DJI has unveiled the second generation of its Romo robot vacuum, and the headline upgrades go beyond cleaning power. The Romo 2 is quieter, stronger, and better at climbing over small obstacles, while a new privacy-focused data mode aims to address the serious security concerns that plagued the original model.
The lineup includes two versions: the transparent P2 and the opaque A2. Both feature improved navigation that can reportedly avoid cables and obstacles as small as 2mm, along with transparent objects like mirrors and glass. DJI also touts “human-like reasoning and concept transfer,” which allows the vacuum to learn from previously encountered obstacles and adapt to new ones.
Climbing Power and Cleaning Performance
A standout feature is a pair of legs on the underside that let the Romo 2 climb over a single step up to 4cm (1.5 inches) tall, or two steps roughly double that height. While it won’t scale a full staircase, it can cross thresholds and small dividers between rooms.
On carpet, the robovac reaches up to 36,000Pa of suction. New brush and mop arms extend farther to clean along sideboards and under furniture. DJI also claims the Romo 2 runs significantly quieter, citing an 85 percent reduction in noise volume.
A New Local Data Mode for Privacy
The original Romo impressed on specs but was undermined by major security flaws. Those vulnerabilities made it possible to access thousands of the vacuums worldwide, exposing home floorplans, camera feeds, and microphones, and even enabling full remote control. DJI patched the issues, but trust had already taken a hit.
To counter that, the Romo 2 introduces a Local Data Mode, which DJI describes as “a new industry standard for home robotics.” The mode cuts off the DJI Home app’s internet connection, preventing photos or camera feeds from syncing. Users can fully disable the camera and microphone on the vacuum and delete any stored data. Local Data Mode is set to roll out to the Romo 2 in the fourth quarter of this year, with plans to extend it to the first-generation Romo lineup as well.
US Availability Remains Doubtful
DJI has not yet announced pricing or a release date for the Romo 2. A US launch appears unlikely, as ongoing restrictions have kept the company’s recent products out of the American market. The FCC’s new ban on foreign-made robot vacuums makes a US release even less probable. The Romo 2 was introduced at IFA alongside the Osmo 360 II action camera, which is also skipping the United States.
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Image: theverge.com
