iRobot software update adds child lock, Siri integration

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iRobot released its Genius 4.0 Home Intelligence software update for its Roomba robot vacuums and Braava jet robot mops.

The update gives Imprint Smart Mapping capabilities to Roomba i3 and i3+ customers. This allows users to create customized smart maps of their home, enabling them to send their Roomba to clean specific rooms. The robot will also provide them with estimated cleaning times, and can clean on routines based on users preferred schedules.

Robots with Imprint Smart Mapping capabilities are also able to follow room-specific cleaning preferences. This means you can tell your Roomba or Braava jet to make extra passes in areas that get dirty quickly, like the kitchen or entryway.

“The beauty of iRobot Genius is that our robots get smarter over time and continuously provide customers with new ways to clean where, when and how they want,” said Keith Hartsfield, chief product officer at iRobot.“ As iRobot develops new features and experiences, the updates are pushed out to customers’ robots at no cost. From the day a customer welcomes a Roomba robot vacuum or Braava jet robot mop into their home, they know that they’ll always benefit from new features and functionality. They are also getting a robot that works harder for them, so they don’t have to. With more than 60 million personalized recommendations provided to customers to date, our robots are proven to learn, respect and work around individual schedules and needs.”

iRobot’s update also includes a Siri shortcut integration. While Roomba’s were already able to connect to Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, the company is adding Apple into the fold with the latest update. iOS users can enable the feature by connecting their device in the iRobot Home App.

Roomba’s now have additional features to prevent accidental and inconvenient starts. With its Child & Pet Lock users can disable physical start buttons on the device to prevent children or pets from accidentally turning the robot on. Users can also enable a Do Not Disturb feature to set windows of time when the robot shouldn’t run.

Finally, the Genius 4.0 update makes the Roomba j7 and j7+ better at detecting and avoiding objects on the ground. With the update, the robots are able to detect clothing and towels left on the floor.