I picked up a Roborock E4 a few years back, both because it was relatively cheap and a couple thorough reviews indicated it was one of the better devices out there. I initially spent a couple hours trying (and failing) to connect it to the Android app, only to discover (out of frustration) that pressing the start button on the unit would clean just fine! I was absolutely relieved that it wouldn't be uploading anything anywhere, the only "downside" was that I couldn't indicate which areas/rooms to ignore, although I'm not sure that would have mattered much since I constantly move things around.

I have no idea if any other models run without smartphone/tablet setup but if so, that would potentially eliminate any privacy issues ;)

Maybe it's time to create a public spreadsheet with a list of models that run without a smartphone, and potentially any downsides to doing so...

Yes, assuming this isn't vaporware. They're supposed to start shipping in March. https://maticrobots.com

Edited to add this quote from the website:

Matic's intelligence is localized on the device, and it never sends any of your data to the cloud for processing. That means no user information is ever sold, shared, or even collected in the first place.

https://valetudo.cloud is a project which allows you to use many vacuums without connecting to the cloud.

Not directly. Valetudo exists though, it's a custom firmware you can flash to a lot of different models that is privacy focused.

It doesn't even have to be a privacy angle, but complexity. There is nothing I would actually want a robot vacuum to do that requires a network connection, and few things that would even benefit from it (e.g. makes firmware updates easier, which you mostly shouldn't have to/want to do anyway).

I bet 99% people of who buy privacy invading products do not care. Yes, I know that HN loves to go on and on about privacy invasion. Yes, many educated people will tell you that they don't like companies monetising their personal info and habits, but if you watch their actions, they do not care.

Probably not, because that is a niche interest. We both know that. I’m not salty about it. But come on, get off the soapbox.