It has been in the rumors for years that Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is working on a robot vacuum. The first hint dropped in 2023 with a trademark filing, but things got real last November when renowned DJI leaker @JasperEllens posted a blurry picture of an alleged prototype on X, joking, “What’s next, a vacuum that flies up stairs?” Sadly, there are no propellers, but the leaked boxed units, app screenshots, and cryptic teasers about a DJI has had me glued, since considering drone maker’s track record, it’s going to be more than just a Roomba wannabe. This past week, Ellens gave the rumor mill some rest after leaking a video teaser. Post which and numerous other past leaks, DJI has finally admitted that it is releasing its first-ever robot vacuum dubbed Romo.
So, what does Romo look like? From what I could scrounge up, it’s a stunner. It follows the same path that Ecovacs, Roborock, and SwitchBot have mapped over the years: a compact and circular body with wheels, brushes, and a vacuum system. Thankfully, it hasn’t taken Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav‘s unique design into consideration, which turned out to be a disaster.
As evident on the DJI’s dedicated website for Romo, the vacuum cleaner will come in two models. There is a version with a transparent lid, which provides a sneak peek into the machinery components inside. The second is an opaque, sleek white model for those of us who like their gadgets less showy. There is no word on the Romo’s actual cleaning specs, but from the picture, I assume the robot vacuum features a self-emptying dock. However, it’s unclear at the moment if the dock also holds water tanks for mopping.
Likewise, there is no clarity on the technology being used for navigation. Early buzz speculated that DJI will use LiDAR, but newer leaks point to front-facing cameras and six depth sensors. Whatever the case, it’s DJI’s first foray into an unknown territory, so I least expect the company to go high-tech with its maiden launch.
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The world of robot vacuum cleaners is brutal. iRobot’s got the legacy (and controversy), Roborock’s got the tech, and SwitchBot has a vacuum that multitasks. DJI’s waltzing into this shark tank with a lot to prove, especially with drone drama like U.S. tariffs messing with its main gig.
But I’m more worried about the price. Leaks hint at over $1,200, which stings when my current vacuum does the job for far less. Nevertheless, come August 6, I’ll be glued to my phone for Romo’s China launch, refreshing X for every detail. Will Romo fly off the shelves or crash at first sight? Only time will tell.
