Experience overview: Now available as a new beta feature for iOS devices in the US, the Remote Check In feature allows users to use their Roomba j7/j7+ and Roomba combo to view live streaming video from a designated viewpoint setup within their home or drive the robot directly from the dock to the location of their choice to check in on the state of their home and different points of interest. Your privacy is our priority. Our commitment to your data security has earned iRobot the trusted TÜV SÜD Cyber Security Mark on the Remote Check-In feature. Go to BETA and opt-in today to try it out and let us know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions: Where is the remote check in feature available? Remote Check In is available as a BETA on the j7 Roomba, in the US, and for iOS users only at this time. You can only have 1 j7. If you have more than one on the same account, the feature will not work as expected.
How do I enable the capability? By navigating to the iRobot BETA section at the bottom of the home screen in the iRobot Home App, you will see a new BETA toggle available if you are using a supported device (see above).
How do I start a Remote Check In mission? Click the ‘New Job’ button at the bottom right corner of your screen and you will now see a ‘Check In’ option alongside the cleaning option once your opt-in and setup is complete.
What happens if my Roomba is streaming at the same time I want to vacuum? Vacuuming will take priority over streaming. While the robot is streaming, if you have a regularly scheduled cleaning mission time or an automation starts a cleaning mission, that will interrupt the remote check in live streaming mission. If you want to manually start a cleaning mission, you will have to end the live streaming mission first and then start a cleaning mission once the remote check in live stream mission is complete.
How do I stop a remote check in mission if I am at home and my robot is being controlled remotely by someone not at home? Press the button once to pause the mission. If you press and hold the button for 3 seconds until the light ring turns blue and then press again, it will end the mission and send the robot home. Another option is to pick up the robot and place it on the dock.
How do I set up viewpoints in my home? By navigating to the map and choosing Viewpoints in the bottom right corner, the app will go into edit mode allowing you to create, edit, and delete viewpoints from your map. You can also create and update viewpoints during a remote check in live streaming mission.
Can I create viewpoints during a cleaning mission? No, you will have to wait until the cleaning mission is complete to create new viewpoints.
Do I have to have a smart customized map to use this feature? Yes, if you do not yet have a smart customized map, the feature will not be available to you.
What if I have multiple maps? During mission initiation, you can select the map your robot is currently operating in.
Can I send my robot to monitor a room that is not already mapped? During a remote check in mission, your robot will only be able to access spaces already mapped by your device.
Can I watch the video streaming as the robot drives to the camera zone? Yes, but it is default to off. To turn on the stream while the robot drives to the viewpoint, please tap the screen.
Who can see into my home? Only you can view the Roomba’s camera feed through the mobile app. This control and data storage is not accessible by anyone else, not even iRobot.
What are the privacy and security implications of this feature? What data do you capture? Is it secure? Your privacy is our priority. Our commitment to your data security has earned iRobot and the Remote Check-In feature the trusted TÜV SÜD Cyber Security Mark. When you start a remote check-in job, the live video stream is not stored or viewable by iRobot. Live-streaming image data is captured only when you initiate it by tapping on the camera icon to take a picture of what you see. Pictures taken are stored only on your phone’s camera roll if you granted access and in your app data, they are never sent to the cloud. Images are encrypted and only viewable by you through your mobile app. Your application data cache can be cleared manually by doing so in your account privacy settings, by factory resetting your device, by request through iRobot, or is done so automatically after 30 missions.
Where can I see the images I take during my remote check in mission? If you grant access, they will be stored in your phone’s camera roll. The other place to see them, by default, is within mission history.
Is there any physical indicator that the robot is streaming video? Yes – the robot’s light ring color will light up green and the robot will make an audible pinging noise to notify those within the home that the robot is actively engaging in a remote check in mission.
Are there specific network requirements for this feature? For optimum connectivity, please check your internet service provider (ISP) or router manufacturer for assistance with checking firewall settings and ensuring the following ports are open. Outbound hostname and port requirements
The least common denominator for hostname is *.kinesisvideo.*.amazonaws.com and port is 443. NOTE: routers that use symmetric NAT are not supported at this time. This applies to both the router from the home where the robot is located and, if applicable, the router the phone is connected to.
