iRobot launches two Roombas with carpet-sealing suction and heated mopping
At IFA 2026, iRobot unveiled the Roomba Max 875 Combo and Plus 678 Combo, both featuring new SealForce technology that seals to carpets for a suction force of 35,000 Pascals. The Max 875 adds ultrasonic heated mist mopping and automatic carpet detection, while the Plus 678 uses high-pressure spray pretreatment. Both models ship in two weeks and are available for preorder now.
The new Roombas mark a significant step in iRobot’s push toward deeper carpet cleaning, with the SealForce system physically lowering a skirt to create an airtight barrier against fibers. This design allows the Max 875 to achieve 35,000 Pascals of suction, a figure the company claims is its highest yet, targeting embedded grit that standard vacuums often miss. The Max 875 also pairs this with heated mist mopping, using ultrasonic spray and a 300RPM roller to tackle dried stains, while automatically lifting its mop and deploying a shield when carpets are detected. The more affordable Plus 678 relies on high-pressure spray pretreatment instead, offering a different approach to stubborn dirt. Both models include the AutoWash Dock for hands-free maintenance, and preorders are open now, with retail availability later this month.
These launches could reshape consumer expectations for robot vacuums, pushing suction power and mopping sophistication into premium territory. Households with heavy carpeting or pets may benefit most, as the seal-based suction promises deeper cleaning without manual effort. However, the $1,199 price tag may limit adoption to affluent buyers, potentially widening a gap between high-end and budget robotics. The heated mopping and automatic carpet detection could also reduce water damage risks, but users will need to trust the sensors. Overall, this may accelerate competition among rivals to match iRobot’s innovations, eventually driving prices down for mainstream models.