Roomba Combo j7+
Nov 2020 - Nov 2022
The world’s first 2in1 robot with a fully retractable mop design
The Roomba Combo j7+ breaks new ground as the first 2in1 robot R&D entirely in-house. Launched in 2022, it boasts the world's first and only fully retractable mop design – no flipping required. This premium vacuum and mop solution is a game-changer, lifting the mop to prevent wet carpet mishaps and effortlessly transitioning from carpet to shiny, clean hard floors. With the ability to vacuum, mop, and empty itself seamlessly in one go, it's a hassle-free solution for everyday cleanliness.
Role
Lead ID
Contribution
Concept Development
Industrial Design
User Experience
Prototyping
Color, Material and Finish
Design For Manufacture
The Biggest RVC
Innovation of The Year
A True Blend Of Style + Tech
Retaining the premium aesthetics and powerful vacuuming performance of the j7, with the added charm of a big smile pad plate design :) Our journey began with an ambitious robot platform, turning the impossible into a reality. We meticulously refined the spun metal and selected the perfect matte finish to maintain the high perceived value and aim for design consistency. Every detail, from gap optimization to design finesse, contributes to delivering a well-crafted and premium product.
The First 2in1 Crafted In-house
with Love and Passion
Key Design Differentiators
Drawing on the resilient metal arms of the Combo j7+, we present a premium and robust aesthetic that's both sturdy and sophisticated. Crafted with precision, the protective “wings” ensure the metal arms remain safeguarded. The innovative actuatable pad plate seamlessly glides across hardwood floors to carpets, elevating the mopping pad to the top, and eliminating concerns about wet debris on carpets during cleaning missions. Our design goal is clear - to communicate durability and reliability, delivering a product that stands the test of time for the customers.
Designed for Optimized
User Experience
Key Design Features Spotlight
Dive into the heart of innovation as we spotlight the key features in the above video series. From its powerful 4-Stage Cleaning System to the game-changing Auto-Retract Mopping System, witness the brilliance in action. Experience the convenience of Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, keeping it self-empty for up to 2 months. Plus, marvel at PrecisionVision Navigation, guiding the robot to identify, learn, and gracefully avoid obstacles during cleaning missions.
Mop Pad Installation & Water
Tank Refill UX
Designed the best physical UX for mopping pad installation and replacement. Never need to manually take the robot out of the charging dock or flip the robot over again. With the thoughtful design in mind, Not only integrated Bin and Tank so one “bank“does it all, but also improved the icon print on the tank access button from previous generations for better discoverability and accessibility.
Design Process
Team brainstorming sessions in full swing, exploring fresh design opportunities on topics like mopping cleaning solutions, pad plate mechanism & geometries, integrated bin vs. separated bin & tank, and fixed bin vs. removable bin... and more!
Started crafting the Look-like model after finalizing the design direction in 2021. All parts on this interchangeable ID model proved to be a game-changer for the design team during reviews. This hands-on approach allowed us to assess design options in person, fostering confident decision-making. The same model served as the benchmark for subsequent ME prototype builds.
Collaborated with the UX designer on refining the pad plate and pad guidelines. Explored a diverse range of pad designs and user experiences for the mopping pad installation/replacement. Concluded with the final ID recommendation, sync with the ME team to progress into production CAD development and kick off production tooling.
Collaborated with the ME on selecting the design direction for the robot arm cover and refining the overall geometry for the robot metal arm. Made cosmetic samples and 3D printings for the design validation. Concluded with the ID recommendation, sync with the ME team to progress into production CAD development and kick off production tooling.
Locked in the design for the bin access button and established the overall color, material, and finish (CMF) direction for the bin and tank in preparation for the second round of Engineering Prototyping.
Builds Review
From the initial spark of brainstorming to the polished refinement of concepts, thorough research leading to a clear design direction, translating ideas into tangible ID look-like models, making thoughtful design decisions, scrutinizing cosmetic samples for the perfect touch, and finally, executing precision in production builds – our journey was an intricate dance with details. Two years of unwavering dedication and creative effort have culminated in a design that not only meets but exceeds our aspirations. The payoff is not just in the product but in the depth of thought and craftsmanship invested at every step.
Nucleus Design Language
A blend of style + tech. It’s the circumference that defines our robot product identity, that ties us to our brand. It’s what makes j7+ premium & stands out from our competitors. Our design philosophy is form follows function.
On the Press
Check out the social media frenzy and press coverage, capturing the excitement and acclaim from various channels regarding the Roomba Combo j7+ launch. From tweets to headlines, witness the digital celebration of this groundbreaking release. The Roomba Combo j7+ is making waves!
