The iRobot Roomba j7+ claims that it uses "PrecisionVision Navigation" to recognize and avoid obstacles that may prevent it from completing its job such as cords, headphones, shoes, socks and pet waste (currently, the model CR tested is only trained to recognize the listed items). CR did not test this model specifically for this feature in our navigation tests. It should be noted that in order to detect the objects properly, the robot needs to be connected to WiFi using the iRobot Home App at setup. The robot will only capture images of the above-mentioned objects once a Smart Map has been created and the robot completes a cleaning session (the user needs to have "Obstacle Detection" activated within the settings in order to receive images and give the robot feedback). A smart map is needed in order for the robot to take an image of the object and send it to the user for review. The user then decides what to do next such as whether or not to create a Keep Out Zone. The user can access the feature in the app by going to Robot Settings>Cleaning Preferences>Obstacle Detection. iRobot touts a "Pet Owner Official Promise'' that if your j7+ does not avoid pet waste, they will replace it for free. The offer is valid for 1 year after purchase. The j7+ aced most other pickup tests partially because of the counter-rotating rubber brush rolls that help clean various types of debris from different surfaces. It left no pet hair in its path during testing. The pet hair it picked up did not get caught in the two rubber brush rolls but was mostly in the bin which is a feat most other robot vacs can not accomplish. During the human hair test, a lot of human hair was wrapped around the brush roll and didn't make it to the bin, but the hair just slid off of the brush rolls making them easy to clean. This vac was on par with the i3+ and i7+ in terms of picking up embedded fine particles from a carpet (about average compared to other models tested). Its brush roll cage and track type wheels have suspension that allow it to automatically adjust to different floor types and transition over a .75 inch threshold. The one side brush scattered some debris. Like other Roombas, the j7+ doesn't have a remote, you must use an app to control it remotely however, you can start the vac without the app. One stand-out feature on this vacuuming system, like the Roomba i7+ and s9+, is that the j7+ comes with a "Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal": once the robot is docked, a vacuum in the docking station automatically sucks the contents from the robot's bin into an enclosed, disposable bag that is attached to the base. We tested the Automatic Dirt Disposal and it sucked most of the debris from the robot's bin, aside from a few grains of rice and sand. The product claims to hold up to 60 day's worth of debris but the results will vary based on floor surfaces and debris. The j7+ comes with 2 bags, however, only one bag is used at a time; there is a storage space for the spare bag in the dock. The downside of the system is that you have to purchase replacement bags. The profile of the self-empty dock for the j7+ is significantly smaller than those of previous models, making it easier to fit into someone's home. The j7 model is similar to the j7+ but without the self-emptying base. Features: The camera is on the front of the unit (as opposed to the top of the unit like the S9) and takes pictures of obstacles for the user to review and help the robot "learn". PrecisionVision Navigation- avoids pet waste and charging cords. No-go zones - allow you to tell the robot where to avoid. Dirt Detect Mode - the robot detects a dirty area and spends more time cleaning that area. When the robot dirt bin needs emptying, a light ring indicator illuminates in a red sweeping motion. When the base needs a new bag, the Dirt Disposal LED indicator turns solid red. The j7+ is able to recharge and resume cleaning where it left off. Smart mapping technology allows it to learn, map and adapt to the areas to be cleaned. The j7+ also has a Braava jet mop feature (not tested). App: iRobot Home App 6.1.0-release: allows you to schedule cleaning and view the status of the vac and the cleaning job as well as map where the vacuum has cleaned. You can also label rooms and tell the vacuum to clean particular rooms by name (not tested). Keep Out Zones allow you to ensure the vacuum will not clean areas that you tell it not to go. Alexa, Google Asst/home compatible. Battery: Li-Ion Includes: 1 automatic dirt disposal base, 2 dirt disposal bags, 1 extra brush, 1 extra filter, 1 year warranty.
