How Roomba started a robot revolution

iRobot launched the Roomba 980 on September 1, 2015, marking a significant advancement in robotic vacuum technology with its introduction of Wi-Fi connectivity and the iRobot HOME App. This allowed users to schedule cleanings and start the vacuum remotely, a departure from the earlier, more rudimentary models that relied on random bumping and had limited dustbin capacity. The Roomba 980's navigation system, dubbed vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), enabled it to map its surroundings and clean in efficient, neat rows, a substantial improvement over its predecessors' chaotic approach. This innovation was crucial in establishing the robot vacuum as a viable and increasingly sophisticated household appliance, moving beyond a novelty to a functional tool. The company's subsequent product releases, including the Roomba i7+ in 2018 which featured self-emptying capabilities, further solidified iRobot's position as a leader in the domestic robotics market. These advancements demonstrated a clear trajectory from basic automation to intelligent, connected home devices, effectively starting a robot revolution in consumer electronics.