In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, a new robot vacuum is turning heads for its innovative approach to tackling longstanding frustrations with automated cleaning devices. The Matic robot vacuum, developed by a startup founded by former Google Nest engineers, has been hailed in a recent review as a game-changer that mimics human-like cleaning patterns while addressing common pitfalls like getting stuck or requiring excessive maintenance.
According to a detailed review published by The Verge, the Matic stands out with its unique design reminiscent of the Pixar character WALL-E, featuring a stout white body, a flat wide head, and a large LCD screen. Priced at $1,095, with an increase to $1,245 scheduled for next month, the device promises superior navigation and quiet operation, clocking in at just 55 decibels, making it suitable for use even while occupants are home.
Mehul Nariyawala, CEO and co-founder of Matic Robots, emphasized the company's forward-thinking vision in the review.
“The company is working on a humanoid robot,”Nariyawala said, highlighting how the Matic's camera-based navigation, powered by an Nvidia SOM, allows it to 'see' the home environment and adapt in real-time, much like a person would.
The review, authored by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, who tested the device over six months in her 800-square-foot home, praises its ability to rarely get stuck, thanks to features like large wheels and a raisable head that navigates obstacles and transitions smoothly. Tuohy noted that the Matic adjusts its behavior dynamically—for instance, reducing brush speed when encountering popcorn to avoid scattering it, or backing away from rug tassels to prevent tangles.
One of the standout aspects is the Matic's offline capability, with all data processing happening on the device itself.
“It’s the first robot I’ve tested where all processing happens on the device, and it can operate entirely offline,”Tuohy reported, adding that no cloud connection is required unless users opt in for telemetry sharing, and data is end-to-end encrypted when Wi-Fi is used.
Despite these strengths, the review points out some drawbacks. The Matic's height of 8 inches prevents it from cleaning under low furniture like beds or couches, and it cannot vacuum and mop simultaneously, leading to longer cleaning times—up to five hours for Tuohy's downstairs area, including one recharge. Additionally, it relies on proprietary disposable bags for dirt and wastewater collection, costing $12 for four or $25 for 12, which need replacement about once a week.
Tuohy described the bags as a potential flaw, especially for a startup's long-term viability.
“Matic uses proprietary bags to collect dirt and wastewater... and the robot will not work without them,”she wrote, noting that while the bags use diaper crystals to absorb liquids, they filled up faster than advertised, sometimes falsely indicating fullness.
In performance tests, the Matic held its own against competitors but didn't always lead. It outperformed the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in picking up dried oatmeal on hardwood by using circular patterns to target dirt, but lagged on high-pile rugs compared to the Ecovacs X1 Omni and Roborock models. For mopping, it handled spills like ketchup, orange juice, milk, and tomato sauce methodically, though it struggled with baseboards and tight corners, leaving patches in a flour test where rivals like Narwal's Freo Z10 and Dreame X50 Ultra excelled.
The device's setup process was highlighted as unusually user-friendly. Packaged in a compact box, the Matic rolls out via a small ramp and greets users on its screen—such as “Hello Tuohy Family!”—without needing an account. Mapping an 800-square-foot area took about two minutes using five RGB cameras and infrared sensors, producing a 3D color map that updates in real-time to reflect obstacles.
Nariyawala discussed future enhancements in the review, stating that the company plans to add features like local voice control via onboard microphones, gesture control, and Matter support for smart home integration. Recent software updates during Tuohy's testing included stain cleaning, sink recall—where the robot parks by the sink for refills—and improved multi-floor mapping.
Comparing it to the market, Tuohy acknowledged that other robots offer higher suction power—up to 19,000Pa versus Matic's 3,000Pa on deep clean—or fancy features like extending mops, but at higher prices and with the same common issues like noise and frequent interventions.
“Other bots beat Matic in some of my tests... but those can cost hundreds of dollars more than Matic... and they all suffer from the common pitfalls,”she said.
The Matic's self-contained design eliminates the need for a bulky auto-empty dock, reducing noise and maintenance, though users must manually refresh the 600ml water tank and replace bags. Tuohy appreciated how, if unresolved issues arise, the robot returns to its dock after 15 minutes to stay charged, unlike competitors that might die mid-task.
Amid a crowded field where manufacturers release numerous similar models annually, Matic Robots aims to refine a single product through over-the-air updates and hardware upgrades. Tuohy experienced this firsthand when a hardware issue with her initial unit led to a replacement with an improved mop filter, resolving clogging problems.
However, the review cautions about the risks of investing in a small startup. Nariyawala assured that the company has sufficient runway and aims for self-sustainability within 18 months, supported by the upcoming price hike. Tuohy advised stocking up on bags, given the proprietary requirement.
Overall, the Matic emerges as a reliable option for those seeking a low-maintenance robot vacuum, potentially reshaping expectations in the industry. As smart home devices continue to advance, innovations like the Matic's human-like navigation and privacy-focused design could influence future developments, though its success will depend on the startup's longevity and ability to deliver promised updates.