Neato’s cloud is shutting down, leaving its robovacs stuck in manual mode
In a significant development for former users of Neato Robotics, the company has officially ceased cloud support for its robot vacuum cleaners, effectively rendering the devices less functional. Two years after Neato closed its operations in 2023, customers have received emails notifying them that their vacuum cleaners will no longer be able to connect to the MyNeato app, which previously allowed for remote control and customization of cleaning routines. This decision comes from Vorwerk, the German company that acquired Neato in 2017, and it reflects the challenges of maintaining legacy systems in an evolving technological landscape.
In an email shared with The Verge, Neato Robotics explained that while they initially aimed to honor a five-year service commitment following the company’s closure, advancements in cybersecurity standards and compliance obligations have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the cloud services necessary for the vacuums to operate effectively. As a result, users will now find their Neato robovacs limited to manual operation, losing the convenience of app-based control and scheduled cleaning routines. This abrupt transition has left many customers frustrated, particularly given that just earlier this month, Neato had reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these devices for a full five years after shutting down.
The situation highlights a broader trend in the tech industry where companies must navigate the complexities of legacy product support amidst rapidly changing regulatory environments. Vorwerk’s decision to discontinue cloud services for Neato robovacs, despite previous assurances, underscores the difficulties companies face in maintaining outdated technology. As users grapple with the limitations of their once-smart devices, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable support and transparency from technology manufacturers. The Verge has reached out to Vorwerk for further comment, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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Two years after US-based Neato Robotics
closed up shop in 2023
, its robot vacuum cleaners have reached the end of the road (or rather, hallway). Users are receiving emails notifying them that their Neato robovacs will no longer have access to cloud services, meaning they can’t be controlled through the robots’ MyNeato app anymore.
In an email obtained by
The Verge
, Neato Robotics explained the decision to users, stating, “Since Neato ceased operations in 2023, Vorwerk has continued maintaining the Neato cloud platform to honor the original five-year service promise. However, cybersecurity standards, compliance obligations, and regulations have advanced in ways that make it no longer possible to safely and sustainably operate these legacy systems.”
The end of cloud support means Neato’s robovacs will now only work in manual mode, meaning no more customizing your routines or controlling your robot from the MyNeato app.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t exactly come as a surprise, since Neato, which
was acquired by Vorwerk
in 2017,
announced earlier this month
that it will be phasing out cloud services for its robovacs. This comes just two years after it
promised customers
it would continue to support the vacuums for five years.
The Verge
has reached out to Vorwerk for comment, and we will update this article if we get a response.
