iRobot Debuts Roomba j7+ with Camera-Based Obstacle Avoidance, Redefining Pet-Friendly Home Cleaning

First Camera System Launches

iRobot has introduced its most advanced robot vacuum yet with the Roomba j7+, marking the first Roomba to feature camera-based obstacle avoidance. The system, called Precision Vision Navigation, addresses a longstanding challenge in robotics: detecting objects too low for infrared sensors and too light for bump sensors to recognize—including cords, socks, and pet waste. This breakthrough emerges as robot vacuum manufacturers race to solve the pet-household problem that has plagued the category for years.

Machine Learning Transforms Navigation

The j7+ leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence trained on hundreds of millions of customer-submitted images to build a sophisticated object recognition library. The front-mounted camera allows the robot to identify obstacles well before collision, while the system continuously learns to avoid new object types through software updates and autonomous learning. This approach transforms how robot vacuums interact with cluttered home environments, particularly benefiting households with pets where waste avoidance is non-negotiable.

Dirt Detection Meets Smart Mapping

Beyond obstacle avoidance, the j7+ integrates Dirt Detect technology—an iRobot exclusive—that identifies heavily soiled areas and increases cleaning intensity until the space reaches acceptable cleanliness. The vacuum maps homes seven times faster than previous iRobot models and automatically names rooms, enabling users to schedule targeted cleaning through the iRobot Home App or voice commands via Alexa and Google Home. A wedge-detect bumper complements the camera system, recognizing obstacles and triggering avoidance without interrupting cleaning cycles.

Real-World Pet Household Solutions

For pet owners, the j7+ addresses a genuine pain point: the dreaded encounter between robot vacuums and pet waste. The camera system excels at recognizing and avoiding this hazard, making it particularly valuable for multi-pet households. The auto-empty station holds approximately two months of debris, eliminating frequent manual maintenance. Spot-cleaning capabilities allow homeowners to trigger immediate cleaning of specific messes via app or voice command, while Imprint Link Technology coordinates vacuuming with Braava jet mop robots for sequential floor cleaning without user intervention.

Key Specifications & Performance

The Roomba j7+ measures 13.3 inches in width and depth with a 3.4-inch height, enabling navigation under most furniture. Its battery provides approximately 3–5 years of operational life depending on usage patterns and maintenance. The dual-brush design with rubberized bristles performs effectively on both hard floors and carpeting. Cliff Detect sensors prevent falls down stairs, while six drop sensors monitor floor transitions. The proprietary iRobot OS supports regular software updates, continuously expanding the object recognition library and enabling new features without hardware replacement.

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