Samsung’s robot vacuums challenge market leader iRobot’s Roomba

Samsung is upgrading its PowerBot robot vacuums with a digital 40 watt motor, and additionally will be the only robot sold in the US to feature cyclone technology. Launched at CES 2016, the company claims that the VR9000 (PowerBot Turbo) will be 70 times more powerful than the “leading robotic vacuum brand,” iRobot’s Roomba, the market leader which currently holds 14% market share.

LAS VEGAS -- Robot vacuums promise convenience and peace of mind. Without complaint, they do the dirty floor cleaning job so you don’t have to and, unlike you, they never have to be reminded to do it. What they don’t always promise, though, is power. Samsung’s latest PowerBot Robot vacuum, introduced here at CES 2016, aims to change that and take on the market-leading iRobot Roomba in the process.

Samsung's latest robot vacuum promises more power and new app-level control. Credit: Samsung

Samsung’s PowerBot line of robot vacuums are already the only ones sold in North America to feature cyclone technology (the air swirls around inside like a small tornado). Now, however, Samsung is upgrading the digital motor to 40 watts and claiming that its VR9000 (A.K.A. PowerBot Turbo) is 70-times more powerful “the leading robotic vacuum brand.” Samsung doesn’t mention iRobot’s Roomba by name, but with 14% of the market(opens in a new tab) (compared to 4% for other robot vacs), iRobot is the undisputed North American market leader.

SEE ALSO: How to follow Mashable at CES 2016

Aside from the power claims, Samsung’s PowerBot is playing catchup with the top-of-the-line Roomba, finally adding Wi-Fi capabilities (in the Essential and Turbo models) and smartphone remote control.

The PowerBot will use its built-in digital camera to build a map of your home, which you can then see on the app and use to select which rooms you want to clean and in what order. The app will keep you up to date on the PowerBot’s cleaning progress and report back on any issues.

Samsung’s PowerBot Turbo and Essential will come with charging bases that the robots can find on their own. They can clean approximately 14 sq. ft. on a charge.

One thing Samsung will have to battle in its quest for global robot vacuum dominance is awareness. Ask someone if they ever heard of a Roomba and they’ll likely answer in the affirmative. Not so much with Samsung’s line of PowerBots. Samsung tells us, though, that it plans a more aggressive marketing push this year to build awareness.

The Samsung PowerBot Essential and Turbo ship this spring. Pricing has not yet been set.