iRobot lives. After emerging from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the company was acquired by its longtime contract manufacturer and lender, Picea Robotics. The acquisition was completed through a court-supervised restructuring. Since finalizing the sale in January 2026, the company has wasted no time introducing a new product under its new owner: Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop + AutoEmpty Dock.
That’s right, my friends, the robovac has officially gone mini.
The idea behind the Roomba Mini is refreshingly straightforward. Smaller robots can reach places larger ones struggle with. By shrinking the footprint, the Roomba Mini can glide under furniture, squeeze into tight corners, and clean areas that standard-size robot vacuums and even stick vacuums often miss. It may be tiny, but it still packs a full cleaning system capable of both vacuuming and mopping.
And yes, that surprised me, too. Normally, something has to give when devices get smaller. In this case, iRobot claims the opposite. The Roomba Mini is designed to deliver full-strength cleaning power in a compact body built specifically for smaller homes and tight layouts.
The size advantage is not just about squeezing under sofas. The robot is also better suited to apartments and smaller living spaces, a design philosophy that reportedly started with Japanese homes. The model launched in Japan in mid-February, where compact living is the norm. iRobot quickly realized the concept works just as well in Europe, where many homes also benefit from a smaller cleaning robot.
For the curious-minded, the Mini measures 9.5” in diameter, while the AutoEmpty Dock takes up 33% less floor space than the Roomba 105, measuring 8.4 inches wide and 10.5 inches tall.
Navigation duties fall to ClearView LiDAR, which allows the robot to map its surroundings, avoid obstacles, and steer clear of rugs while mopping. The Roomba Mini can switch between vacuuming and mopping duties using disposable mopping pads designed to trap dust, dirt, and grime. As a small bonus, the pads leave behind a light citrus scent after cleaning.
Hands-free cleaning is handled by the AutoEmpty Dock, which automatically empties the robot’s dustbin into an AllergenLock bag. The bag can hold debris for up to three months before needing replacement, keeping dust and allergens contained in the process.
Control options remain flexible. Cleaning can be started through the Roomba Home App, through voice commands using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, or by pressing the physical button on the robot itself. A Wi-Fi connection is not required for basic operation, which is a nice touch for those who prefer simplicity over smart-home integration.
Another unexpected twist comes from the color palette. Robot vacuums have traditionally played it safe with shades of black, white, or dark gray. The Roomba Mini decides to have some fun with that formula. In addition to black and white, the robot also comes in Mint and Pink. A robovac that actually looks cheerful while cleaning the floor is not something you see every day.
In terms of hardware highlights, the Roomba Mini features vacuum and mopping functionality, ClearView LiDAR navigation, AutoEmpty Dock with AllergenLock bag, voice assistant compatibility, and app-based control. It is available in four colors: pink, mint, white, and black.
The Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop + AutoEmpty Dock is already available in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe. It sells for €399 in Europe and £379 in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, in Japan, it costs 48,000 yen [JP].
Images: iRobot.
