US-based Matic Robots has rolled out a software update enabling voice and gesture commands on its robot vacuum cleaners, offering a more flexible and privacy-conscious way for users to trigger cleaning functions, with plans to enhance on-device processing and expand smart capabilities.
Matic Robots has added voice and gesture controls to its robot vacuum cleaners in a software update, widening the range of ways users can start a clean without opening an app. The company, which says it is one of the few remaining US-based makers in the category, pushed the feature out on 13 August under the name Matic Cues.
The update switches on microphones that had previously been inactive, but only for customers who choose to enable the function. Matic says voice data is sent to the cloud for interpretation when the feature is opted into, while the microphones stay off otherwise. The robot currently relies on Google’s Gemini technology to recognise speech in more than 70 languages, although the company says it wants to move more processing on-device over time with a smaller model.
Matic’s command system is designed to be less rigid than many smart-home interfaces. Users can point to a space and ask the robot to clean it, or describe the area instead of memorising set phrases. The feature also means guests or other people without app access can trigger cleaning tasks. Existing controls through the Matic app, Apple Home and Google Home via Matter remain available.
The new controls build on a product that Matic already markets as privacy-focused and autonomous. The company says its vacuum-and-mop unit uses five cameras, 3D mapping and object detection to move around homes without the bump-and-turn behaviour common in cheaper machines. Retail materials also say it can run for up to 150 minutes, carries a HEPA filter and comes with a one-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee. Reviewers at Forbes and WIRED have highlighted its quiet operation, self-cleaning mop roller and bagged waste system, while Matic says future firmware updates could add home security alerts and more capable robots.
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