RobotShop Ultimate Challenge - Episode 4 - iRobot Roomba 560

In this episode, we finally present the test results in the RobotShop Ultimate Challenge for the iRobot Roomba 560.
Ultimate Challenge Page:
www.robotshop.com/ultimate-cha...
Score Card:
www.robotshop.com/PDF/robotsho...
Forum Post and Poll:
www.robotshop.com/forum/showth...

[@RobotShopTV]

The Roomba actually won the debris pick up challenge. It has two counter rotating brushes that can pick up larger debris than other vacuums. We do consider the Roomba to be a robot vacuum and not a simple sweeper.

[@RobotShopTV]

The RobotShop Ultimate Challenge is not sponsored by any manufacturer. We tried to duplicate the tests for all robot vacuums to the best of our ability so the points are as close as they can be. But, the tests are a bit extreme. Both the Roomba and the Neato will perform well in a normal home environment. The robot that you will choose will depend on the features that are most needed in your case.

[@RobotShopTV]

@DWLaurie During our tests we were using the standard dust bin.

[@MrTombob87]

every one in the wolrd knows that the roomba 560. is the BEST

[@CarlosAsmat]

OMG! more sexy @RobotShop Engineers doing freaky robot tests at 8:45 !

[@DanielLaurie]

@RobotShopTV Ah, that explains the poor suction with the paper on the hard surface floor. I think it may do better with the optional AeroBin, but not being a standard item I can understand why you didn't test it that way. Maybe an amended test with it would be helpful.

[@RobotShopTV]

During what test does your robot do a better job? If it is during the debris pick-up, it is possible that you have a different type of dust bin on your robot. For example, the aerovac bin enhances the ability to pick up debris.

[@softwarebro]

8:50 the best

[@DanielLaurie]

I have a question about the Roomba 560. Which vacuum bin are you using? The standard or the AeroBin?

[@ethaneveraldo]

Wait a minute, this test is fake! Is this "event" sponsored by iRobot?? They didn't test it on black carpet properly like they did for the others, they gave it max rate on its ability to go back to its base while in fact it's just as bad as the others who rated less, and if you listen carefully and pay attention to details you'll notice that Roomba performed similarly to the others (or failed) at almost all the tests but the announcer says "but it still works great etc" and gave it high ranking.

[@ethaneveraldo]

So in conclusion, Roomba is a bad vacuum, bad robot, but a good sweeper. Eh I wish I knew this before I bought mine. Probably would have bought a Neato if I knew better. I got sold by the design tho, most robots (including the Neato) are ugly. Roomba actually looked nice. But looks aren't everything I guess