Roomba Redesign
Spring 2023
Launched over a decade ago, the Roomba 600 series continues to sell units and maintain relevance in the budget robot vacuum industry.
Boasting 0 floor mapping capabilities, uncompetitive specs, and a low recyclability score from iRobot themselves, the line is due for a revamp.
How is a 10+ year old Robot Vacuum staying relevant among the newer competition?
Who are the benefits of purchasing a Roomba 600 series vacuum in 2023?
Love this little helper! It is the basic model and does everything I need. Money well spent for me.
-Lizzie
Amazing for apartment living. Always hated vacuuming and the Roomba makes it so much easier to clean!
-Leanne
Cannot clean dark carpets. This vacuum worked well on hardwood and tile, but it can’t clean dark carpeting. I have a black carpet and was excited for the Roomba to clean it, but it continuously gave me “Error 6”, which is the error for cleaning a dark surface or driving off a cliff edge like stairs
-K
The 90 minute battery and notifications worked well. Nowadays, it’s 60 minutes tops before the battery runs out. Frequently the robot stopped during work, this made us invest in a better vacuum, not a smart one.
-Romulo
My carpet is clean and I have extra time to enjoy! Someday I will buy her a big sister, the models that map and empty themselves look amazing
-Cheyenne
Since I have to move it between 3 levels in the house, I don’t even bother with the app. I am still able to get up, walk to the device, and push a button. I do not need to depend on Google or Alexa
-Luke
What are the drawbacks of purchasing a Roomba 600 series vacuum in 2023?
Still runs for a few minutes, then Error 9. My friend decided to do the screwdriver thing. NOTHING in there, now it’s all back together and only runs in circled. Then, you guessed it! Error 9. Waste of time and money.
-O
Key Takeaways
The Roomba is a budget friendly option that thrives in smaller living spaces
Users appreciate the option of having an app, but aren’t necessarily using it
The vacuum needs a more reliable battery/longer battery life
Scoping out the market
Product Breakdown
“Do not wash this dust bin with water”, an important detail, but it’s only written once, and in Japanese..?
Consumers 18-29 years old account for more than 50% of Roomba users.
In this economy, young adults in this age group are renting instead of owning their home, sacrificing space for convenience, and this phenomenon is projected to grow. In areas with denser populations, alternative and smaller living spaces are increasing in popularity among young adults.
How can we adapt to address the needs of this large customer group?
In a smaller space, a round shaped Roomba does not have a lot of room and may struggle to navigate. It’s more difficult for the robot to get in between corners.
To address this issue, the Roomba expected to released in 2030 will sport a stingray shape with 90 degree angle to get between those corners. It will be able to rotate and move omnidirectionally through 3 caster wheels and utilize LiDAR technology.
Futures Thinking
Drivers
Housing prices continue to rise, people are opting to rent instead buy their homes
Roomba films woman using the restroom with screenshots uploaded on Facebook (2022)
Amidst U.S-China trade conflict, iRobot shifts Roomba manufacturing from China to Malaysia (2021)
Assumptions
Issues with user privacy will continue to grow, consumers will desire more privacy and begin to stray from domestic products with integrated cameras
Smaller living spaces will be more common
Technology Considerations for the Future
LiDAR Technology
The current technology of the Roomba 675 offers no mapping. It simply roams linearly, then rotates and shifts once it hits something. At the moment, the company Neato owns the patent for LiDAR technology in robot vacuums.
Authentication
With cybersecurity risks and breaches becoming more common, we've seen a rise in fingerprinting, facial recognition, and two-factor authentication. There's nothing more intrusive than someone else having access to your personal belongings and data.
Timeline
~2030: Biometric Authentication
Similar to other household technologies featuring cameras, many consumers will want added security regarding their robot vacuums
~2040 Adopt LiDAR Technology
The company Neato will lose their patent on LiDAR technology for robot vacuums. By this time, better quality LiDAR technology will become more affordable and seep out into other industries besides automotive
~2050 Robot Vacuums become obsolete
Consumers want more. Single purpose is prehistoric- they want an automated house keeper that does more than suck in dirt and dock.