by John Scaggs

Did you grow up on The Jetsons?

I was always fascinated by the idea of Rosie, the robot maid. I loved it when a vacuum would pop out of her belly and clean up a mess.

In modern times, the closest we have to Rosie is products like robot vacuums.

Over the past decade, robot vacuums have transformed from novelty gadgets into essential home appliances. The latest generation, led by models like the Roborock products, showcases just how far the technology has come, offering powerful cleaning, intelligent navigation, and hands-free convenience at increasingly accessible prices.

As an early adopter, I’ve had my share of duds – units that require more repair and attention than they are worth. I didn’t want to afford the higher end of the market. After going through four over brands in the last 10 years, I found out why the New York Times calls this company and product the best value on the market today!

The Roborock Q5 Max+ exemplifies this evolution. With a robust suction motor, it outperforms many competitors. This high suction power ensures that everything from fine dust to stubborn pet hair is efficiently removed from both hard floors and carpets. Its DuoRoller brush system, which combines rubber and bristle elements, minimizes tangles and maximizes debris pickup, making it especially useful for homes with pets.

One of the most significant advancements in modern robot vacuums is navigation. Gone are the days of random bump-and-turn cleaning patterns. The Q5 Max+ uses LiDAR to create detailed 3D maps of your home, allowing it to clean methodically and avoid obstacles with precision. This means fewer missed spots, less babysitting, and more consistent results.

We have a trouble-spot under our master bedroom bed. With ease, I was able to show this in the app on my phone as a spot not to clean. Boom, no problem.

Another game-changing feature is the self-emptying dock. The Q5 Max+ can automatically empty its dustbin into a 2.5-liter bag, allowing for up to seven weeks of maintenance-free operation. This level of automation is a major leap forward in convenience, especially for busy households.

Affordability has also improved dramatically. While early robot vacuums often cost over $1,000 and offered limited functionality, today’s mid-range models like the Q5 Max+ deliver premium features for around $450 (Amazon). I purchased one on sale for about $300. This price drop, combined with better performance and reliability, has made robot vacuums a practical investment for a much wider audience.

Beyond the specs, what truly sets modern robot vacuums apart is how well they fulfill their core purpose: keeping your floors clean with minimal effort. Whether you're managing pet hair, dust, or daily debris, today’s models are more capable than ever. They integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, respond to voice commands, and can be scheduled or customized via mobile apps.

In real-world use, the Roborock Q5 Max+ has earned praise for its ease of setup, quiet operation, and ability to handle multi-surface cleaning without manual intervention. While it lacks mopping and advanced obstacle avoidance found in higher-end models, its performance-to-price ratio makes it a standout in its class.

Of course, if socks or other things are left in the path of the vacuum, some attention will need to be paid. That is where the app comes in handy, alerting me to trouble so I can correct it.

We are so pleased with the performance and price of the Roborock Q5 Max+, we purchased one for upstairs and another for downstairs.

In summary, robot vacuums have matured into reliable, efficient, and affordable tools for modern living. With innovations like powerful suction, intelligent mapping, and self-emptying docks, models like the Roborock Q5 Max+ prove that keeping your home clean no longer requires daily effort—just smart technology.