Matic Robots Launches Voice-Controlled Firmware for Vacuum

Matic Robots Inc. launched Matic Cues, a firmware update that introduces full voice control to its consumer robot vacuum. The update allows users to command the device to follow them through a home or clean specific areas by pointing and saying "clean this."

To differentiate itself from lower-priced competitors such as Roborock and Anker, the Silicon Valley company integrated voice processing directly into the device. The system utilizes a Google Gemini API for language parsing while maintaining ambient sound processing on-device, removing the need for external smart home platforms.

This strategic move follows a July update to the Federal Communications Commission Covered List, which includes foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and creates potential US market restrictions for Chinese rivals. In addition to the software launch, the company announced that the price of its vacuum will increase to $1,495 in early September due to rising component costs.