SwitchBot, a company renowned for its retrofit smart home gadgets such as smart curtains and blinds, is taking a bold leap into the realm of intelligent robotics with its first-ever robot vacuum, the SwitchBot S10. This isn’t your typical robot vacuum, however. The SwitchBot S10 distinguishes itself by its ability to self-refill and empty its water tank, and even replenish the SwitchBot S10 Refilling Humidifier 2, a separate device purchasable as an add-on to the robot vacuum set. This new product venture signifies a significant shift for SwitchBot, as it moves from simple retrofit devices to more sophisticated robotic solutions.

In the past, I’ve tried out a number of SwitchBot’s more basic retrofit devices such as the SwitchBot Bot and the SwitchBot Lock. While they may not be as slick as some of the higher-end, more complex smart home devices on the market, they fill a crucial niche as consumers transition their traditional homes into intelligent, automated spaces. Thus, I was quite taken aback when I learned about the company’s foray into more advanced robotics, though it’s no surprise that they’ve incorporated their signature retrofit twist into this new product.

SwitchBot S10: Intelligent Robotics Meets Smart Home Appliances

SwitchBot, a company renowned for its retrofit smart home gadgets, has taken a leap into the realm of intelligent robotics with its first robot vacuum, the SwitchBot S10. Unlike its competitors, this automated floor cleaner boasts the ability to refill and empty its own water tank, and even fill up the SwitchBot S10 Refilling Humidifier 2, an add-on available for separate purchase.

The New Face of Automated Cleaning

The company’s previous offerings, the SwitchBot Bot and the SwitchBot Lock, have served as simpler, cost-effective solutions in the transformation of traditional homes into automated living spaces. Their latest product, however, represents a significant advance in intelligent robotics with a unique retrofit twist that is quintessentially SwitchBot.

Overcoming the Drawbacks of Robovacs

While many premium robot vacuums now offer mopping features, these often come with manual processes such as regular refilling of the water tank, emptying waste water, and replacing mopping pads or rollers. The SwitchBot S10, on the other hand, offers a solution to these limitations.

The device comes with two docks: one for emptying the vacuum and charging, and the other for refilling the mop tank and emptying out dirty water. The latter connects directly to your indoor plumbing, creating a fully automated cleaning device that eliminates the need for manual interaction with the device.

An Innovative Plumbing Solution

Although the set-up might not be the slickest, it is impressively effective, as observed at the demonstration at IFA 2023. The SwitchBot S10 also offers a separate dock for a humidifier, which the robot vacuum will refill and empty, transferring water from one station to the next. Pricing and availability for this feature are yet to be announced, but it is expected to release soon after the main device, which launches on Kickstarter on October 13.

Not Quite Perfect

Despite its innovative features, the SwitchBot S10 does have its limitations. Its anti-tangle rubber vacuum roller is relatively narrow, and the side brush is somewhat weak, potentially compromising the thoroughness of the clean. However, it does boast 6500pa suction and carpet detection capabilities.

The device also uses LiDAR navigation technology for mapping and navigation, onboard AI for obstacle avoidance, and allows for the easy assignment of rooms and no-go zones in the SwitchBot app. Despite these features, the less-than-perfect cleaning capabilities might deter some, but overall, the SwitchBot S10 offers an exciting glimpse into the future of smart home integration.

Final Takeaways

The SwitchBot S10, priced at $1199.99, is an innovative addition to the realm of smart home devices, offering a glimpse into how these devices might continue to evolve and integrate into our homes. While it may not be the most thorough cleaner, its automation and retrofit features are impressive, showcasing the potential of intelligent robotics in transforming our living spaces.