Roomba 981: Smart Robot Vacuum with Camera and Adjustable Power
The Roomba 981 is a robotic vacuum for removing all types of dirt from hard and soft surfaces. Apart from the regular cliff sensors and a bumper, the model is remarkable for an anti-collision camera, 120 minutes of battery performance, and Wi-Fi connectivity. What else can it offer?
Dimensions
This model is 13.6 inches across and 3.9 inches high, weighing 13.4 pounds. The dimensions are bigger than average. They make people consider their furniture clearance before acquiring this product. The weight is also heavier than many other models with similar specs have. However, a convenient handle makes it much easier to carry the robot around the house.
Features
The unit copes well with different surfaces thanks to its adjustable performance power, i.e. it automatically changes the suction and wheels’ height. For example, the robot puts the power down to clean delicate surfaces and ramps it up to work on high-pile carpets. It is also possible to regulate suction manually by toggling between Auto, energy-saving Eco, and the most powerful Performance modes. The unit has the option to clean along the basements, walls, corners and to remove spots.
As I share my personal experience in the Roomba 981 review, I’d like to note that this model can really remove all types of dirt from hard floors and thin rugs. It also sucks in the largest debris from the high-pile carpets but leaves almost half of the fine dust, and such substances as sand, sugar, etc.
Generally, this robot cleans much space per session since it doesn’t make chaotic passes. It creates a map to move vertically and horizontally, without bumping into obstacles. The branded Recharge Resume tech allows Roomba to return to the same area where it has interrupted the cycle for charging. Besides, this unit provides safe cleaning in terms of allergens thanks to the high-efficiency Roomba 981 filter.
One can manage this robot manually or use the mobile app to clean, schedule, check the map, and look through the reports.
Design
A hard-plastic body with a glossy bronze-colored top, black sides, and rubber wheels with adjustable height looks durable and attractive at a time. A side brush at the bottom sweeps up the dirt towards the port with a pair of rubber extractors. They rotate in the opposite directions, collecting hair without tangling. The dust container is on the back. It’s partially made of red transparent plastic. The indicator inside notifies when the bin is already full. There are a camera and other indicators on the top to show Wi-Fi connection, low battery, and errors. Three buttons, designed for manual control allows initiating or stopping the cleaning, sending the robot to the base, and activating a Spot mode.
The Roomba 981 needs maintenance to work properly. The dustbin features a quick release button, the extractors should be simply unclipped, and the filter is washable. So, the process doesn’t take much time except for the side brush detachment: a screwdriver is necessary to take it away.
Conclusion
The mid-range but still powerful iRobot Roomba 981 is designed with the basic smart features. It can be a great choice for those who don’t hunt for expensive innovations. Pet owners will appreciate its ability to suck all the hair from the surfaces. However, if there are many high-pile carpets in the house, I’d recommend finding another model.