iRobot Roomba 980

Cleanliness and order are the first things people notice when entering a home. This cleanliness can be achieved in a variety of ways, but a robot vacuum cleaner is an indispensable assistant when cleaning a home or apartment. Our review of the iRobot Roomba 980 makes it one of the best models available, capable of not only dry cleaning but also cleaning carpets and furniture. Below, we'll take a detailed look at the technical specifications, features, and advantages of the iRobot Roomba 980.

Delivery set

When purchasing an iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum, please ensure all components are included. The user manual details the availability and quantity of all components. The package includes the following items:

1. The iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum cleaner itself.
2. Home Base – the device's charging station. The station recharges the device during non-operating hours.
3. Power cable.
4. Battery capacity 3300 mAh;
5. Halo virtual wall – 2 pcs. This is a type of movement restrictor. This element allows you to set no-go zones where the robot is prohibited from operating.
6. Additional HEPA filter.
7. Main brush.
8. Two additional rubber brushes. These are needed to replace the main brushes if they fail.
9. Operating instructions. The Russian-language instructions provide a more detailed explanation of the device's operating instructions and features.
10. Warranty card.

As you can see, the iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum cleaner has a rather unusual set of components. The manufacturer has included two virtual walls, which is a definite plus.

Design

A review of the robot vacuum cleaner reveals a design that isn't flashy, but rather understated and understated, without flashy details. The body is matte black, with a protective bumper at the front. The top panel is made of transparent plastic.

The front cover houses a camera used by the iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum cleaner to scan and memorize the room. The power button is also located there. Since the vacuum cleaner operates via a mobile app over the internet, there are no other controls on the front panel. The body features a convenient handle for carrying the robot from room to room.

The robot's appearance is shown in the photo below:

Technical specifications

The main parameters of the iRobot Roomba 980 are summarized in the table:

Power supply	3300 mAh battery
Cleaning	Dry
Suitable coatings	Carpet, laminate, linoleum, tiles
Cleaning mode	Local, regular mode, scheduled cleaning
Dust collector	Capacity: 1 liter
Noise level	60 dB
Weight	3.95 kg
Dimensions	Height – 9 cm, diameter – 35 cm
Opening hours	120 min
Charging time	180 min
Cleaning area	More than 100 sq.m.
Obstacle sensors	Mechanical bumper, infrared height difference and proximity sensors
Orientation	Bottom and ceiling video camera, gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer, IR sensors for detecting virtual walls, and searching for a base

Functional capabilities

The iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum cleaner differs from its predecessors in its control system. It features a built-in Wi-Fi module, allowing the robot to be controlled via a mobile phone (Android or iOS) using a dedicated app. The app allows you to set the optimal runtime, cleaning mode, and schedule cleaning on specific days of the week. You can also check the battery charge from your smartphone.

Once all settings have been configured and the necessary functions have been configured, the iRobot Roomba 980 is ready to go. Before moving, the robot vacuum cleaner scans the room using its built-in camera. Using this map, the device cleans the room, and thanks to its infrared sensors and the special iAdapt system, the iRobot Roomba is able to avoid obstacles in its path.

A key advantage of this device is its ability to remember its last cleaning location. If, for example, the battery runs out mid-cleaning, the robot returns to its base to recharge and then returns to its previous location to continue cleaning the room. This allows for cleaning a house or apartment larger than 100 square meters without human intervention.

The iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum cleaner can clean efficiently not only smooth surfaces like linoleum or hardwood, but also carpet. This is thanks to its advanced Carpet Boost technology. This feature is activated when the unit is moved onto carpet, increasing the robot vacuum's suction power. Cleaning performance on carpet up to two centimeters deep in a single pass reaches 80% of the dirt and dust removed, thanks to the improved AeroForce suction system. However, there are exceptions, such as corners, under furniture, and dead-ends.

As for the brushes, they differ from previous models. Instead of a main brush, the machine has two rubber rollers. They clean both smooth surfaces and carpets effectively and efficiently. The advantage of these brushes is that they don't tangle up pet hair.

A review of the device shows that the rotating side brushes collect all debris in the center, where it is collected by the two main brushes. The side brushes are also effective at cleaning corners and baseboards, as well as around chairs and tables. A HEPA filter filters out all debris and dust particles, trapping allergens. The iRobot Roomba 980 vacuum cleaner has a one-liter dust bin, which uniquely distributes debris evenly throughout the entire bin. This prevents the bin from filling immediately after use.

If the iRobot Roomba 980 encounters a heavily soiled area, the Dirt Detect 2 sensor is activated. It increases suction and automatically cleans the area until it's completely clean. Furthermore, the robot vacuum can navigate thresholds up to 19 mm high and avoids tangling thanks to its tangle-free cord system. The iRobot Roomba 980 also features a special sensor that detects the edges of stairs, preventing the robot vacuum from falling.

The package includes: virtual walls, which limit the robot's range of motion. They operate in two modes: an infrared beam, which defines the device's range of motion, and a circular limiting mode around the robot. The latter mode is typically used to prevent the robot vacuum from knocking over expensive items in the room.

Once the job is complete, the device returns to its base. A full charge takes three hours. Once the job is complete, the dust container and filter should be removed and cleaned.

This device differs from its predecessors in its improved navigation system and carpet cleaning performance thanks to greater suction power. Internet control via a dedicated app is also an advantage.

Operating instructions

Before turning on the robot vacuum cleaner and programming it for a specific cleaning mode, we strongly recommend reading the user manual. Improper use may damage the iRobot and void the manufacturer's warranty. You can view or download the iRobot Roomba 980 user manual in Russian by following this link:roomba_980.pdf

Let's sum it up: advantages and disadvantages

So, let's first look at the main advantages of the 980 model:

1. Advanced spatial orientation system.
2. High quality dry cleaning of floor coverings and carpets.
3. Easy operation of the robot vacuum cleaner.
4. Sufficiently high suction power.
5. As we already said, good equipment.
6. Easy control of the robot via a mobile application.

Among the disadvantages I would like to highlight:

1. When the iRobot Roomba 980 is running at maximum power, it gets quite noisy.
2. The sound notification cannot be turned off.
3. The most useful features are only available in the app, no manual control.

In conclusion, I'd like to point out that this robot vacuum cleaner model has more advantages than disadvantages. If you examine reviews on relevant forums and online stores, you'll notice that there are also far more positive comments.

Important! In 2019, the new flagship iRobot Roomba i7 model hit the market, considered more advanced and powerful. You can check out the new product by following this link: https://robovac.washerhouse.com/en/obzory/irobot/robovac-irobot-roomba-i7.html.

Finally, we recommend watching a video that demonstrates a review and testing of the 980th model of the iRobot Roomba (the 981 is just in a different color):

So, here's our review of the iRobot Roomba 980. This robot vacuum's technical specifications and functionality are top-notch, so the average price of $580 in 2019 is quite justified, considering the build quality and premium manufacturer.

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