iRobot Roomba J7 + is the latest top of the range of the company equipped with Precision Vision technology and Genius 3.0 platform.
iRobot Roomba J7 + is the latest robot vacuum cleaner from the US company. It is positioned exactly halfway between the Roomba i7 + presented in 2019 (then updated in 2020 with the Genius 3.0 platform), and the top of the range S9 + . It costs 749 euros in the basic version without self-draining base and 999 euros in the version with a base capable of emptying the dust collection tank, automating the cleaning process even more.
The competitors are many. Deebot Ecovacs T9 + , Dreame Z10 Pro and in some ways also the same Roomba i7 + that the price now dropped below the threshold of 700 euros, makes it very attractive for iRobot aficionados.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: the automatic emptying base
We tried it for a few weeks, discovering the main news and improvements and using it as the main vacuum cleaner in an apartment of about 100 square meters with large spaces and different surfaces to fully squeeze its capabilities.
How is the Roomba J7 + made?
At first glance, the Roomba J7 + and the Roomba i7 + might look very similar, but the latest addition brings with it a number of important innovations . The most visible is the displacement of the optics that allows the tracking and recognition of the environment to be cleaned from the top to the front. In the Roomba J7 + is then added a practical LED that solves one of the critical issues that we have always detected on the company’s robots, namely the need to work in a well-lit environment.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: the lower part
In the lower part there is the now tested system of two counter-rotating brushes with AeroForce Cleaning System technology . The two brushes collect dirt effectively without getting hair and hair stuck. There are also 6 fall arrest sensors and a sensor that allows the robot to recognize if it is on a hard carpet or on a carpet or carpet .
iRobot Roomba J7 +: Precision Vision
The equipment is completed by a side brush and the washable tank, which thus allows for greater hygiene in the long term. The self-emptying base is completely renewed: it is lower, less bulky but more functional. Inside there is not only the bag in which the dirt is collected, but also a compartment where to store the extra bags to be replaced once a month. The design is also better, with a leather tongue that allows a simple opening and gives a touch of elegance.
Smart application and features
An essential part of the experience provided by iRobot Roomba J7 + is the application and above all the compatibility with the iRobot Genius 3.0 platform. The iRobot application is compatible with both Android smartphones such as Galaxy S21 + and iPhones . It allows you to connect the robot to the home Wi-Fi, both to the 2.4GHz and to the 5GHz network .
iRobot Roomba J7 +: the brushes
Once this is done, you access the customization functions, with the ability to manage cleaning intervals, programming and the maps created. The Roomba J7 + is capable of mapping multiple floors, but has a decidedly different mapping cycle than some of its competitors. In fact, multiple cleaning cycles are required to allow the robot to create a map using PrecisionVision technology .
Once the mapping cycles have been completed, the map is fully customizable. You can divide the rooms, the areas to be cleaned and those to be avoided. In this way it is no longer necessary to act through virtual walls or magnetic tapes, but all operations are managed intelligently.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: the app
There is more, as the Genius 3.0 platform allows you to automate some processes. For example, using the geolocation of our mobile phone we can make the robot start cleaning at set days and times when we leave the house. In combination with the self-draining base this means that once configured we will not have to do anything but clean the sensors from time to time and change the base bag once a month, or in any case when it is filled.
To this must be added the compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants , as well as the possibility of advanced configuration with third-party smart devices via IFTTT.
How does the iRobot Roomba J7 + clean?
The mission of the iRobot Roomba J7 + is to offer an intelligent cleaning experience that adapts to our needs with a simplicity never seen before. The robot is not very noisy and can also be used while we are at home. You can decide whether to have one or two cleaning steps done, or let the robot do it on its own based on what is detected by the Genius 3.0 platform .
The suction is very powerful and the two counter-rotating brushes represent a significant advantage for anyone with pets at home. The hairs are collected effectively and the silicone surface ensures that they are sucked up correctly without tangling in the moving parts. Some hair remains on the side brush, but removing it is very simple.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: cleaning carpets
Cleaning operations are a bit longer than other robots of the same range, but by carefully following the Roomba J7 + we realized how you try to cover all surfaces in a precise manner. The advanced navigation system via optical sensor always requires a minimum of light to work even if the LED certainly helps. The only obstacle could be represented by mirrored or too dark surfaces. In this case the optical sensor could do a bit of confusion and make the interpretation of the environments more difficult.
In an environment with a fair amount of light, however, we appreciated how the robot is able to avoid even the smallest objects (shoes, cables, chargers), continuing the cleaning without interruption. When it is on the carpet, it automatically adjusts the rotation speed of the brushes as well as the suction power.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: cleaning hard floors
In the event that cleaning is not completed with a recharge, the robot returns to charge on the base to pick up where it left off. This happened in our case only a couple of times in the beginning. The first cleanings are in fact used to study the surrounding environment, acquire data which, once analyzed, make the experience very satisfying.
Conclusions
Rating: 8
iRobot Roomba J7 + is a product that manages to position itself in the top end of the market using different technologies than other competitors. While some competitors use 3D scanning sensors and LIDAR mapping, iRobot goes on its way with an optical sensor and an advanced AI-based platform that can truly adapt to user needs.
iRobot Roomba J7 +: emptying
A different path, which however offers the effectiveness of a true top of the range with an optimal cleaning precision and above all with the possibility for the end user to no longer have to worry about preparing the environment before cleaning, nor cleaning itself thanks to the great automation of the whole process. You just need to be patient with the first operations and with the initial configuration, after which you can almost forget about the robot. Obviously, the user has the task of changing the dust bag inside the self-emptying base and replacing any parts subject to wear (brushes, wheels, battery).
For the rest, iRobot Roomba J7 + does a great job, really helping in daily cleaning, in an intelligent and intuitive way.
