Foundation (2014)

Roborock was established in July 2014 by Richard Chang, a software engineer and product leader who previously worked at Microsoft, Tencent, and Baidu. His goal was to create intelligent household robots that combined advanced AI with practical everyday usability.

Within only a few months of its founding, the company secured early investment from Xiaomi, becoming part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem of partner companies. This investment helped accelerate product development and market entry.

Xiaomi Partnership

A common misconception is that Roborock is Xiaomi. This is not true. Xiaomi was an early strategic investor, and while Roborock developed some robot vacuums that were initially sold under Xiaomi’s Mi Home branding, Roborock remains an independent company with its own management, research, products, and brand identity.

The first-generation Mi Home Robot Vacuum released in 2016 was engineered by Roborock and became one of China’s best-selling robot vacuums.

After launching products under Xiaomi, Roborock introduced products under its own brand beginning in 2017. Over the following years, the company expanded into Europe, North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Today Roborock sells products in dozens of countries and operates regional offices and support teams worldwide.

Roborock’s mission is to build intelligent robots that simplify household chores and give people more free time. The company emphasizes AI-powered automation, practical innovation, reliable engineering, user-centered design, and premium build quality.

Robot Vacuum Cleaners

This is Roborock’s flagship product line. Features commonly include LiDAR navigation, AI obstacle recognition, automatic room mapping, smart route planning, self-emptying docks, self-washing mop systems, automatic mop drying, voice assistant integration, and multi-floor mapping. Popular series include the S Series, Q Series, Saros Series, and Qrevo Series.

Robot Vacuum + Mop Systems

Many models combine vacuuming, mopping, carpet detection, automatic mop lifting, dirt detection, and dock-based maintenance. Higher-end docks can automatically empty dust, wash mop pads, dry mop pads, refill clean water, and dispense detergent.

Cordless Stick Vacuums

Roborock also produces cordless handheld vacuums featuring high suction power, HEPA filtration, lightweight construction, and multiple cleaning attachments.

Robotic Lawn Mowers

The company has recently expanded into robotic lawn mowers designed for autonomous outdoor lawn maintenance using intelligent navigation and mapping technologies.

Roborock invests heavily in research and development. Core technologies include:

LiDAR Navigation

Laser sensors create accurate maps of homes. Benefits include efficient path planning, reliable navigation in low light, and precise room recognition.

Reactive AI Obstacle Avoidance

Some premium models use RGB cameras, infrared sensors, structured light, and AI image recognition. These systems identify and avoid shoes, toys, pet waste, power cables, and furniture legs.

Multi-Level Mapping

Robots can remember multiple floors and automatically recognize which floor they are cleaning.

Smart App Control

Through the Roborock app, users can schedule cleaning, define no-go zones, customize room cleaning, view maps, track cleaning history, update firmware, and control dock settings.

Smart Home Integration

Roborock supports integrations with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Shortcuts (selected functions), and Matter support on some newer models.

Roborock has introduced several notable features over the years, including precision LiDAR mapping, ultrasonic carpet detection, automatic mop lifting, ReactiveAI obstacle avoidance, self-cleaning docking stations, hot-water mop washing, warm-air mop drying, intelligent dirt detection, and advanced edge and corner cleaning.

Roborock places strong emphasis on R&D. According to company information, the firm employs over 2,000 staff, with around 40% working in product innovation and R&D. Engineering teams specialize in robotics, AI, algorithms, mechanical design, electronics, and manufacturing.

Roborock has headquarters in Beijing, R&D centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, regional offices across multiple continents, and distribution partners in numerous countries.

• 2014: Company founded
• 2014: Receives Xiaomi investment
• 2016: Launches Mi Home Robot Vacuum
• 2017: Releases first Roborock-branded robot vacuum
• 2020: Goes public on Shanghai’s STAR Market
• 2020–2024: Expands globally with increasingly automated docking systems
• 2025 onward: Broadens portfolio with robotic lawn mowers and continued AI-powered home robotics

Roborock emphasizes intelligent automation, minimal user effort, high product reliability, practical innovation over novelty, and premium user experience. Its stated values include performance, intuitive design, user-first thinking, and continuous innovation.

Roborock is widely regarded as one of the leading brands in robotic floor care. Industry comparisons frequently place it among the strongest competitors to iRobot, particularly in LiDAR navigation, docking automation, and AI-driven cleaning features.

As of company figures published in late 2024:

• 20+ million units sold worldwide
• 5.3+ million weekly active app users
• 2,050+ employees
• 40.8% of employees work in product innovation and R&D

Roborock products are often recognized for excellent navigation accuracy, strong vacuum performance, advanced mopping capabilities, feature-rich mobile app, highly automated docking systems, reliable software updates, and premium build quality. These strengths have helped establish the brand as a major player in the global smart home and robotic cleaning market.