The difference between the Roborock S8 model and a variant with a large docking station (e.g. Ultra-Dock) lies mainly in the automatic functions of the docking station and the associated convenience.

Differences and advantages and disadvantages:

- Automatic dust emptying: models with a large docking station (Ultra-Dock) automatically empty the dust container after each cleaning, which greatly reduces the amount of maintenance required. Although the standard model also has automatic emptying, the Ultra-Dock usually offers a larger capacity and longer intervals without manual emptying.

- Automatic mop washing and drying: The large docking station can clean and dry the mop itself, which is not possible or only possible to a limited extent with the standard model. This increases hygiene and saves time.

- Automatic tank refilling: Some large docking stations refill the water tank automatically, which is not possible with smaller stations.

- Size and space requirements: The large docking station is significantly larger (e.g. approx. 43 x 51 x 45 cm) and requires more floor space than the standard charging station.

- Price: Models with a large docking station are generally more expensive, but offer more automation and convenience.

- The suction power, navigation and robot functions remain similar for both variants, the main difference lies in the extended functions of the docking station.

To summarise, the large docking station offers more automation (dust emptying, mop cleaning, tank filling) and therefore less manual maintenance, but requires more space and is more expensive. The standard model is more compact and less expensive, but requires more manual intervention during cleaning and maintenance.