Reader Response final revision draft #4

 The iRobot Singapore official website (n.d.) introduces the iRobot Roomba j7+ smart home cleaning robot. The j7+ model went on sale in September 2021, and features many upgrades from its predecessor, the iRobot Roomba j7. The iRobot Roomba j7+ is a domestic smart vacuum cleaner that can autonomously navigate through the house through the use of multiple sensors and features embedded in its programming. It is able to thoroughly suck up dirt and other foreign particles whilst avoiding getting incapacitated by small spaces or elevations (Mauder, 2022). Amongst its upgrades, the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology (ISMT) allows users to tailor each cleaning run according to their needs. The robot is able to store multiple layouts, should there be many separate areas that require cleaning. According to Mauder (2022), the robot is able to autonomously map the layout while simultaneously running a cleaning job. The layout program can be conveniently accessed from a smartphone and also provides the approximate cleaning time for each run. The j7+ model also comes with the PrecisionVision Navigation feature that helps it increase cleaning efficiency. According to iRobot Singapore (n.d.), the robot includes two different navigation features, the iRobot Genius Technology and the PrecisionVision Navigation, that allows it to discern common household objects, and evade them. This provides for less pre-use preparation on the user’s part. According to iRobot Singapore (n.d.), the iRobot Genius Technology also allows for individualized cleaning recommendations based on which area requires more or less attention from the robot. 

The iRobot Roomba j7+ is a direct upgrade to previous Roomba models that utilizes a wide array of features and technology, including the Imprint Smart Mapping technology and PrecisionVision Navigation to provide efficient and effective cleaning. 

The iRobot Roomba j7+ is equipped with Imprint Smart Mapping Technology (ISMT), which allows users to pre-determine specific locations for cleaning. The iRobot Singapore official website (n.d.) states that the j7+ model utilizes ISMT to map out the area, and can be done simultaneously whilst cleaning. The virtual map is also able to distinguish different zones of the house, such as kitchen, bedroom and dining area. With these features, the j7+ allows users to customize cleaning tasks and schedules according to their needs, hence increasing productivity as users can easily schedule cleaning runs up to a week in advance. By being able to schedule the robots cleaning runs for the whole week, users would not need to tend to the robot everyday, and can instead spend the time more productively by focusing on more important tasks they may have for the day. to According to Bennet (2021), following a cleaning run, the robot is able to identify possible obstructions and update the virtual map for smoother runs. Users can also mark out locations on the map to indicate “Keep Out Zones” for the robot to avoid. In this manner, the ISMT is an invaluable upgrade feature of the j7+ that makes it superior to other models.


The iRobot North America CA website (n.d.) lists out all sensors and features implemented in the iRobot Roomba j7+, which includes a front-facing camera and multiple sensors that enables it to discern and avoid obstacles efficiently. It is stated on the iRobot Singapore official website (n.d.) that the j7+ contains the PrecisionVision Navigation feature that enables the robot vacuum to effectively navigate through the house and greatly reduces the chances of it getting stuck in a small gap. Human intervention is greatly reduced as users are not required to constantly monitor the robot and free it from confined locations. Mauder et al (2022) states that the iRobot Roomba j7+ also employs cliff sensors that allows the robot to detect edges and ridges, to prevent it from falling from a height, or getting stuck on a step. Lastly, the front-facing camera, which possesses a broad field of vision that aids in spotting potential obstacles and helps it to identify alternate routes (Lamkin, 2022), is another addition to the j7+ that provides the model with superior navigation capabilities compared to the older models (j7).


One issue with the iRobot Roomba j7+ is the price. It costs SGD2448, which is significantly pricier compared to its predecessor, the iRobot Roomba j7, which costs SGD1818 on the iRobot Singapore official website (n.d.). According to Harrison (2023), the j7+ model includes the automatic dirt disposal Cleaning Base station, which the j7 model lacks. The dirt disposal unit allows the robot vacuum to automatically unload waste collected once it is full, allowing it to have multiple runs without requiring users to empty its contents. The Cleaning Base station also doubles as a charging station for the Roomba j7+, where the robot vacuum can charge whilst not in use. The addition of the cleaning base to the j7+ is a significant upgrade to the j7 model, making the higher price reasonable.


In conclusion, the iRobot Roomba j7+ model has an edge over its predecessors as it contains many useful features such as the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology and the PrecisionVision Navigation.  Its cleaning efficiency is greatly improved thanks to the PrecisionVision Navigation utilizing multiple sensors to efficiently maneuver across the whole area without constantly getting stuck. The Imprint Smart Mapping Technology helps users to save time by allowing them to schedule cleaning runs in advance, and effortlessly select locations for the robot to focus on or avoid. Furthermore, the addition of the automatic dirt disposal Cleaning Base makes the high price of the j7+ model justifiable compared to the cheaper j7 model.



References

Bennet, B. (2021, November 5). Review: Roomba J7 Plus solves the no. 1 robot vacuum problem. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/review-roomba-j7-plus-solves-the-no-1-robot-vacuum-problem/ 

Harrison, R. (2023, September 7). Roomba J7 vs J7+: Is there even a difference?. RobotBox.NET. https://robotbox.net/roomba-j7-vs-j7/ 


IRobot Singapore. (n.d.). IRobot Roomba J7+.  https://irobot.com.sg/product/irobot-roomba-j7-nm/

Lamkin, P. (2022, February 9). IRobot Roomba J7+ review: Not after your cables or your dog’s poop. The Ambient. https://www.the-ambient.com/reviews/irobot-roomba-j7-review-2842

Mauder, E. (2022). Roomba j7+ review: A life-changing robot vacuum. ZDNET /Home & Office. https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/kitchen-household/irobot-roomba-j7-review/

Overview of Roomba® j7/j9 Anatomy and User Interface. iRobot. (n.d.). https://support.irobot.ca/s/article/31038 

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