4 ms·
Makes you wonder about the conversion factor between Roomba years and human years.
by oldbbsnickname 3y ago
Makes you wonder about the conversion factor between Roomba years and human years.
- JohnFen 3y agoMy Roombas seem to last about 5 years (then they get transformed into experimental robot platforms). But since it's getting harder to find ones that don't connect to the network, I think I may just start actually repairing the one that's currently used as a vacuum when it breaks, so I can continue to have a good robotic vacuum.
- Ruthalas 3y agoSo look into Valetudo if you want local control of your vacuums. It's a open source application that (after rooting the vacuum) replaces the cloud with a self hosted control webUI. I am a big fan.
- JohnFen 3y agoThanks for the pointer. I'll look into this.
- winrid 3y agoBobsweep still sells some that don't connect to a network. They also have an online store with spare parts.
- worik 3y agoVerring off topic... Can I run a Roomba whilst preventing it calling home? Is there a setting for that or would I have to configure firewall rules?
- malfist 3y agoNot completely. If it's one that does mapping, that's all stored on the cloud. You can prevent some of the telemetry with a pi hole, but be aware that every run will end with a notification of "communication error" when the Roomba tries to report on you
- worik 3y agoIs there a maker of privacy respecting robot vacuum cleaners that you know of?
- inhumantsar 3y agoiRobot still sells all the parts for their old, non-cloud vacuums if you don't mind buying used and doing DIY parts swaps. They're very repair friendly: No special tools required and easy to take apart.
- _dain_ 3y agoNot a maker exactly, but there is an open source hobbyist software project for certain brands of robot vacuum: https://valetudo.cloud https://valetudo.cloud It lets you run them without any cloud connectivity or forced updates.
- exitb 3y agoI run a ~5 year old Roomba, that I just never connected to anything. I control it via the physical buttons and it works just fine. Is that not an option anymore on newer models?
- batch12 3y agoMy oldest is approaching more than 11 years I believe, though I've replaced its brushes and rollers and batteries at least once.