The Robot Vacuum Saga: A Journey of Upgrades

My relationship with robot vacuums has been a series of upgrades, each one a lesson in technology—and my own patience.

It all started with the most basic model, a chaotic little puck that was more of a menace than a convenience. It ate power cords for breakfast, got clogged on a regular basis, and honestly, the maintenance was barely an improvement over a traditional vacuum. When its battery finally started to give out after a few years, I happily passed it on.

My second vacuum was a true step up. It boasted a network connection and a self-emptying base, which meant I could finally tie it into my Home Assistant setup. This was a game-changer. The maintenance was minimal, though it still needed some help and occasionally failed to find its dock. When the battery started to fade, I replaced it without a second thought. But then the replacement battery died, and to top it off, the Home Assistant integration for Shark just stopped working. That's when I knew it was time for a serious upgrade.

I'm blown away by how much these things have improved in the last five years. I went big this time, opting for a top-of-the-line Roborock vacuum and mop combo. I chose a model that could be plumbed directly into my water line to eliminate the hassle of refilling.

The setup, including the Home Assistant integration, was incredibly easy and works perfectly. But for the ridiculous price, I was a little disappointed with what was in the box. The water supply line didn't fit my old faucet, which meant a trip to the hardware store. Connecting it to my sink was a whole other challenge, requiring six different adapters and a dishwasher spout to MacGyver a solution. They didn't even include a small sample of their cleaning fluid, though I will say the full bottle fits perfectly in the reservoir.

Despite a few hardware frustrations, the performance and convenience have been worth it. This vacuum feels like a truly smart home device, not just a gadget. It does seem to have a very gimmicky function I didn't anticipate. It claims to have the ability to search my home to find my pet while I am away.