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by oldbbsnickname 974 days ago
Makes you wonder about the conversion factor between Roomba years and human years.
1 comments

My Roombas seem to last about 5 years (then they get transformed into experimental robot platforms).

But since it's getting harder to find ones that don't connect to the network, I think I may just start actually repairing the one that's currently used as a vacuum when it breaks, so I can continue to have a good robotic vacuum.

So look into Valetudo if you want local control of your vacuums.

It's a open source application that (after rooting the vacuum) replaces the cloud with a self hosted control webUI.

I am a big fan.

Thanks for the pointer. I'll look into this.
Verring off topic...

Can I run a Roomba whilst preventing it calling home?

Is there a setting for that or would I have to configure firewall rules?

Not completely. If it's one that does mapping, that's all stored on the cloud.

You can prevent some of the telemetry with a pi hole, but be aware that every run will end with a notification of "communication error" when the Roomba tries to report on you

Is there a maker of privacy respecting robot vacuum cleaners that you know of?
Not a maker exactly, but there is an open source hobbyist software project for certain brands of robot vacuum: https://valetudo.cloud

It lets you run them without any cloud connectivity or forced updates.

iRobot still sells all the parts for their old, non-cloud vacuums if you don't mind buying used and doing DIY parts swaps. They're very repair friendly: No special tools required and easy to take apart.
I run a ~5 year old Roomba, that I just never connected to anything. I control it via the physical buttons and it works just fine. Is that not an option anymore on newer models?
My oldest is approaching more than 11 years I believe, though I've replaced its brushes and rollers and batteries at least once.
Bobsweep still sells some that don't connect to a network. They also have an online store with spare parts.