The Almost Perfect Butler
When it comes to robot vacuum and mop cleaners, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra stands out as the most advanced option on the market for those who prioritize mopping with a vibrating pad. This is not just an ordinary robot vacuum but a true multifunctional cleaning platform, designed to simplify every aspect of home cleaning. With an elegant design, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier performance, this device has everything you’d expect from a high-end model.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra immediately conveys a premium quality. Inside the package, everything is neatly arranged and well-protected. You will find:
The robot vacuum cleaner
The RockDock® Ultra charging station
The VibraRise® 3.0 mop and a spare dust collection bag
The power cable and user manual
While the packaging is impressive, it would have been nice to include some additional spare parts besides the dust bag or at least a sample of their dedicated cleaning solution, given the presence of a specific compartment for it.
Elegant and Functional Design
The charging station measures 419 × 409 × 470 mm and is capable of emptying the dustbin, cleaning the mop and side brush with 60°C water, and drying them with 60°C hot air. Additionally, it features an automatic detergent dispenser, a unique feature for Roborock models though it will also be available on upcoming Saros 10, 10R, and Z70 models. The station has two water tanks: 4.5 liters for clean water and 3.5 liters for dirty water.
The robot itself has an elegant, modern design with a fingerprint-resistant finish that blends seamlessly into any contemporary home. It measures 353 × 350 × 103 mm. Notable features include the LiDAR turret with three integrated microphones for voice assistant support, the front sensor system with structured light and an RGB camera, and a rear compartment for automatic emptying along with charging contacts and a water refill port for the mop system.
Cleaning Performance: Power and Versatility
With an impressive 10,000 Pa suction power, this robot is well-suited for hard floors and carpets alike. During tests, it efficiently removed dust, pet hair, and even larger debris. The anti-tangle brush system, while not completely maintenance-free, is particularly useful for pet owners.
The extendable side brush (FlexiArm®) improves cleaning in corners, but there are two small drawbacks:
It sometimes stops spinning when reaching a corner, leaving behind some debris.
It would be more effective if it extended in more situations, such as around table and chair legs or under furniture.
Regarding mopping performance, the VibraRise® 3.0 system vibrates up to 4,000 times per minute, effectively handling light dirt and fresh stains. However, for stubborn stains, manual intervention or multiple cleaning passes may be necessary.
A useful feature is the automatic mop lifting (up to 20mm) when the robot detects carpets, preventing them from getting wet. Edge cleaning is improved by a small rotating mop on the right side, which spins 185 times per minute and can also be lifted when needed.
💡 Recommendation:
The VibraRise® system works best on smooth floors like parquet, marble, laminate, and vinyl. Due to the continuous water flow from the 100ml internal tank, which is automatically refilled by the base is important to set water option correctly.
Additionally, the robot detects dirt and adjusts its cleaning method accordingly:
Increases suction power in dustier areas.
Switches to mop-only mode when liquid spills are detected, lifting the brushes and stopping suction to avoid spreading them.
The base detects how dirty the mop water is and will automatically rewash the mop and a specificarea of the floorbif needed.
Intelligent Navigation and Advanced Sensors
The LiDAR technology provides precise, detailed mapping, even in 3D, ensuring that no area is missed. The navigation system is further enhanced by ReactiveAI 2.0, which recognizes and avoids up to 73 obstacles (such as tangled cables, shoes, or small objects). This is particularly helpful for homes with scattered items.
Even in low light or at night, the integrated LED light ensures reliable obstacle detection. After testing, I can confidently say that Roborock has one of the best navigation algorithms available.
Other features include:
Anti-drop sensors to prevent falls from stairs.
Ultrasonic carpet detection, allowing carpets to be properly managed without confusion.
Battery and Autonomy
The 5,200mAh battery provides up to 180 minutes of runtime, though this depends on settings. The robot can clean large areas without needing a recharge. It also features smart recharging, allowing it to return to the station, charge, and resume cleaning from where it left off, with a 30% faster charging speed compared to older models.
App and Smart Controls
The Roborock app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering extensive customization options:
Room-based cleaning schedules
No-go zones
Real-time tracking of cleaning progress and consumable wear
Fully customizable maps and environments, with the ability to save and manage up to 4 maps
Advanced room management: option to split, merge, and rename rooms
Floor type selection: choose the material to optimize cleaning
Furniture addition: possibility to add furniture for more effective cleaning strategies
Cleaning scheduling: set custom cleaning times and modes
Complete base configuration: adjust all settings related to the base’s functions
Hot water mop washing: option to enable mop washing with hot water for deeper mop cleaning
Customizable self-emptying: set the frequency and mode of self-emptying for optimal dust management
More…
A notable downside is the lack of a “vacuum first, then mop” mode—though this can still be achieved via workflow settings, albeit somewhat inconveniently.
With its built-in camera, the robot can be used for video calls and remote monitoring of your home and pets. Dedicated pet-friendly cleaning modes are also available.
The robot supports voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, enabling hands-free control from anywhere. If you’re near the robot, you can also use its built-in voice assistant, Rocky, which allows access to most app functions through voice commands.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️ Exceptional suction power
✔️ One of the best navigation systems (LiDAR + ReactiveAI 2.0)
✔️ Multifunctional charging station with self-cleaning mop and automatic detergent dispensing
✔️ Long battery life also thanks to efficient navigation
✔️ Feature-rich, intuitive app
✔️ Performs well on carpets
❌ Cons:
✖️ No dedicated “vacuum first, then mop” mode
✖️ VibraRise® mop is less effective on uneven floors
✖️ Mop washing system is tricky to clean
✖️ Mop holder is non-removable, and the edge-cleaning mop requires a screwdriver for removal
✖️ No extra spare parts or detergent sample included in the premium package
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra sets a new standard for robot vacuum cleaners. With its outstanding features, intelligent navigation, and fully automated cleaning management, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end device that simplifies daily chores.
While the price is high, the time savings and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge robot vacuum, I highly recommend the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra.
ℹ️ Video content coming…
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