What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The top robot vacuums have a a powerful motor and a bristles or rollers that are tough. They also have large dustbins as well as a long battery life.
Some models use smart mapping to create maps of homes. They can stop, recharge and then clean up right where they stopped. They can set up zones that are not allowed to enter, and can recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a key feature of robot vacuums, as it helps them avoid crashing into small objects such as cords, toys, socks or shoes that aren't on the floor, but instead on furniture. These systems use a built-in camera to recognize objects that are in an AI database and then teach the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which transmits light waves into the room to determine the distance and depth of objects and 3D Structured Light, which beams a pattern onto the space, and then analyzes the light distortion, to create a map to steer clear of obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are more recent addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They allow robots to better understand and identify what they encounter. This software uses cameras that are either double or single to look around and analyze it in real time. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, which includes cables and shoes.
Certain models employ LiDAR for navigation. This technology emits laser beams and measures the time it takes them to bounce back off the surrounding surfaces to create a live, 3-D map of the environment. This is able to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. It might not work in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensors or cameras are used, it is important that your robot has a long battery lifespan to be able to complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock for recharging. Look for an option that runs for at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the dimensions of your living space.
Bases that self-eliminate
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This can decrease the frequency that you need empty your dustbin. They're considered to be a top feature and typically add to the cost of a robot.
The most effective robots have bases that can either house a bin or a removable dustbin that you can easily open and empty when it's full. This will reduce the amount of time you spend thinking about when to empty your trash bin and can make a big difference in the case of a messy household.
All of the robots we tested have self-emptying bases. The only exception is the Roomba I3+. That's a shame, because this robot is an extremely strong performer. It got the best results in mapping of all the robots that we tested, and it has excellent navigation abilities. It also has excellent mower power, as well as docking stations which can automatically empty the water tank whenever needed.
It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance or digital keep-out zones, though it is hung up on cables and rugs and is unable to see rogue socks and shoelaces. It's an excellent choice for a small house which is well-maintained.
Other strong points include its navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and a drop sensor, and the ability to make your home a map using cameras and lasers. It is simple to use, has many settings and modes, and performs well when mowing or vacuuming. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled by voice commands made using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it easier to operate in the event that you own several tablets or smartphones, and don't wish to purchase a traditional remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled that allow you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful for homes with 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, which means you can move furniture around without worrying about your robot getting tangled up in the cord or running out of power during cleaning.
The app functions as an important control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app also lets you modify your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning mode and levels of water. This feature is particularly useful in homes that have different flooring types, such as tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and mode to clean each floor.
Certain models have cameras built-in that send a live feed to the app. These models are great for pet owners as well as those with small children who want to keep an eye on the robot as it operates. Some smart robots also have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edges of a room, and return to their base to dock. This prevents them from overrunning the area and ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces in your home.
Certain 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 robot cleaner in good working order for a longer duration. You can also choose a model with an extended battery that helps you avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that allow them to navigate through your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs as well as hard floors like wood and tile. They're not an alternative to an actual upright or canister vacuum cleaner, but they do provide excellent suction for dust and dirt and can be a great way to keep the floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with an upright machine.
Sensors aid the robot in navigating your space by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also let you create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with a feature called boundary strips 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 crossing an edge.
The type of navigation system the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and home layout. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums use LiDAR-based sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring accurate and efficient navigation. These systems can be expensive, but they provide the most effective results. The budget-friendly models that have basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and may miss certain places. These models are adept at getting around obstacles, but they can fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and a long battery lifespan. There are also models that recharge and then resume the same place they left off after they dock to help save 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. Check that all power cords, toys, and other debris is tucked out of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each cleaning. Also, clean 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 helps them recognize textures, such as carpets and hard floors, and ensures that all areas are clean. It also stops your robots from having to clean the same areas again and can increase efficiency and decrease battery consumption. Many high-end models have the option to save the map of your house for future use which is ideal for larger homes.
Most robotic vacuums have an obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from running over cords or socks or shoes. However, these sensors don't always recognize smaller objects. Some time ago, manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, which allowed them to identify and avoid household items that conventional sensors couldn't. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that function by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to calculate distances.
Some of these sensors are built into the robot's base, while others require you to purchase a separate attachment. These sensors help the robot to move safely and avoid falling down stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Certain models also have anti-drop sensors, which automatically stop the robot from hitting furniture or walls.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available is a feature that you should consider when purchasing robot vacuum. This kind of system makes use of a spinning laser sensor mounted on the top of the robot in order to map your home. It can map your home's interior by bounces of infrared rays off the walls and furniture. This information then helps it plan efficient paths and also clean your home.