Tag: Roomba Max 705 Combo

  • xLean TR1: Gamepad-Controlled Robot Vacuum & Cordless Transformer

    xLean TR1: Gamepad-Controlled Robot Vacuum & Cordless Transformer

    Key Takeaways

    1. The xLean TR1 features dual mopping rollers, allowing for 50% faster cleaning compared to single roller models.
    2. Its base station uses hot water and air drying to clean the rollers, while also emptying the dust container and charging the robot.
    3. The robot boasts high suction power of 17,000 Pa and advanced navigation with a 360-degree LiDAR scanner and 3D camera system for low-light conditions.
    4. A unique handle can transform the robot into a traditional cordless vacuum, and it can be controlled remotely via a gamepad.
    5. The xLean TR1 will launch on Kickstarter in March, with an early backer price of $949, rising to a projected retail price of $1,699.

    Most premium robotic vacuums, like the Roomba Max 705 Combo (starting at $899 on Amazon), come with a docking station that automatically empties the dust container, features a mopping capability, and includes smart navigation. The xLean TR1 is said to take things further in various ways. For starters, its mopping function boasts not just one, but two mopping rollers.

    Faster Cleaning

    This design reportedly enables the robot to clean floors 50% quicker compared to those with only a single roller. The base station uses hot water at 167°F to clean both rollers, then dries them using hot air. Additionally, it empties the dust container and charges the robot. xLean Robotics claims a suction power of 17,000 Pa, but the TR1 also aims to excel in navigation. To achieve this, the maker combines a 360-degree LiDAR scanner with a 3D camera system that can operate in low light conditions, aided by two built-in headlights.

    Unique Features

    Perhaps the most distinctive aspect is the handle that can be stored in the charging station, transforming the robot into a traditional cordless vacuum with a mopping feature. Another standout option is the ability to control the robot remotely via a gamepad. On the downside, the robot is rather large, measuring 15 x 11.6 x 5.2 inches, and its height might pose challenges as it may not fit under certain furniture pieces.

    The xLean TR1 robot vacuum and mop will be launched through crowdfunding on Kickstarter in March, with shipments anticipated to start in the summer. Early backers can reserve the robot for $949, but the retail price is projected to rise to $1,699 later on.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • iRobot Faces Bankruptcy: Roomba Vacuums May Lose Key Features

    iRobot Faces Bankruptcy: Roomba Vacuums May Lose Key Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. iRobot has faced ongoing financial troubles, resulting in a significant revenue decline of 24.6% year-over-year in Q3 2025.
    2. The company reported a loss of $17.7 million in Q3 2025, compared to a profit of $7.3 million in the previous year.
    3. iRobot currently holds only $24.8 million in financial reserves and has lost access to additional funding.
    4. The company has postponed a deadline with a major creditor until December 1, 2025, to find potential solutions to avoid bankruptcy.
    5. If iRobot files for bankruptcy, Roomba vacuum users may lose access to app features, forcing manual control of their devices.

    The US-based firm iRobot has faced financial troubles for several years now. After a significant buyout attempt by Amazon fell apart because of regulatory issues, iRobot has been working hard to regain its market position amidst rising competition from China. This past spring, the company rolled out a new line of robot vacuums equipped with LiDAR scanners and mops, aiming to rival similar products from other brands.

    Revenue Decline

    Unfortunately, this strategy doesn’t seem to be swaying potential buyers. As per the financial report for the third quarter of 2025, which concluded on September 27, 2025, iRobot is experiencing a drop in revenue. The company brought in only $145.8 million, marking a 24.6% decrease compared to Q3 2024. Rather than posting a profit of $7.3 million from the previous year, iRobot faced a loss of $17.7 million this quarter.

    Financial Reserves and Future Outlook

    Currently, the company holds just $24.8 million in financial reserves. According to its own disclosures, iRobot has lost access to additional funding, which means it might have to halt operations in the coming months. In their SEC Form K-8, iRobot mentioned that it has postponed a deadline with one of its major creditors until December 1 to explore possible solutions. If the company is unable to secure a buyer or find new funding by that date, it risks facing bankruptcy.

    iRobot didn’t clarify to The Verge what bankruptcy could mean for Roomba vacuum owners. However, it is likely that the servers would go offline, leading to the iRobot app ceasing to function. This would result in the robots losing access to all mapping and automation capabilities, forcing users to control them manually using the buttons on the device. Some models like the Roomba Max 705 Combo (starting at $899 on Amazon) are anticipated to include Matter support, enabling control through third-party apps. However, this software update has yet to be launched.

    Source:
    Link

    iRobot Faces Bankruptcy: Roomba Vacuums May Lose Key Features

     

    Tags: , ,