iRobot Unveils Roomba Max 875 and Plus 678 Combo at IFA 2026
New premium models introduce 35,000 Pa suction and thermal mopping to tackle embedded carpet debris and stubborn stains.
iRobot has unveiled two new premium robot vacuums, the Roomba Max 875 Combo and the Roomba Plus 678 Combo, at IFA 2026 in Berlin. The launch signals a strategic shift toward extreme suction power and specialized mopping hardware to capture the high-end home cleaning market.
The Roomba Max 875 Combo, priced at $1,199, is the company's most powerful model to date, boasting a peak suction force of 35,000 Pascals. The more affordable Roomba Plus 678 Combo enters the market at $899. Both units are equipped with an AutoWash Dock and a proprietary system called SealForce Vacuuming Technology, which utilizes a chassis skirt to create a physical seal against carpet fibers to maximize debris extraction. These models are currently available on iRobot's website, with North American retail availability expected later this month.
Advanced Mopping and AI
Beyond vacuuming, iRobot is introducing distinct mopping technologies for each tier. The Max 875 features ThermaMist Technology, which employs heated mist to loosen grime, paired with a PowerSpin Max Roller Mop. This hardware operates at 300RPM and applies 18 Newtons of downward pressure to scrub floors. Meanwhile, the Plus 678 utilizes SprayForce AI pre-treatment, a system designed to chemically or mechanically break down dirt before the mopping cycle begins.
The Push for Premium Performance
This product cycle represents a significant escalation in the robot vacuum arms race. By pushing suction to 35,000 Pa and introducing thermal-assisted cleaning, iRobot is moving beyond the general-purpose cleaning of previous generations. The focus has shifted toward solving specific, difficult pain points: embedded carpet debris that standard vacuums miss and dried-on floor stains that typically require manual scrubbing.
Market Implications
These releases place iRobot in direct competition with other premium brands that have recently integrated high-pressure mopping and self-cleaning docks. The introduction of the AutoWash Dock across both models suggests that automated maintenance is no longer a luxury add-on but a baseline requirement for the premium segment. By offering two distinct price points—$899 and $1,199—iRobot is attempting to bracket the market, providing a high-performance AI-driven option and a top-tier thermal-cleaning powerhouse.
What to Watch
As these units hit North American retail shelves later this month, the industry will be watching to see if the 35,000 Pa suction and SealForce chassis skirt translate into measurable improvements in real-world carpet cleaning. While the technical specifications are industry-leading, the actual efficacy of the ThermaMist and SprayForce systems on various floor types remains the key metric for long-term adoption.