What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums feature an efficient engine and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and a long battery life.
Some models use smart mapping to identify homes, and they can stop, recharge and then resume cleaning right where they left off. They can also set up no-go zones and also recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums, as it helps them avoid getting into small objects like cords, toys, socks, or shoes that are not on the floor, but on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to recognize objects in an AI database, and instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to measure the distance and depth of the surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to create a map) to ensure that it is away from obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to more easily identify and understand what they're encountering. The software works with cameras that are either dual or single to view the world around them, and analyzes it in real time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects, including shoes, cables and pet poop.
Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back from nearby surfaces to create a real-time, 3D map of the surrounding. This is helpful in detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It might not work in low light or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensor or cameras are used regardless of the camera or sensor, a long battery life is essential to ensure that your robot will be able to complete an entire home without having to return to its dock to recharge. Select a model that has an endurance of at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the dimensions and layout of your home.
Bases that self-eliminate
Certain robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases, which can reduce the frequency you need to empty your trash. They're considered a premium feature, and usually add to the price of the robot.
The best robots come with bases that can hold bins, or a removable dustbin. You can open it and empty it once full. This can help you save time by cutting down on the time you spend worrying about the time to empty a bin.
All of the robots we tested have self-emptying bases. The only exception is the Roomba I3+. This is a shame, as the robot is a very strong performer. It had the top mapping results out of all the robots we tested and has superb navigational abilities. It also has a good mowing power and docking stations that automatically empty the water tank when needed.
It lacks iRobot’s advanced obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, however it is prone to getting caught in cables and rugs and it isn't able to detect the stray shoelaces or socks. It's a great choice for a smaller home that is well-maintained.
Other strengths include its navigation technology that includes bump sensors and drop sensor, and the ability to create a map of your entire home using cameras and lasers. It's also easy to set up, has many settings and modes, and provides excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another advantage is its smart-home connectivity which allows it to work using voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to operate in the event that you own several tablets or smartphones, and don't wish to purchase the traditional remote.
App Controls
Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi, which allows you to control them with your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial in homes with several floors. It is possible that you will require navigating down an elevator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. This removes the need for an additional long cord so you can move furniture without worrying about the robot getting caught in it or running out power when cleaning.
The app is a central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app also lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning mode and water level settings. This feature is particularly useful in homes with different flooring types -- for example, carpet and tile -- because you can assign the robot to clean each room with the correct power and mode.
Some models come with an inbuilt camera that can send a live feed to the app. These models are a good option for pet owners or those with children who want to keep an eye on the robot while it's in operation. Other smart robots come with sensors that can detect when they've gotten to the edge of a room, and return to their base to dock. This prevents them from encroaching on an area and makes sure they have cleaned all surfaces in your home.
Some models can empty the dustbin on their own and wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This will reduce the requirement for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will work better for a longer time. You can also select a model with a longer battery life which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums come with sensors that allow them to navigate around your home. They can work on carpets, area rugs and hard floors like tile and wood. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size cleaner, but provide superior suction and a great method to keep your floor clean in between deep cleanings.
vacuum deals aid the robot in navigating your space by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. You can also set up virtual and physical "no go" zones using boundary strips or a virtual walls (like those used by eufy) to prevent the robot entering specific areas of your home. Some robots come with cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is about to fall into the edge of a cliff.
The type of navigational system that the robot uses is determined by your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan areas, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems are costly, but they deliver the most efficient results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps are less precise and may miss areas. These models are effective in avoidance of major obstacles, but they may be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Select a model with a a large dust bin and long battery life. You can find models that dock and recharge and then pick up where they stopped. This will save you time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum, in addition to navigation, by prepping each cleaning session. Make sure that all power cords as well as toys and other debris is removed of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each cleaning. Also, wipe down the charging ports and sensors to keep the robot healthy.
Navigation
The top robot vacuums utilize mapping technology to create a digital map of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize textures such as carpets or hard floors, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also stops your robots from cleaning the same areas repeatedly, which can improve efficiency and reduce battery consumption. Many high-end models have the option of saving the map of your house to use in the future which is ideal for larger homes.
The majority of robotic vacuums have some kind of obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from slamming into cords, socks, or shoes. These sensors are not always able to detect smaller items. Manufacturers began adding sensors to robots around a year ago. They were able to detect and avoid household objects that sensors could not. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that function by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to determine distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated into the robot's base while others require a separate attachment. These sensors assist the robot navigate in a safe manner and avoid falling off stairs, and stay away from clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors, which will stop the robot from crashing into walls and furniture.
LiDAR mapping is the latest and most advanced navigation technology and is a feature that you should look for in the robot vacuum. This kind of system makes use of the spinning laser sensor that is placed on the top of the robot in order to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off furniture and walls, it can sense the layout of your room. This helps it design efficient routes and clear your entire house.