Robot vacuums have come a long way since their clunky beginnings. Back in the day, they were more like quirky toys, bumping into walls and leaving half the floor uncleaned. But over time, they’ve transformed into serious cleaning tools. With smooth navigation, stronger suction, smart home compatibility, and even the ability to pick items, they’re now a real alternative to dragging out the old upright vacuum.
Lately, a lot of companies are eyeing their share in the robot vacuum market, and the models they are teasing are two-in-one robots. These devices not only vacuum but also mop your home. We have seen SwitchBot, Ecovacs, Dreame, Roborock, and other companies do the same. But Massachusetts-based iRobot has something more to offer on this.
In April 2025, iRobot unveiled the Roomba Max 705, marking its ninth robot vacuum release of the year, and more so, a desperate one. This launch came amid a challenging period following the collapse of its deal with Amazon. As per media reports, the fallout stemmed from two main issues: formal objections from Brussels regulators over competition concerns and widespread media speculation accusing Amazon of potentially compromising user privacy.
Whatever the reason, iRobot is in dire straits for now, with some reports even claiming that the company could well be out of business in a year or so. With dipping revenue and increasing competition, iRobot decided to have a last throw at the dice, with the release of its latest product, the Roomba Max 705 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock.
Announced via a press release, the latest robovac mop hybrid is apparently an upgraded version of the Roomba Max 705. Billed as iRobot’s most advanced 2-in-1 cleaning system yet, the Roomba Max 705 Combo is designed for homes that deal with spilled cereal, pet hair tumbleweeds, and muddy paw prints. No wonder, the biggest highlight of the vacuum cleaner is the PowerSpin Roller Mop.
“Continuously washed during use, the mop extends to get deep into corners, while a first-of-its-kind protective mop cover automatically activates to prevent wet carpet messes,” the company states. In simple terms, the robot vacuum deploys a mop cover to prevent the carpets from getting wet. That’s a relief, because a soggy carpet gives me nightmares. Interestingly, iRobot doesn’t share how exactly it works; however, The Verge points to an image in the press release where a plastic shield extends around the bottom of the mop roller.
Another intriguing feature of the vacuum mop hybrid is the AutoWash Dock. If the company is to be believed, the vacuum cum mop empties the dustbin for up to 75 days, which is quite impressive when compared with the likes of Roborock S6 and SwitchBot S10. Beyond preventing you from the hassle of constantly dumping dirt, the Roomba Max 705 upgraded version washes and dries the mop pad, cleans itself, and refills the water tank.
Navigation is another highlight of the vacuum cleaner. With ClearView Pro LiDAR and PrecisionVision AI, it maps the home in 3D and dodges obstacles like toys and charging cords with ease. Other features include the anti-tangle dual rubber brushes and Dual Edge-Sweeping Brushes to power through everyday messes.
What I loved about the vacuum cleaner, based on the press release, is the fact that I get to boss things around with the Roomba Home App or my voice assistant. I can set schedules, mark off no-go zones, or tell it to focus on the kitchen after dinner. It’s all about making it fit my life, not the other way around.
Also Read: Dreame’s New Floor-Cleaning Robot Self-Washes Its Mop Pad in Real Time
No matter how advanced in function they are, robot vacuums tend to be an eyesore. iRobot believes in changing this narrative and is betting on a sleek and premium design that won’t be an eyesore parked in your living room.
As someone who’s been burned by the limitations of older models, I’m genuinely thrilled about what this could mean for my cleaning routine. I haven’t gotten my hands on one yet, but if you’re in the market for a robot vacuum that does it all, this might be the one. The Roomba Max 705 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock is available for pre-sale in Europe (for about €1099) on the company’s official website, followed by North America release later in the year.
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