What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums come with an efficient engine and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and a long battery life.
Certain models map homes using smart mapping, and can pause to recharge and then clean up where they left off. They can also create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums as it assists them in avoiding hitting small objects such as shoes, socks or toys, or even cords that aren't found on the floor, but instead on furniture or other objects. The systems utilize an integrated camera to recognize objects in an AI database, and then instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for instance, makes use of a variety of sensors, including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of nearby objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to create a map) to effectively steer away from obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are a more recent innovation in robot obstacle avoidance. They enable robots to understand and identify what they encounter. This software utilizes cameras that are either double or single to observe the world and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, such as shoes and cables.
Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers, and determines the amount of time it takes for them to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create a 3-D map. This is useful for the detection of furniture, walls and even stairs. It might not work in dim light or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensors or cameras are used it is crucial that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can last the duration of your home without having to return to the dock to recharge. Look for an option that runs for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, depending on the size of your living area.
Bases that Self-Empty
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This could reduce the frequency you have to empty your trash. They're considered to be a luxury feature and typically add to the price of a robot.
The most effective robots have bases that can either hold bins or a removable dust bin that you can open and empty when full. This will save you time by reducing the amount of time spent worrying about when to empty the dustbin.
You'll find self-emptying bases on all the robots in our review, except for the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which does not have one. This is a pity because this robot performs very well. It had the best mapping results of all the robots we tested and has excellent navigational capabilities. It also has good mower power and a docking station that can automatically empty the water tank whenever it is required.
It doesn't have iRobot's advanced obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones, though, and it gets hung up on rugs and cables and doesn't have the ability to detect the stray socks or shoelaces. It's an excellent choice for a small house that is well-maintained.
Other strengths include its aforementioned navigation technology, including bump sensors and drop sensors, and its ability to map out your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also easy to set up, comes with numerous settings and modes, and provides an excellent performance in mowing and vacuuming. Another benefit is its smart-home connectivity, which enables it to work with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to use if have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to pick up the remote.
App Controls
Some robots connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them using your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful in homes with several floors. You might require navigating down a staircase to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. This will eliminate the need for an extra long cord, allowing you to move furniture without worrying about the robot getting tangled in it or running out of power when cleaning.
The app serves as an important control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app lets you alter the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is especially beneficial in homes with various floor types, for instance, carpet and tile -- because you can designate the robot to clean every room with the appropriate power and mode.
Certain models come with an integrated video camera that transmits live feeds directly to the app. These models are ideal for pet owners as well as those with children who need to watch the robot while it operates. Some smart robots also have sensors that detect when they've reached the edge of a room and then return to their base to dock. This stops them from sweeping over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all the surfaces of your home.
Certain models can empty the dustbin automatically and even wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This minimizes the frequency of manual maintenance and keeps the cleaner performing well for a longer period of time. You can also choose an option with a longer battery life which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that let them navigate through your home. They can work on carpets, area rugs and hard floors such as tiles and wood. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size cleaner, but they provide excellent suction and a great way to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.
Sensors assist the robot in navigating your home by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also allow you to set virtual and physical "no-go" zones using boundaries or virtual walls (like the ones used by Eufy) to stop the robot from entering certain areas of your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when the robot is getting close to crashing into an edge.
The kind of navigational system the robot uses is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums use LiDAR sensors to map and scan areas, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems can be expensive however they deliver the best results. Budget-friendly models with rudimentary bump navigation systems are less precise and may miss certain areas. These models are effective in avoiding major obstacles but can fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Look for robotvacuummops with an extra-large dust bin as well as a long battery lifespan. There are models that can dock and recharge, then resume where they stopped. This saves time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by making sure you have everything ready for each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords, toys and other debris are kept away from the robot's path. Also, empty the bin between each cleaning. Clean the charging port and sensors to keep your robot healthy.
Navigation
The most effective robot vacuums employ mapping technology to create an electronic map of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It helps them recognize patterns, like hard and carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also saves your robot from having to clean the same areas that improves efficiency and can reduce battery consumption. Many high-end models let you save maps for future use. This is perfect for homes with large spaces.
Most robotic vacs have some form of obstacle avoidance that prevents them from running into cords, shoes, or socks. However, these sensors can't always detect small objects. In the past few years manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them to detect and avoid household objects that standard sensor systems couldn't. These include cliff sensors as well as wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to calculate distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated into the robot's base, while others require an additional attachment. These sensors assist the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling down stairs, and stay away from clutter. Certain models also include anti-drop sensors that will stop the robot from colliding with walls and furniture.
LiDAR mapping is the latest and most advanced navigation technology and is something you should look for in a robot vacuum. It uses a spinning sensor mounted on the robot to map your home. It can map your home's layout by bouncing infrared rays off your furniture and walls. This information can help it design efficient routes and clean your entire home.