The vacuum's ability to create a map of its cleaning area is one of the commonly asked-for features. This map allows the robot to "understand" the layout of the space. This can be used for different situations, e.g.
the Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas without accessing those that are not. The iRobot Roomba i3 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation states how the robot vacuum moves around the space. Mapping and navigation often go hand in hand to help the vacuum navigate to the mapped-out spaces to be cleaned leaving out those that aren't.
Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, this serves the purpose of detecting and identifying objects in the robot's path, this allwos it to navigate around them and avoid collisions. Also, the iRobot Roomba i3 has an obstacle sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a better understanding of its environment, making it possible to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room thus preventing damage to both the robot and its obstacles. Most modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba 981 are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and controlled using voice commands.
The iRobot Roomba i3 can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will require an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with your robot vacuum. The Roomba 981 is compatible with Google Assistant, enabling you to control it using voice commands via Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app installed on smartphones and tablets. iRobot Roomba i3 is compatible with Google Assistant, it's always essential to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before buying a robot vacuum.
Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the cleaning modes offered by robot vacuum cleaners can vary depending on the make and model of the robot vacuum. The Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, this typically range from 1 - 2 years, but some higher-end brands may offer longer warranty periods. iRobot Roomba i3, at 1 year
has the same warranty period as that of Roomba 981.
When considering a robot vacuum cleaner, it's important to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, alongside any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Roomba 981's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity determines how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the robot vacuum holds before it needs to be emptied. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 0.4L
carries less dirt than the Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.1L
The dustbin capacity varies widely among different robot vacuum models, and the size you choose should be based on your cleaning needs and the size of the area you want to clean.
Many robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to alert users when the dustbin is full and needs to be emptied. Roomba 981 supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged thus performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied. iRobot Roomba i3 also can indicate when its dustbin is full, for a robot vacuum to indicate that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it minimizes the need for constant monitoring.
Roomba 981 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact to easily get around and portability. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 4.3kg
weighs more than the Roomba 981 by 0.3kg. It's advisable to consider the weight of the vacuum when choosing a model, and that's if you plan to carry it up and down stairs
Roomba 981 has a width of 351mm, often referred to as its cleaning path width, is the width of the area that it can effectively clean in one go.
The width of a robot vacuum is key as it can affect its efficiency and the duration it takes to clean a room
The iRobot Roomba i3, at 337mm
measures less in width than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 14mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, reducing the time it takes to clean a room. Roomba 981's height measures 92mm, here you are considering the measurement from the bottom to its highest point.
Height is a key consideration, especially if you have obstacles with limited clearance in your home. iRobot Roomba i3, at 92mm
has the same height as that of Roomba 981. When choosing a robot vacuum, make sure that the robot vacuum can go under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage.
The battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is a crucial factor that determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh
iRobot Roomba i3, at mAh1,800
has less battery power than the Roomba 981 by only
A bigger capacity implies longer battery life which can be beneficial if you have a large home or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete cleaning cycles with fewer interruptions to recharge. The operating time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single battery charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging.
Roomba 981's operating time is 2h
The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1.25h
spends less time than the Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.75h
Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. Roomba 981 has a charge time of 3h, the charge time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time it takes for the vacuum's battery to recharge fully after it has been depleted during a cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba i3, at 5h
charges for longer than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 2h.
Charge time is an important factor to consider when choosing a robot vacuum, as it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum begins its next cleaning cycle. Auto-off is a feature designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed a cleaning cycle or when certain conditions occur. Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.
Also, iRobot Roomba i3 has this feature, overall, the auto-off feature in a robot vacuum is a valuable addition that in a way promotes energy efficiency, prolongs the vacuum's lifespan, enhances safety, and adds convenience to the cleaning process. Roomba 981 supports a smartphone app, that allows you to control and monitor the vacuum remotely through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba i3 and Roomba 981 have mobile application support, this enhances the user experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities.
This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is intended to reduce the chance of the robot vacuum getting stuck while cleaning. Robot vacuums such as the Roomba 981 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to navigate around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, but the effectiveness of this feature varies among different models. Both the iRobot Roomba i3 and Roomba 981 have the "anti-stuck" feature, but clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums helps to further eliminate the chances of becoming stuck during cleaning.
Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature which enables it to create a map of your space and schedule efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Route mapping is a valuable feature as it enables robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba i3 to adapt to the layout of your home to clean more efficiently and minimize the possibility of missing certain spots.
Voice prompts refer to audible messages that the vacuum emits to give you alerts on the different states of the vacuum. Roomba 981 supports this feature
iRobot Roomba i3 also supports voice prompts, this feature is useful for you who prefer audible notifications or users who have visual impairments. Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that indicates the vacuum's ability to return to its docking station when predetermined conditions are met such as done with cleaning, battery running low, or any malfunction.
Both iRobot Roomba i3 and Roomba 981 support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it makes sure that the robot vacuum maintains its charge and readiness for cleaning with little or no manual intervention. Most robot vacuum cleaners such as Roomba 981 come equipped with an "cliff detection" feature. This feature is designed to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, hence its safety while cleaning.
This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba i3 is essential in avoiding accidents and keeping the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind by ensuring that the vacuum will not fall off a ledge during its cleaning cycle. Roomba 981 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to automatically start cleaning your space.
This feature in robot vacuums is particularly useful in maintaining a consistently clean space with little or no manual intervention. iRobot Roomba i3 too allows scheduling. Roomba 981 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuums offer several advantages and features, such as remote control, mobile app integration, voice assistant compatibility, and remote monitoring.
Also, iRobot Roomba i3 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the convenience and flexibility of robot vacuum use, giving more efficient and customized cleaning routines.
