The best robot vacuums come with a powerful engine and a sturdy set of bristles or rollers. They also have large dustbins and large battery life.
Certain models map homes using smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then pick up cleaning where they left off. They can also set no-go zones and identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature of robot vacuums, because it allows them avoid getting into small objects such as cords, toys, socks, or shoes that are not on the floor, but instead on furniture. The machines use a built-in camera to recognize objects that are listed in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to determine 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 an image) to effectively steer away from obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to more easily identify and comprehend what they're facing. This software uses one or two cameras to see the world around them and analyzes it in real time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, which includes shoes and cables.
Some models use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back from the surrounding surfaces to create a live, 3-D map of the surroundings. This is able to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. It may not work well in low light or with transparent or reflective objects.
Whatever sensors or cameras are used It is essential that your robot has a long battery life to be able to complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock for recharge. Choose a model with a battery life of at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the dimensions and layout of your home.
Self-Emptying BasesSome robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This can decrease the frequency that you need empty your dustbin. They are considered premium feature and can increase the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.
The best robots come with bases that can either house a bin or a removable dustbin that you can easily open and empty when it's full. This will save you time by reducing the amount of time you are occupied with deciding the time to empty a bin.
You'll find self-emptying bases on all the robots featured in our review, except for the basic Roomba I3+, which doesn't have one. That's a shame, because this robot is otherwise a very strong performer. It had the best results in mapping of all the robots we tested, and it has superb navigation abilities. It has a strong mowing ability and a docking system that allows you to empty the water tank on its own when it is it is required.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance and digital keep-out zone, however it can become tangled in cables and rugs, and is unable to see shoes or socks that are not in good order. It's a great option for a small house that is well-maintained.
Other strong points of the product include its navigation technology, which includes drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also easy to set up, offers numerous settings and modes, and provides excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another benefit is its smart-home functionality, that allows it to function with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to use if you own several tablets or smartphones, and don't wish to buy an old-fashioned remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled which allows you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly beneficial in large homes that have several floors. You might require navigating down an elevator 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 becoming tangled in it or running out of power when cleaning.
The app functions as an important control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app allows you to alter the power, cleaning mode and water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is especially useful in homes that have different types of flooring, including carpet and tile. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and mode to clean each floor.
Certain models have a built-in camera that transmits live feeds to the app. These models are a great option for pet owners or those with children who need to monitor the robot while it's working. Other smart robots have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edges of a room, and return to their base to dock. This stops them from overrunning an area and makes sure they've cleaned all surfaces within your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and even blow dry and wash its mop heads between cleaning sessions. This eliminates the requirement for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will work better over a longer period of time. You can also find models with an extended battery duration which allows you to avoid the hassle of mid-cleaning recharges.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that allow them to navigate around your home. They can work on carpets, area rugs as well as hard floors like tile and wood. They're not a substitute to an upright or full-size cleaner, but offer excellent suction and a fantastic method to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.
Sensors aid the robot in navigating your space by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones using boundary strips or virtual wall (like those employed by eufy) to prevent the robot from entering certain areas within your home. Some robots come with cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is set to run into the edge of a cliff.
The kind of navigation system that the robot employs is contingent on your budget and layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems are costly, but provide the most efficient results. Models that are budget-friendly with basic navigation bumps aren't as precise and could miss certain places. These models are effective in avoidance of major obstacles, but they may miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. There are models that dock and recharge, then resume where they stopped. This will save you time. In addition to navigation, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that power cords and toys are kept away from the robot's path, and empty the bin every cleaning. Cleanse the sensors and charging port to ensure your robot is in good health.
Navigation
The top robot vacuums can create a digital map of your home with mapping technology in the initial cleaning session. It helps them recognize textures, such as carpets and hard floors and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also prevents your robot from having to clean the same spots, which improves efficiency and may reduce the use of batteries. A majority of top models let you save the map to be used in the future. This is ideal for large homes.
The majority of robotic vacuums come with some form of obstacle avoidance that stops them from running into shoes, cords, or socks. However, these sensors don't always recognize smaller objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding more sensors to their robots, allowing them detect and avoid household objects that conventional sensors couldn't. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to determine distances.
Some of these sensors are built into the robot's base, while others require an additional attachment. These sensors help the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling down stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Certain models also include anti-drop sensors that prevent the robot from hitting furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping is the newest and most advanced navigation technology and it's something you should look for in robot vacuum. This kind of system utilizes a spinning laser sensor mounted on the top of the robot to map your home. It can map your home's layout by bouncing infrared rays off your walls and furniture. This information helps it plan efficient routes and clear your entire house.
