(iRobot Braava jet m6 and Roomba s9+)

The new Roomba s9+ robot vacuum from iRobot comes equipped with a new design, increased suction, and automatic dirt disposal. It launches alongside the Braava jet m6 robot mop, complete with a laser navigation sensor and the ability to cover more surface area than its predecessors.

Both robots can be linked together via the iRobot app to automatically work in sequence and give your home the ultimate clean. But since both are sold separately, the complete set will set you back close to $1,500.

Starting at $999, the Roomba s9+ robot vacuum is equipped with all the features you'd typically find on a high-end robot vacuum, including a navigation sensor, mapping, and a connected app. But as the successor to the Roomba i7+, the new model comes with a few major upgrades and design tweaks.

(iRobot Roomba s9+)

For starters, iRobot has gone with a D-shape for the s9+ rather than the circular build found on most robot vacuums. The front bumper is straight, allowing it to fit into corners and align itself against walls. There's also a 3D sensor on top of the bumper that scans what's immediately ahead while also making sure the robot vacuum gets deep into the corners.

Also on top, next to the lid, is a navigation camera to help it learn the layout of your home. The dual rubber rollers and side brush are up front (underneath the bumper), which should make it easier to grab debris along the edges and feed it into the vacuum.

I saw the s9+ in action at a private demo earlier this month. As soon as the Roomba recognized that its bumper hit a wall, it immediately positioned itself so the side of the vacuum was snug against it. It moved along the wall as the side brush simultanously vacuumed debris along the edges of the molding and continued, even as it turned a corner, until it reached the end of the wall.

(iRobot Roomba S9+ docked into the Cleaning Base)

In comparison to the i7+, the s9+ looks a lot more sleek and futuristic. The s9+ has a metal copper-colored lid that feels high-end and pops against the rest of the black frame. The Clean Base dock also has the same copper accents along the front to match.

It's also a lot more powerful than the Roombas that have come before it. The s9+ is four times as powerful as the i7+ and can also distinguish between carpet and hardwood floors, adjusting the suction depending on the floor type.

Like the i7+, the s9+ can be purchased with the Clean Base. While it drives the price up to $1,299 (separately it will cost $349), it's one of the best features of the cleaning system. Rather than having to worry about the dust bin getting full, the s9+ empties itself out into the Clean base once it's docked. The bag can also hold up to 30 bins worth of debris.

Braava jet m6 Robot Map

Of course, vacuuming isn't always enough for hardwood floors and tiles. That's where the Braava jet m6 robot mop comes in. At $499, it comes equipped with a laser navigation sensor to detect when it's creeping up on carpet, cliff sensors, and an infrared sensor on the back. That way, it knows to dock backwards so that it doesn't sit on wet charging contacts. Like the s9+ it also has a square design that allows it to access corners and edges.

(iRobot Braava jet m6)

The m6 covers up to 1,000 square feet of surface area, which is a huge upgrade from the 100 square feet covered by its predecessors. Its water tank can also hold about half a liter of liquid. Depending on the type of clean you want, you'll be able to attach either a dry sweeping or wet pad. iRobot will sell washable ($24.99 each) and single use (seven pads for $7.99) versions for both types. An optical sensor on the bottom helps the m6 to recognize which pad you've attached.

While the m6 doesn't have its own Clean Base like the robot vacuum, you won't have to physically touch the pads once it's done cleaning. Press the eject button, hold the m6 over your trash can, and drop it in.

As mentioned before, the s9+ and m6 will also grow more accustomed to your home's floor plan the more they run. The robots will be able to recognize rooms, as well as keep track of where they've already cleaned and need to clean. In the future, you'll have the ability to set "keep out zones" via the connected app for rooms or areas you don't want the vacuum or mop to go into, iRobot says.

While it's now somewhat of a common feature that's found on even entry-level robot vacuums, both devices are also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control it using voice commands.

So how do the two work together? The connected iRobot Home app will allow you to link the robots together. Choose a specific room or area of your home and the dual clean will begin. The s9+ will go out first to vacuum, and once it's docked, the m6 will recognize that it's time to go out and mop up the rest of the mess. The m6 is also compatible wtih the i7+, so if you already own the robot vacuum you can link it to the new robot mop as well.

The Roomba s9+ with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is now available through iRobot's website starting at $1,299. The s9+ can be purchased separately for $999 and the Clean Base for $349. The Braava jet m6 robot mop is also available for purchase on the company's site for $499. Both devices will be available in stores starting June 9.

Further Reading

Robot Vacuum Reviews