What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The top robot vacuums are equipped with an efficient motor and a set of bristles or rollers that are tough. They also have large dustbins and large battery life.
Some models use smart mapping to create maps of homes. They can stop, recharge and then resume cleaning right where they stopped. They can even create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums, as it helps them avoid crashing into small objects such as cords, toys, socks or shoes that are not on the floor, but on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to detect objects in an AI database, and instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which sends light pulses into the room to measure 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 avoid obstacles.
A recent addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to recognize and comprehend what they're facing. The software works with cameras that are either dual or single to observe the world around them, and analyzes it in real time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, including shoes and cables.
Some models utilize LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes for them to bounce back from the surrounding surfaces to create a live 3D map of the surrounding. This can be used to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. It may not work well in dim lighting or with transparent or reflective objects.
No matter which sensors or cameras are used It is essential that your robot has a long battery life to be able to complete a home without having to return to the dock for recharging. 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 Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases. This could reduce the frequency you must empty your bin. They're considered to be a top feature and typically add to the price of the robot.
The best robots have bases that can either hold bins or a removable dust bin that you can open and empty when it's full. This can cut down on the amount of time that you spend thinking about when to empty your dustbin and can make a significant difference if you have a high-mess household.
All of the robots we tested have self-emptying bases, except the Roomba I3+. This is a shame because this robot is extremely efficient. It has the best mapping results of all the robots that we tested, and it has excellent navigation capabilities. It has a strong mower and docking system that can empty the water tank on its own when it is needed.
It lacks iRobot’s advanced obstacle avoidance and digital keep-out zone, however it can become tangled in rugs and cables, and cannot see rogue shoelaces or socks. That said, it's the perfect choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.
Its other strong points include its aforementioned navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and drop sensors, and the ability to map your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also easy to set up, has a wide variety of settings and modes, and offers excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another advantage is its smart-home functionality, that allows it to function with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and do not want to carry an additional remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi compatible that allow users to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial for homes with multiple floors. You may need to navigate down an elevator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. This eliminates the need for an additional long cord so you can move furniture with no worries about the robot becoming tangled in it or running out power while cleaning.
The app serves as a single-stop control center for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app lets you modify the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is particularly beneficial in homes with various floor types, for example, carpet and tile because you can set the robot to clean each room using the appropriate power and mode.
Some models come with a built-in camera that transmits live feeds to the app. These models are great for pet owners and people with small children who want to watch the robot while it operates. Other smart robots use sensors to know when they are near the edges of a space and return to their docking station. This prevents them from encroaching on an area and ensures they've cleaned every surface in your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner running smoothly for a longer time. You can also pick a model with a longer battery life that will allow you to avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharge.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums come with sensors that allow them to navigate around your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets and hard floors such as tile and wood. They're not an alternative to the full-size canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they do offer excellent suction on dirt and dust. They are a fantastic way to keep your floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with the traditional vacuum.
Sensors aid the robot in navigating your space by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also set up physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual wall (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 navigational system the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring accurate and efficient navigation. These systems are expensive, but they provide the most efficient results. The budget-friendly models that have basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and could miss some areas. They're good for avoiding major obstacles, but they may still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Choose a model that has an enormous dust bin and long battery life. You can also find models that recharge and then resume where they left off when they dock to save time. In robotic vacuum cleaners to navigation and cleaning, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that power cords and toys are tucked away and out of the path of the robot, and empty the bin every cleaning. Cleanse the sensors and charging port to ensure that your robot is healthy.
Navigation
The most effective robot vacuums can create a digital map of your home with mapping technology during the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize the different textures of carpets or hard floors and ensures all areas are cleaned. Mapping also saves your robot from re-cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and reduces the use of batteries. A lot of high-end models offer the option to save a map of your house to use in the future which is ideal for larger homes.
Most robotic vacuums have some kind of obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from tripping over cords, socks, or shoes. The sensors don't always detect smaller items. Manufacturers began adding sensors to robots a few years ago. This enabled them to detect and avoid household objects that traditional sensors could not. These include cliff and wall sensors, which function by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to calculate distances.
Some sensors are built directly into the robot base, however, others require being purchased separately. In general, these sensors aid the robot in navigating in a safe manner and prevent falling down steps and avoid clutter. Certain models have anti-drop sensors that automatically stop the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available is a feature you should look for when purchasing the robot vacuum. This type of system uses the spinning laser sensor that is placed on the top of the robot to map your home. It can map your home by bouncing infrared beams off your furniture and walls. This helps in planning efficient routes and clear your entire home.