DJI Enters the Smart Home Market with ROMO Robotic Vacuums

DJI, the giant in the drone industry, is venturing into a new field by announcing its entry into the smart home world with the launch of the innovative ROMO series of robotic vacuum cleaners. This strategic move reflects the company's desire to apply its extensive technical expertise to new sectors, with these vacuums joining its diverse product portfolio that includes camera stabilizers, action cameras, portable power stations, and even electric bicycles.

Advanced Sensing Technologies in ROMO Vacuums

DJI's entry into the robotic vacuum market is a well-considered step, relying on its revolutionary "Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing System", which has proven its effectiveness in its drones to help them avoid collisions during cinematic shooting. This technology can be easily adapted to enable the robotic vacuum cleaner to move flexibly within the home, avoiding furniture and obstacles. ROMO models are characterized by their ability to detect obstacles with millimeter precision, and are equipped with flexible cleaning arms, immense suction power of up to 25,000 Pascals, in addition to a smart base station that allows the vacuum to return for automatic charging and self-emptying.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Operation Features

To achieve maximum efficiency, DJI has enhanced its vacuums with advanced machine learning algorithms, which enable ROMO devices to map the best cleaning paths in the home. Their intelligence does not stop there; they can also identify the dirtiest areas and allocate extra time for deep cleaning. To ensure a quiet experience, ROMO vacuums are equipped with a sophisticated noise reduction system during operation, with easy control via voice commands.

Available ROMO Models and Launch Plans

DJI offers three models within the ROMO series to meet various needs and budgets: the economical "ROMO S" model, starting at approximately $650, the mid-range "ROMO A" model, which comes with a transparent vacuum design for around $750, and finally, the flagship "ROMO P" model, combining a transparent vacuum with a transparent base station, starting at $950. The company plans to launch the series in the Chinese market first, with global availability later this year.

Security Challenges and DJI's Future in Western Markets

Although robotic vacuums do not pose the same level of security threat as drones, DJI faces a significant challenge in the US market. The company is striving to avoid a potential ban that could be imposed by the "Countering CCP Drones Act", which aims to list DJI on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s list of entities posing a national security risk. If the company fails to avoid this measure, the import and sale of all its new drone products will be banned in the United States, casting a shadow over its future in one of its largest markets.