What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful motor and a set of rollers or bristles that are durable. They also have decently sized dustbins and long battery life.
Some models map homes using smart mapping, and can be able to pause for recharge, and then clean up where they stopped. They can even set no-go zones and identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums as it helps them avoid hitting small objects such as socks, shoes, toys or cords that aren't on the floor but on furniture or other things. These systems use a built-in camera to recognize objects that appear in an AI database, and then teach the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, utilizes a mix of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to measure the distance and depth of nearby objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the room and then analyzing the distortion of light to create an image) to effectively steer clear of obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to recognize and understand what they're encountering. This software uses a single or double camera to view the world and analyze it in real time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, including shoes and cables.
Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers, and measures the time taken to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create a 3-D map. This is able to detect furniture, walls and even stairs. However, it may not work as well in dim lighting or with transparent or reflective objects.
No matter what cameras or sensors are employed, 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 recharge. Look for a model that can run for at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the size of your living area.
Bases that self-empty
Certain robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency at which you need empty your dustbin. They're considered to be a luxury feature, and usually add to the price of the robot.
The best robots have bases that can hold either a bin or a dustbin that is easy to open and empty when full. This can cut down on the amount of time you spend thinking about when to empty your bin and could be a huge benefit if you have a high-mess household.
Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots we've reviewed in our review, with the exception of the basic Roomba I3+, which doesn't have one. That's a shame, because this robot is an extremely strong performer. It had the best mapping results of all the robots that we tested, and also has superior navigational capabilities. It has a good mower, and it has a docking system that will empty the water tank on its own when it is required.
It doesn't have iRobot's advanced obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones it is hung up on rugs and cables and can't see the stray socks or shoelaces. That said, it's an excellent option for a small, well-maintained home.
Other strengths include its navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and drop sensors, as well as its ability to make your home a map using cameras and lasers. It is simple to use, comes with a variety of options and settings that are effective when cleaning or mowing. Another perk is its smart-home connectivity, which allows it to work 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 pick up an old-fashioned remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi compatible that allow you to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This is especially useful in homes with several floors. You may need to navigate down an elevator to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. This eliminates the need for an additional long cord so you can move your furniture without worrying about the robot becoming tangled in it or running out power while cleaning.
The app functions as central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to alter the cleaning mode, power and water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is especially useful inside homes that have various floor types, for instance, carpet or tile because you can designate the robot to clean every room using the appropriate power and mode.
Certain models come with an integrated video camera that transmits a live feed directly 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 functions. Other smart robot s have sensors that can detect when they've gotten to the edge of a room. They then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from taking over an area and also ensures that they've 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 helps reduce the need for manual maintenance and keeps the cleaner running smoothly for a longer period of time. You can also choose a model that has a longer battery life that helps you avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums utilize sensors to navigate your home and work on hard floors like laminate, wood, and tile as well as low pile carpets and area rugs. They're not the same as a full-size, canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they offer great suction on dust and dirt and are a fantastic way to keep the floor clean between deep cleanings with the traditional vacuum.
Sensors help the robot navigate your space by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or a virtual wall (like those used by Eufy) to stop the robot entering specific areas in your home. Certain robots have cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is about to crash into the edge of a cliff.
The type of navigational system that the robot uses is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems can be costly but they deliver the most efficient results. The budget models that have basic navigation bumps aren't as precise and can miss some areas. They are great for avoiding major obstacles, but they may still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Choose a model that has an enormous dust bin and long battery life. There are models that dock and recharge, then resume where they were when they left. This saves time. In addition to navigation, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that all power cords, toys, and other debris is removed of the robot’s path and empty the bin after each clean. Also, wipe down the sensors and charging ports to ensure that the robot is healthy.
Navigation
The top robot vacuums utilize mapping technology to create a digital map of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing the different textures of carpets or hard floors, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. The mapping also stops your robot from cleaning the same spots, which improves efficiency and can reduce the use of batteries. Many high-end models let you save maps for future use. This is ideal for large homes.
Most robotic vacuums feature some kind of obstacle avoidance that stops them from running into shoes, cords or socks. However, these sensors can't always detect small objects. In the past few years, manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them identify and avoid household items that standard sensor systems couldn't. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that function by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to determine distances.
Certain sensors are integrated directly into the robot's base while others need to be purchased separately. In general, these sensors aid the robot in navigating without danger and prevent falling down steps, and stay clear of clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors which prevent the robots from hitting furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available is a feature you should look for when purchasing the robot vacuum. It uses an ejector that spins on the robot to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off your walls and furniture it can determine the layout of your home. This helps in planning efficient routes and clean your entire house.