7 complaints about Roborock robot vacuums! What's wrong?!

Hello to all readers of this project! In this review, I've decided to examine the shortcomings of the Roborock line of robot vacuum cleaners. Based on my experience using virtually all devices from this brand, including all new 2024 models officially sold in Russia, I've compiled seven complaints that are common to almost the entire model line. I hope the brand's representatives will take note of this feedback and pass it on to the company's engineers so they can improve where possible and incorporate your suggestions into the development of new products. So, let's get started!

Flagships are losing power

The first thing I'd like to improve, especially on flagship models, is that their actual power isn't as high as claimed. It all starts with the cleaning module, which features two silicone rollers.

Despite the claimed 10,000 Pa, the robots were actually able to clean crevices 2.4 mm deep and partially 6 mm deep at maximum power. Meanwhile, many competitors with claims of up to 5,000 Pa easily cleaned 10 mm deep crevices.

Even the current flagship of those that are on sale, Roborock Qrevo Curv Despite the claimed incredible 18,500 Pascals and an updated brush, it only achieved a partial 8 mm result. Overall, improving suction power and eliminating real aerodynamic losses is something the brand really needs to work on.

There is no Russian language in global languages.

The second thing I don't like about Roborock robot vacuum cleaners is their stance on localization. A separate version with the RU prefix is ​​sold for Russia, and it's primarily sold by local representatives.

On AliExpress and other popular platforms, global versions are most often sold. And the global version has 20 language packs, but no Russian version. This is extremely inconvenient for many, as people are used to thinking of the global version as an international version with a large number of language packs.

At least, this is how our closest competitors, Ecovacs and Dreame, implement it.

Besides the lack of Russian voice notifications in the global version, it's also worth considering that the Hello Rocky assistant doesn't accept Russian voice commands. Thankfully, at least the Russian translation of the app interface remains. Overall, I'd like to see the global versions come with a Russian language pack so that customers can order global versions where they're sold best and still have full Russian localization.

There is no single station with tanks and a module

Comment #3. For me personally, this is the brand's biggest oversight: there's no single universal station with water tanks that can be replaced with a module for connecting to the sewer and water supply. In other words, Roborock uses a separate station for connecting to utility lines. This creates two problems.

First, the station version that connects to utilities is simply not sold in Russia. This means that Russian consumers have no official option to purchase a Roborock robot vacuum cleaner with a station for connecting to water and sewerage. But even if such a station were to become available, it would still be inconvenient that the buyer is denied the opportunity to independently choose which option is best for them during operation. This is, again, how competitors implement this. For example, a person physically cannot connect the station to the water supply due to renovations. However, they plan to update the renovation soon and install the necessary utilities. This would allow the use of regular water tanks temporarily, after which they could replace them with a module purchased separately. In the case of the Roborock, the station would need to be completely replaced, which is a more expensive and inconvenient solution. I hope they will reconsider this.

Regional blocking

The next caveat to Roborock robot vacuum cleaners is the presence of regional blocking of Chinese devices, as is the case with Dreame's main competitors.

It's clear why this is being done. But since you're completely blocking robots not intended for a particular market, create a page on the official website with a warning about which models don't work and where. Because Chinese versions are also sold on marketplaces. And not everyone knows they could end up with a bricked device. Ideally, you should loosen the blocking, limiting functionality while still allowing Chinese devices to be used outside of China, as Xiaomi and Ecovacs have done.

Object recognition needs improvement

I'd also like to point out that the object recognition system in Roborock robotic vacuums requires improvement. Good results were only achieved in the MaxV versions, which feature Reactive AI Obstacle Recognition technology. Tests showed that the system works correctly in good lighting, but there are still issues in complete darkness.

The situation is even worse for other versions with Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance and Reactive Tech Obstacle Avoidance technologies.

Therefore, considering that Roborock introduced the robot vacuum cleaner market to the first accurate object recognition system, I'd like to see the brand continue to excel in this area. Competitors are not sleeping and are already surpassing them in terms of obstacle avoidance accuracy.

Side brushes on screws

A special request to the brand's engineers is to make the side brushes quick-release with locking clips, as is done by competitors. Installing and removing the brushes with a screwdriver, which isn't even included, is an inconvenient solution for many. Considering that the side brushes periodically need to be removed and cleaned of tangled hair and fur.

Mesh-less filtration system

The last thing I would like to see improved in the design of the Roborock line of robotic vacuum cleaners is the lack of a mesh filter in the dust collector before the HEPA filter.

As a result, the filter sections quickly become clogged with debris, including large ones. Consequently, the filter's lifespan wears out faster. Some competitors also suffer from this in their latest models, but only occasionally, not in all models. However, the lack of a mesh screen in Roborock is a common occurrence.

These are the seven criticisms I have about the Roborock line of robotic vacuum cleaners based on my seven-year testing experience. I hope the brand will take these suggestions into account and address at least some of the shortcomings when developing future new products. I'd also appreciate your comments on any other issues I don't like about Roborock robotic vacuum cleaners. Thank you all for your attention, and happy shopping.

Finally, I recommend watching the video version of the review: