iRobot Unveils Roomba Duo and Advanced Combo Series at IFA 2026
- iRobot has introduced the Combo Roomba Max 875 priced at $1,199 alongside the $899 Roomba Plus 678, marking the company's first major product rollout under new ownership at...
- The defining upgrade across the new hardware lineup is a sealing mechanism called SealForce, which is designed to improve deep-carpet extraction.
- The Max 875 Combo features an upgraded mopping module equipped with a self-cleaning roller system that applies increased downward pressure compared to older models.
iRobot has introduced the Combo Roomba Max 875 priced at $1,199 alongside the $899 Roomba Plus 678, marking the company’s first major product rollout under new ownership at the IFA trade show in Berlin. According to reporting from Diario la Campana, the high-end robotic vacuum and mop combination units arrive following Picea Robotics’ acquisition of the previously bankrupt American robotics manufacturer in January. Both cleaning systems are currently available for purchase directly on the iRobot website.
SealForce Technology and Suction Power
The defining upgrade across the new hardware lineup is a sealing mechanism called SealForce, which is designed to improve deep-carpet extraction. According to iRobot chief engineer Adam Pope, the system lowers a protective skirt around the cleaning head upon detecting carpeted surfaces, directing airflow deeper into the fibers. Pope told reporters that SealForce enables the Max 875 to clean carpets three times more deeply than units operating without the skirt. To support this mechanism, the Max 875 delivers the highest suction power rating iRobot has ever officially published for its hardware. The vacuum uses a single rubber brush rather than the company’s traditional dual-roller layout to maintain a tighter seal against flooring.
Moping Capabilities and Automated Maintenance
The Max 875 Combo features an upgraded mopping module equipped with a self-cleaning roller system that applies increased downward pressure compared to older models. The unit also introduces a warm mist function named ThermaMist, which sprays fluid directly ahead of the mop pad to target dried stains. Furthermore, the mopping assembly includes a retractable cover to protect sensitive surfaces. The hardware ships with an automatic washing and emptying dock that cleans the mop pad using hot water before drying it with heated air. Navigation relies on a combination of camera-based vision and lidar sensors to detect household obstacles while maintaining a slimmer physical profile than previous generation units.
Model Tiering and Smart Home Integration
For buyers seeking mid-tier options, the Roomba Plus 678 retains the core roller squeegee design and SealForce technology while adjusting specifications downward. The 678 model provides suction power with an 18 L/s airflow rate, omitting the ThermaMist warm mist feature and the retractable mop cover. Instead of the high-end thermal treatment, the mid-tier unit relies on a system called SprayForce to pretreat stains with cleaning liquid before returning to scrub the area. When transitioning onto carpets, the 678 automatically elevates its mopping pad by 10 millimeters. According to engineering statements cited in the reporting, both new machines integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri shortcuts, and the hardware is currently undergoing final Matter certification.
