DJI is better known for its imaging devices and drones, but, as with many companies, this tech giant has started to diversify into other areas, including electric bike components and a new range of robot vacuums.
The romo P is one of the most striking machines in the test, and as a tech journalist, the transparent casing of both the dock and the vacuum certainly appeals, although I do wonder how this will look in a month or two after cleaning the often-grubby studio.
Initial setup is one of the most straightforward of all on test, with a fast connection to the DJI Home app that enables you to set up the romo P with mapping, schedulers and cleaning modes. Initial setup also requires popping in a full tank of water for the two mops and any additional DJI cleaning fluid. DJI supplied some with the machine that neatly slotted into the front.
One area that really stands out is the app, which is well-designed and easy to navigate. It feels nice and simple, yet a quick tap on areas of the screen will take you through to more in-depth sections where you can select the cleaning modes, such as vacuum and mop, simultaneously, vacuum then mop, or vacuum, mop, deep clean and a variety of other modes. Essentially, when it comes to ease of use and flexibility, the DJI Home app just takes things to another level.
There are some areas of the app that do take some additional working out and aren’t as straightforward as you would hope, such as the Zone area that enables you to highlight areas that may need a little more attention, but as the app is new, these features will inevitably expand in the future.
As it is, the mapping is superb, and, like the Dyson, there’s a level of methodology to the cleaning process as it moves in straight lines up and down the hall, with little issue with obstacles; it’s generally able to spot and avoid them. Carpet and hard floors are no issue at all, and what impressed was the power of the vacuum that saw this machine pick up more dirt from carpeted floors than most of the competition.
As the vacuum moved from hard floor to carpet, the change was automatically detected, and there were some rises in rug level that the DJI was able to navigate, whereas others, such as the iRobot would just power on through. Likewise, with cables, it was able to navigate with relative success.
Mopping was generally good, especially when the area had been highlighted, and the mops were able to get to work. Corners were dealt with moderate success, sweeping out fur and dust, but not quite having the reach of the Dyson.
After cleaning was complete, the Romo was able to navigate back to the dock without issue, even with chairs and other obstacles in the way, choosing a better, clearer route back home. Once docked, the emptying process started automatically, with water and dirt being offloaded into the base station before the charge began.
Key specifications
- Type: Mop combo
- Battery life: 3 hours
- Bin capacity: 260ml robot / dock dust bag capacity 2.4L
- Suction power: 25,000Pa
- Water tank: 7.2L
