What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuum s have an engine that is powerful and a sturdy set of bristles or rollers. They also have decently sized dustbins and large battery life.
Certain models map homes with smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then pick up cleaning where they stopped. They can create zones that are not allowed to enter, and can recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums as it helps them to avoid running into small objects like socks, toys, cords or shoes that are not on the floor, but instead on furniture. These systems employ 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 example, utilizes a mix of sensors, including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to determine the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights across the room and then analyzing the light distortion to create a map) to effectively steer away from obstacles.
A recent addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to recognize and understand what they're encountering. The software makes use of a single or double camera to look around and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, such as shoes and cables.
Certain models employ LiDAR for navigation. The technology emits lasers and measures the time taken to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create a 3-D map. This is helpful in detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. However, it might not work as well in low lighting or with transparent or reflective objects.
Whatever sensor or cameras are being used, a good battery life is important to ensure that your robot is able to complete an entire home without having to return to its dock to recharge. Look for an option that runs for at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the dimensions of your living space.
Self-Emptying Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This can decrease the frequency you have to empty your trash. They're considered a premium feature and typically add to the price of a robot.
The best robots come with 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 decreasing the amount of time spent worrying about when to empty a dustbin.
All the robots we reviewed have self-emptying bases, with the exception of the Roomba I3+. This is a pity because the robot performs extremely well. It has the best results in mapping of all the robots that we tested, and it has great navigation capabilities. It also has excellent mower power and a docking station that automatically empty the water tank when it is required.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, but it can get tangled up in cables and rugs and it isn't able to detect rogue shoelaces or socks. That said, it's an excellent choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.
Other strengths include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map your entire house using cameras and laser. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of options and settings that are effective when mowing or vacuuming. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can make it easier to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and do not want to carry a remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly beneficial for homes with several floors. You may require navigating down an escalator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. This will eliminate the need for an extra long cord so you can move your furniture without worrying about the robot getting caught in it or running out power when cleaning.
The app serves as a one-stop control center for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app lets you modify the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is especially helpful in homes that have multiple types of flooring, like carpet and tile. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and cleaning mode to clean every area.
Some models have cameras built-in that send a live feed to the app. These models are a good choice for pet owners and people with young children who want to monitor the robot while it's working. Other smart robots have 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 even wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and keeps the cleaner in good working order for a longer period of time. You can also select a model that has a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums utilize sensors to navigate around your home and work their magic on hard floors, such as laminate, wood, and tile as well as low pile carpets and area rug. They're not an alternative to an actual canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they offer excellent suction on dust and dirt and can be a great way to keep the floor clean between deep cleanings using a traditional machine.
Sensors help the robot navigate your home by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create physical and virtual "no go" zones using boundary strips or a virtual walls (like those employed by Eufy) to prevent the robot entering specific areas in your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when the robot is close to running into an edge.
The kind of navigation system that the robot employs is contingent on your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems are costly, but they deliver the most effective results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and can miss places. These models are effective in avoiding major obstacles but can miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Select a model with a an enormous dust bin and long battery life. There are also models that can recharge and resume where they left off when they dock, which can save you time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum, in addition to navigation, by prepping each cleaning session. Check that all power cords or toys, as well as other debris is removed from the robot's path. Then empty the bin after each clean. Also, clean the charging ports and sensors to ensure that the robot is healthy.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums create a digital mapping of your home using mapping technology in the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing the different the different textures, like hard and carpeted floors, and ensures that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Mapping also saves your robot from re-cleaning the same spots which increases efficiency and reduces battery usage. A lot of high-end models let you save the map for future use. This is great for large homes.
Most robotic vacuums come with an obstacle avoidance technology that stops them from tripping over cords, socks, or shoes. However, these sensors do not always detect smaller objects. Manufacturers began adding sensors to robots around a year ago. This enabled them to recognize and avoid household objects that traditional sensors could not. These include wall and cliff sensors, which work by bouncing infrared light beams off of surfaces to determine distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated in the robot's base while others require an additional attachment. In general, these sensors aid the robot in navigating safely and avoid falling down steps, and stay clear of clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors that automatically stop the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping is the newest and most advanced navigation technology and it's an option to look for in a robot vacuum. The system makes use of an ejector that spins on the robot to map out your home. It can map your home's layout by bouncing infrared beams off your furniture and walls. This helps to plan efficient routes and also clean your entire house.