
The Roomba Max 875 achieves 35,000 Pa suction power, the highest iRobot has ever disclosed. The device uses a single rubber brush instead of the company's signature dual rollers. This change was made to ensure better sealing with carpets. Equipped with LIDAR and camera-based vision, the 875 can climb thresholds up to 3.5 cm and has a slimmer footprint than its predecessor.
3Mopping capabilities
The 875 Combo also functions as a self-cleaning roller mop robot. The system applies more downward pressure than the 775 model and features ThermaMist, a new function that sprays heated mist to pretreat stains before mopping. The robot comes with an auto-empty/wash dock that cleans the mop with hot water and dries it with hot air.
4Competitive landscape
While SealForce technology is new for iRobot, it's not entirely unfamiliar in the industry. Similar systems exist in Narwal and Dreame's latest flagship models. However, with features like ThermaMist, a new hair-cutting main brush, and anti-tangle side brush, iRobot appears to be catching up with competitors. This marks the company's first major tech show appearance since its post-bankruptcy acquisition in January 2026.
5Mid-range alternative
iRobot also launched the $899 Roomba Plus 678 Combo. This model includes SealForce technology but with reduced specifications: 30,000 Pa suction power and 18 L/s airflow. Lacking ThermaMist and a mop cover, the 678 features SprayForce instead - a system that sprays cleaning solution to presoak stains before mopping.
6Smart home integration
Both new models work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts. According to iRobot's chief engineer Adam Pope, the devices are currently undergoing Matter certification. This means they'll be compatible with a broader smart home ecosystem in the future. The focus on better cleaning rather than gimmicky features like extendable arms offers practical advantages.
7Industry positioning
iRobot's new technology brings to robotic vacuums a sealing system that upright vacuums have been perfecting for decades. The company, now owned by Picea Robotics, is making its first major appearance since the post-bankruptcy acquisition. Experts are curious whether Roomba's version will solve real carpet cleaning challenges. With other major players developing similar technologies, competition is expected to intensify.
8Consumer implications
The Roomba Max 875 offers a significant option for premium consumers needing deep carpet cleaning, particularly pet owners and those with large carpeted areas. The promise of 3x deeper cleaning could be appealing, though the $1,199 price tag positions it as a high-end product. The mid-range model aims to deliver basic SealForce experience at a more accessible price point, potentially expanding the technology's reach.
Original article: The Verge — iRobot, halı temizlemede devrim yaratan yeni Roomba'sını tanıttı