In a surprising turn of events, DJI, renowned for its drones and camera technology, has entered the home cleaning market with the launch of the DJI Romo. Unveiled in Europe today, the Romo follows its initial debut in China this past summer. This innovative robot vacuum and mop stands out due to its unique transparent design, making it a notable competitor in the ever-expanding world of robotic cleaners.
The DJI Romo is available in three distinct models to cater to various consumer preferences. The flagship model, the fully transparent Romo P, is priced at €1,899 (approximately $2,200). The second model, the Romo A, features a transparent robot paired with an opaque white base and is available for €1,599 (around $1,700). Lastly, the budget-friendly Romo S comes in an all-white design, retailing at €1,299 (around $1,500). All models are now readily accessible for purchase at store.dji.com.
While the specifications of the three models are nearly identical, the P model’s dock includes additional features. However, the higher price tag largely reflects the appeal of the transparent technology. As a gadget enthusiast, I find the transparent design fascinating; however, I question how well it will maintain its clarity after months of use in a typical household cleaning environment.
The DJI Romo series shares several functionalities with the popular Roborock Qrevo Curv series, which is known for its affordability. Both series utilize a similar design for their curved base stations and feature split roller brushes that effectively collect hair, as well as extendable side brushes for corner cleaning. Moreover, both models recognize carpeted areas and adjust their mopping functions accordingly to avoid unwanted wetting.
One of the standout features of the Romo series is its impressive suction power of 25,000Pa, which surpasses that of the Curv models. Additionally, the Romo’s larger 164ml onboard water tank reduces the frequency of necessary refills, allowing for more extended cleaning sessions.
What truly sets the DJI Romo apart is its advanced navigation technology, which reflects DJI's expertise in drone manufacturing. The robot employs a sophisticated combination of dual fish-eye vision sensors and wide-angle dual-transmitter solid-state lidar. This innovative technology provides “millimeter-level obstacle sensing,” enabling the Romo to detect objects as small as a 2mm charging cable or a playing card. Such precision in navigation promises to minimize entanglements with common household items like cords and socks.
When compared to competitors, the Romo's obstacle detection capabilities appear to be a significant advancement. For instance, Roborock's flagship models typically identify objects no smaller than 2cm by 2cm. This enhanced capability, combined with the Romo's dual-sensor system, suggests a marked improvement in navigation efficiency.
The Romo's self-cleaning base station introduces several exciting features, including a designated slot for a floor deodorizer solution. This allows users to enhance their cleaning experience by making floors smell fresh after vacuuming, without the need for a full mopping session. Additionally, the base station is equipped with a high-pressure jet system for cleaning mop pads and incorporates hot air for effective drying.
DJI has also focused on reducing operational noise with the Romo, claiming that their dock features a sound-suppression system that diminishes the typical screeching noise of self-emptying stations by 80%, bringing it down to a mere 65 decibels. This innovative approach to noise reduction is visible through the transparent paneling of the P model, adding to its overall appeal.
While there isn't a confirmed launch date for the DJI Romo in the United States, our team is eager to test the European model for a comprehensive review. The combination of transparent design, advanced navigation technology, and unique features positions the Romo as a noteworthy contender in the robot vacuum market. However, only time will tell if the transparent design proves to be a lasting advantage or a fleeting trend. Stay tuned for our upcoming reviews and insights on this innovative home cleaning solution.
For more information and updates, visit store.dji.com and explore the latest offerings from DJI.
