1 min readDebuted at CES earlier this year, Roborock’s S8 MaxV Ultra finally has its full feature-packed spec list, and a release date. Amongst 10,000Pa suction power, a voice assistant, AI obstacle recognition, and a robotic arm for getting into corners, it also has a feature Roborock is calling Pet Recognition.
Using the in-built camera on the S8 MaxV Ultra, Pet Recognition allows you to remotely check in on your pet and even talk to it through the speakers. When approaching your pet, the robovac stops its main brushes to reduce noise and not freak out your fur child. This isn’t the first robot vacuum to add surveillance features, we saw a similar pitch from the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Plus last year. In practice the speakers left a lot to be desired from the Ecovacs version, so it will be interesting to see how Roborock handles it.
Alongside the DuoRoller brush introduced in the S8 Pro Ultra, and later to the mid-tier Q5 Pro, the device also comes equipped with a robotic arm made to extend into corners and under small gaps. In testing Roborock reports a 100% cleaning coverage in internal corners using this FlexiArm Design. It also has an Edge Mopping System on the edge of its body designed to mop as close as 1.68mm to walls. Both the brush and mop automatically lift when not in use to minimise mess. Back at the docking station, the S8 MaxV Ultra comes with auto-empty, self cleaning, and mop refilling.
Retailing for $2,999 the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is now available to pre-order ahead of its May 1, 2024 release. Pre-orders come with a one year extended warranty, and an accessory pack with vacuum dust bags, and mopping solution. Pre-orders are available exclusively through Roborock with the latest robot vacuum coming to selected Australian retailers on May 1st.
