Wesley Hilliard
Siri support has arrived for iRobot products like the Roomba, so now users can have the robots clean specific rooms using Siri voice commands and Shortcuts.
The long-awaited Siri update for iRobot products has finally arrived. Starting with the iRobot Genius 4.0 Home Intelligence update, users will be able to use Siri to control Roomba vacuums and Braava mops.
Siri integration is handled via the iRobot Home App. The app supports basic commands right out of the gate like "Hey Siri, clean everywhere" and more actions are available for custom control in Shortcuts.
Even though Apple HomeKit doesn't have support for robot vacuums, Shortcuts gives users the ability to automate devices like the Roomba using HomeKit triggers. For example, when you leave the home you can have an automation run that has your Roomba clean your entire home automatically.
The Genius 4.0 update brings other intelligent features to the iRobot devices as well. The robots will automatically detect clothing and towels and avoid them as they clean, so no need for extra cleanup before running the vacuum or mop. Nap modes that prevent cleaning at certain times and locks that prevent children or pets from starting the device via the physical buttons are also being released.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
3 Comments
You could always run Homebridge and add it to HomeKit. I’ve had mine in HK since I bought it.
My iRobot has been working with Siri through Shortcuts for a few months already. But there’s no way to directly automate it through HomeKit, which confuses the hell out of me. :/
I use HomeKit->Shortcuts->Webhooks->IFTTT->iRobot to automate it.
Was wondering what was taking so long. I have a Roomba from 2013 that is still kicking, but I am expecting it won't last forever (or will it?). Looking forward to the upgrade when it finally bites the dust (no pun).