iRobot Roomba 981: The Popular Flagship in a New Color

iRobot is a world-renowned manufacturer of household robotic vacuum cleaners. The company is rightfully considered a leader in the robotics market and has extensive experience in this field. iRobot is constantly improving its products and introducing innovative technologies. Recently, the manufacturer released the new Roomba 981 model for dry cleaning of various flooring surfaces (parquet, linoleum, tile, laminate, and low-pile carpet). This model is part of the progressive 900 series and features a new approach to cleaning and spatial orientation. This robot replaces the previous model. 980th A discontinued model. The new model differs only in the body color, but otherwise has identical specifications and features. We recommend exploring the features of the iRobot Roomba 981 robot vacuum in our review.

Equipment

The iRobot Roomba 981 package includes:

1. Robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Lithium-ion battery.
3. Docking station.
4. Power unit.
5. Motion limiter (2 units).
6. Main brush (two rubber rollers).
7. Spare side brush (1 pc.).
8. Spare HEPA filter (1 unit).
9. Instructions.
10. Warranty card.

The box contains the components necessary for high-quality cleaning. Batteries are included for the movement limiters.

Design

A quick look at the robot vacuum cleaner's exterior reveals a discreet, traditional design. On the front, you'll find a camera that allows the robot to scan the room, build a map, and memorize the location of objects to avoid collisions. The power button and dust bin release button are also located here. The dust bin slides out from the side. The iRobot Roomba 981 also features a plastic handle for easy carrying and transportation.

On the back of the robot vacuum cleaner there are two drive wheels on the sides, a front reversible wheel, contacts for installation on the charging base, a battery compartment, one side brush and a central brush consisting of two rubber rollers.

The robot is equipped with a front-facing camera, a downward-facing camera, and a host of additional sensors: infrared obstacle and elevation sensors, motion limiter detection, and docking station detection, Dirt Detect 2 dust and dirt sensors, an accelerometer, and a three-axis gyroscope. It also has a protective bumper on the side.

Technical specifications

We've summarized the technical specifications of the iRobot Roomba 981 robot vacuum cleaner in the table below:

Type of cleaning	Dry
Power supply	Lithium-ion battery
Battery capacity	3300 mAh
Opening hours	120 minutes
Charging time	180 minutes
Cleaning area	Over 100 m2
Height of obstacles to be overcome	Up to 20 mm
Dust collector	Cyclone filter
Dust collector capacity	1000 ml
Overall dimensions	350x350x92 mm
Weight	3.95 kg
Noise level	60 dB

Functional capabilities

Like its predecessor, the 980, the iRobot Roomba 981 robot vacuum cleaner features a built-in Wi-Fi module. This allows for control and adjustment of key operating parameters via a mobile app on your smartphone. Operating systems: Android and iOS.

After the initial setup, the robot is fully operational. It first surveys the room to be cleaned using its cameras and built-in iAdapt system. The device literally scans the room, memorizes the location of objects, and creates a map for efficient and fast cleaning. Furthermore, the robot vacuum cleaner can remember its last cleaning location, so after recharging, it can resume cleaning from the area where the battery last ran out.

A major advantage of the iRobot Roomba 981 is its ability to clean not only smooth floors but also carpets, thanks to its two rubber rollers, improved AeroForce suction system, and Carpet Boost technology, which automatically increases suction power when cleaning carpets. The rollers are designed to prevent hair and fur from getting tangled. The robot also features anti-tangle technology, preventing it from getting caught in cords, fringe, curtain tassels, and other items.

When the robot vacuum cleaner detects a heavily soiled area, the Dirt Detect 2 sensor is activated, signaling the device to increase suction power and clean the area more thoroughly.

All collected debris is collected in a 1,000-milliliter dust bin. This is a very large capacity for a robotic cleaner, so there's no need to empty the bin after each cleaning cycle. The bin is equipped with a modern HEPA filter, which captures even the smallest dust particles and allergens.

The iRobot Roomba 981 robot vacuum cleaner comes with two motion limiters (virtual walls). They can operate in two modes:

• creation of an invisible border using an infrared beam;
• formation of a round invisible area.

Using these devices, you can mark areas where the iRobot Roomba 981 robot should not enter, so as not to damage valuable items or knock over pet bowls.

Operating instructions

Before using your robot vacuum, we recommend reading the user manual. Here you'll find useful information about the iRobot Roomba 981's design, accessories, and specifications. The manual also explains operating modes, provides a full overview of its features, and provides recommendations for operation, care, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

You can download the operating instructions in Russian by following the link: Roomba 981 manual.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

1. High quality cleaning.
2. Modern navigation and indoor mapping.
3. Lots of sensors.
4. Control and configuration from your smartphone.
5. High suction power.
6. Effective carpet cleaning.
7. Virtual walls included.
8. Setting up a schedule.
9. Voice notifications.
10. Large dust collector capacity.

Cons:

1. High price
2. Doesn't remember multiple cleaning plans (for working in two-story houses, for example).
3. You cannot limit the cleaning area via the app.
4. Less flexible cleaning settings than the same new ones iRobot Roomba s9 and s9+, who can clean the selected rooms at the required time.
5. The sound notification cannot be turned off.

Considering the robot costs $500, it's worth considering cheaper and even better alternatives. However, if you only need dry cleaning and your budget allows, this model is a safe choice. Its cleaning quality is still quite high, making it one of the best in its class. Finally, we recommend watching a video review that clearly demonstrates how the iRobot Roomba 981 cleans:

Analogues:

• Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo 930
• iCLEBO O5 WiFi
• Miele SLQL0 30 Scout RX2 Home Vision
• Xiaomi Roborock Sweep T6
• LG R9MASTER
• Neato Botvac D6 Connected
• Wolkinz COSMO