Why did robot vacuums suddenly become so expensive?

devs on 30/01/2025 - 19:36
Last edited 30/01/2025 - 19:58

This post is purely out of curiousity. In 2019 or so I bought the Roborock S50 (2nd gen) through an Ozbargain deal for ~$400-450.

5-6 years later it still works pretty well, similar to what it did back then. I bought a few aftermarket spare filters and brushes, but that's about it. Mopping is still rubbish but it always was so I don't bother with it. App wise it has all the bells and whistles, maps the room, you can set go/no go zones, etc.

I see some of the new models (including new Roborock ones) which are averaging >$1500 as a deal price, and I'm not sure what has fundamentally changed in the technology to justify the 3-4x price increase. I know one of the things is the new ones empty the dust bins themselves, some are self cleaning to an extent(?) but that can't be all that's changed.

Could someone help me understand what's changed between something like the S50 to the best new models?

Electrical & Electronics Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Comments

  • jv on 30/01/2025 - 19:49
    -4

    AI

    • Murkymerv on 30/01/2025 - 22:07
      +1

      The real question that should be asked is , why has life become so expensive ⁉️
      JV , "you've done it again".

  • Xizor on 30/01/2025 - 19:52
    +6

    Get'em hooked, then drive up margins. Just ask Apple.

  • JimmyF on 30/01/2025 - 19:56
    +3

    Could someone help me understand what's changed between something like the S50 to the best new models?

    Cameras, AI, docks, self cleaning docks, self emptying bins etc. All add 'cost'. Plus now more trusted/accepted.

    But yes I agree, they are far more costly than they should be.

  • MilkDrinker on 30/01/2025 - 19:56
    +1

    "cutting edge" technology goes into the latest models just like flagship phones from apple or samsung, also they charge what the market/people will pay.

    Probably not more than a 40% difference from a $300 bot to a $1800 one in terms of performance but the technology and hopefully the materials/durability are going to be better.

    Jv has a point, half of these new models might have a random "ai" advertisement on the box just to sell it to more people, not that it takes that to scoop up dust and keep your house clean

  • soan papdi on 30/01/2025 - 20:09
    +1

    Because so many are willing to pay the higher price. Simples.

  • El cheepo on 30/01/2025 - 20:16
    +3

    Because they suck.

  • cashless on 30/01/2025 - 20:30
    +2

    Have to agree with OP. I bought the original OzBargain deal from Roboguy 8 years ago. $300. Still working with a few repairs/spares along the way.
    Now I’d have to pay $1000+ for something similar.
    I can buy a good washing machine for $600 to $800
    Decent fridge for less than $1000. TV for around $1000.
    The tech in a robovac isn’t so high end that it justifies the price

    • saltypete on 31/01/2025 - 08:35

      Same here. Got the Xiaomi one for $330ish in 2016 I think. Has LIDAR works flawlessly with occasional brush/ filter chamges. Price increases are defying Moores Law so im assuming gouging.
      Anyone here know the current prices for it in the Middle Kingdom?

  • JIMB0 on 30/01/2025 - 20:55

    Phones jumped up in price massively and the robot vacuum makers didn't want to be left out.

  • FoxJump on 30/01/2025 - 21:02

    I've the same and my upgrade would be a $2k one. mainly because the mop is better and actually does the edges

    i find self emptying to be a negative

  • simplystu on 30/01/2025 - 21:09

    Plenty of options around $1100 or less.
    Someone even made a Reddit on this.

    Only looking at $2000 if buying latest model + DIRECT from roborock.

  • Clear on 30/01/2025 - 23:49

    You can still get robot vacuums comparable to what you got a few years ago without all the bells and whistles that the new ones offer. With time as new technology comes out they'll reduce in price.

    Before LiDAR and apps you'd spend hundreds on ones that just moved around with their bump sensors. If you wanted any form of a pattern you'd have to drive it yourself with the remote. Now you can get these dumb ones for under $100.

  • ForkSnorter on 31/01/2025 - 07:44

    I have a $200 robot vacuum that does the trick. It doesn't even have LIDAR. But suction is pretty good, and even after randomly going around the house for an hour, it seems to get everything and the dust bin becomes full. It never gets stuck in corners or anything, and has no trouble going over the rugs. If I'm concerned it's missing something, I can just pick up the remote or phone and control it for a few seconds.

    But I live in a tiny house. If I had a bigger house, I'd get a newer one with LIDAR mapping and/or a camera.

  • ForkSnorter on 31/01/2025 - 07:48

    We live in a different type of economy now.

    In the past, you would pay about $400-$600 for a Miele plug-in vacuum, which would have incredible power, and it'd last you 20 years. Only problem is, vacuuming would be quite annoying and time-consuming, so you wouldn't do it very often.

    Nowadays, you upgrade your robot and/or stick vacuum every 2-4 years when the battery dies and newer technology comes out. Overall cost is much higher due to having to upgrade more often. But you also probably vacuum your house more often.

  • narbe on 31/01/2025 - 07:51
    -1

    This is simple. What is your time worth ?
    The cost equation is what is the convenience worth to you?

    And being a tech item obviously bleeding edge is always having diminishing returns

    I don't see the difference between this tech item and a graphics card for ex. Some people would purchase and 1.5k-2k graphics card, and some would do the same for vacuums.

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