What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful motor and a set of rollers or bristles that are durable. They also have large dustbins as well as a long battery life.
Some models use smart mapping to map homes, and they can pause, recharge and resume cleaning right where they stopped. They can set up zones that are not allowed to enter, and can identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums, because it allows them avoid crashing into small objects such as socks, toys, cords, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use cameras built into the system to identify objects that are listed in an AI database and then teach the vacuum how to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for instance, makes use of a variety of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to build a map) to effectively steer away from obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are a more recent addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They allow robots to understand and recognize what they come across. This software utilizes two cameras to look around and analyze it in real time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 types of objects including cables, shoes, and pet poop.
Certain models also employ LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back at the surrounding surfaces to create a real-time, 3D map of the surrounding. This can be used to detect walls, furniture, and even stairs. However, it may not be as effective in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.
No matter which cameras or sensors are employed it is crucial that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can complete your home without having to return to the dock for recharge. Choose a model with an endurance of at least 80 minutes or longer depending on the dimensions and layout of your home.
Self-Emptying Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases, which could decrease the frequency you must empty your bin. They are considered extra feature and increase the cost of a robot vac uum cleaner.
The most effective robots have bases that can either hold either a bin or a dustbin that is easy to open and empty when it's full. This can save you time by reducing the amount of time you spend worrying about the time to empty a bin.
Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots featured in our review, with the exception of the basic Roomba I3+, which doesn't have a self-emptying base. That's a shame, because the robot is extremely efficient. It had the best mapping results out of all the robots we tested and has excellent navigational abilities. It also has a good mower power and docking station that can automatically empty the water tank when it is required.
It doesn't have iRobot's advanced obstacle avoidance technology or digital keep-out zones, and it gets hung over cables and rugs and can't see the stray socks or shoelaces. However, it's an excellent option for a small, well-maintained house.
Other strong points of the product include its navigation technology, including bump sensors and drop sensors, and the ability to map out your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also simple to set up, comes with numerous settings and modes, and also offers excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another advantage is its smart-home functionality, that allows it to function using voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it easier to use if you have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to pick up an additional remote.
App Controls
Some robots connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them with your smartphone or tablet. This is especially useful in large homes that have multiple floors. You might have to climb an elevator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. It also eliminates the need for a long cord, so you can move furniture around without having to worry about your robot getting caught up in the cord or running out of power during cleaning.
The app is an important control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app allows you to customize the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is particularly useful in homes with various floor types, for example, carpet and tile, as you can designate the robot to clean each area with the correct power and mode.
Some models have an inbuilt camera that can send live feeds to the app. These models are great for pet owners as well as those with small children who wish to monitor the robot as it operates. Other smart robots use sensors to know when they've reached the edge of a space and return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the area and ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces of your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin, and wash and blow dries its mop heads in between cleaning sessions. This will reduce the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will work better over a longer period of time. There is also a model with an extended battery that helps you avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums come with sensors that allow them to navigate around your home. They can work on area rugs, carpets, and hard floors like wood and tile. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size canister cleaner, but offer excellent suction and are a great way to keep your floors clean in between deep cleanings.
Sensors help the robot navigate your home by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. They also allow you to create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with the feature known as boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones used by eufy) to prevent the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Certain robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is close to crossing an edge.
The type of navigation system the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems can be expensive, but they provide the most efficient results. Models that are budget-friendly with basic navigation bumps aren't as precise and may miss places. These models are adept at avoidance of major obstacles, but they may miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Look for a model with an extra-large dust container and a long battery life. There are models that can dock and recharge and then resume where they left off. This saves time. In addition to navigation it is possible to make the most of your robot vacuum by prepping for each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords and toys are kept away from the robot's path, and empty the bin after each cleaning. Wipe down the charging port and sensors to ensure your robot is in good health.
Navigation
The most effective robot vacuums employ mapping technology to create digital maps of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing textures such as hard or carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also prevents your robots from having to clean the same areas repeatedly to increase efficiency and decrease battery consumption. A lot of high-end models offer the option to save the map of your home to be used in the future which is a great feature for homes with larger spaces.
Most robotic vacuums come with an obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from slamming into cords, socks, or shoes. These sensors do not always detect small objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding more sensors to their robots, allowing them to detect and avoid household objects that conventional sensors couldn't. These include cliff and wall sensors, which operate by bouncing light beams infrared off of surfaces to determine distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated in the robot's base while others require an additional attachment. These sensors aid the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling down stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Certain models have anti-drop sensors that prevent the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system is a feature that you should look for when buying the 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 walls and furniture. This helps in planning efficient routes and clean your entire house.