is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.
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It’s been eight years since I last reviewed a robot vacuum. Having spent the last two months with a new flagship, I’m shocked by how much they’ve advanced from early bump-and-run models.
In October, DJI launched its very first robovacs in Europe. I’ve been testing the top-of-the-line Romo P model, which doesn’t yet have a US release date. It includes a self-cleaning base station, a mopping function, and enough high-end specs and charm that my colleague Jen Tuohy took notice.
Jen is a true robovac expert. I, let’s be clear, am not. But I can share what it’s like to make the jump from an entry-level model to one of these multifunctional combo units, something I imagine many Verge readers have considered.
To say I’m impressed by the performance of the drone maker’s first and best robot vacuum is an understatement. But I’m also not convinced anyone should spend over $2,000 for the DJI Romo P, regardless of how much I like its transparent looks.
My colleague witnessed my robot getting hacked first hand
I’m especially troubled by a recently exploited security vulnerability that let anyone see inside owners’ homes. DJI says the vulnerability has been closed, and that seems to be true based upon our testing, but others remain. It’s an egregious oversight by a company already in the US government’s crosshairs because of security and data privacy concerns.
My colleague Sean Hollister, who witnessed my robot being accessed remotely by a third party (with my cooperation), has all the details in a separate story. I’ve scored the Romo with the assumption that the vulnerability has indeed been patched, but with a lingering concern that other issues might yet be exploited on this cloud-connected camera and microphone on wheels.
It’s not nice to live in a home with a robot you can’t trust.
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