Why I Remain Skeptical of Robotic Vacuum Technology: My Experience with the Early Roomba Model and Concerns about Mechanical Arms and Legs

by Sylvia January 15, 2025

In the early 2000s, I became an early user of the Roomba. However, it didn’t meet my expectations. The first Roomba had a minimal dirt collection, continuously bumped into objects, struggled to find its charging station, and was extremely noisy. It was also time-consuming to clean its undercarriage. Despite advancements in robotic vacuum technology, such as the incorporation of mechanical arms, I remain skeptical. While these arms claim to move obstacles, their true capabilities are uncertain. Additionally, the introduction of legs in some models, like the Dreame X50 Ultra, raises concerns about their potential for aggressive behavior. Ultimately, I’ll stick with my trusty broom.

Why I Remain Skeptical of Robotic Vacuum Technology: My Experience with the Early Roomba Model and Concerns about Mechanical Arms and Legs

– Was an early adopter of the Roomba in the early 2000s but found it ineffective in picking up dirt and navigating obstacles.
– Several companies are now adding mechanical arms and legs to robot vacuums, such as the Saros Z70 and Dreame X50 Ultra.

Back in the early 2000s, I jumped on the Roomba bandwagon as an early adopter. Little did I know that it would suck, and not in the way it was intended to suck up dirt. The first Roomba model I purchased barely managed to pick up anything. It seemed to have a talent for bumping into every piece of furniture in its path, unable to navigate its way around the house effectively. And let’s not even talk about its inability to find its charging station. It was a constant struggle.

To make matters worse, this Roomba was unbelievably loud. Its incessant noise filled the entire house, making it nearly impossible to carry on a conversation or enjoy any peace and quiet. But perhaps the most frustrating aspect of all was the sheer amount of time it took to clean the robot itself. Removing and cleaning its undercarriage seemed to require more effort and time than simply vacuuming the floors manually.

Needless to say, I quickly gave up on using the Roomba and haven’t even considered purchasing another robot vacuum since then. However, it appears that robotic dirt-collection technology has continued to advance without me. Instead of the familiar plastic discs, companies are now equipping their robot vacuums with mechanical arms.

One such model that caught my attention is the Saros Z70 by Robocks. This particular vacuum boasts a “foldable five-axis mechanical arm” that promises to move obstacles out of its way, enhancing its cleaning capabilities. Intriguing as it may be, I have my reservations about its alleged abilities. The promotional video for the Saros Z70 is entirely computer-generated, including its encounters with a virtual cat. It leaves me wondering if such claims hold any truth. Additionally, the notion of a vacuum cleaner with a “mechanical arm that sees and thinks” is a bit disconcerting. What exactly is it thinking? Will it simply move objects obstructing its path, or will it develop ulterior motives, like strangling its human counterparts?

But the Saros Z70 is not the only vacuum with limbs. Another contender in this arena is the Dreame X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum, equipped with what they call a “ProLeap™” system. Utilizing small legs, this vacuum can navigate steps and even chase you around if it so desires. While its ability to climb steps comes with a height limitation of 2.36 inches, it’s just the beginning. It wouldn’t surprise me if this vacuum soon masters the art of parkour and starts leaping across various obstacles with ease.

With the rapid advancement of robotic limbs on vacuum cleaners, I can’t help but wonder where this technology is ultimately leading us. It’s not far-fetched to envisage a future where vacuum cleaners, armed with their mechanical appendages, hold guns and start firing at any approaching intruders. Although, if we manage to survive long enough, these vacuums may evolve into sentient companions similar to R2D2, as long as their primary function of cleaning up our dirt remains intact.

But as for me, there’s no chance of me succumbing to the allure of another Roomba, no matter how many arms and legs it may possess. I’ll stick to my trusty broom, never failing to do the job and never resorting to kick or punch me.