What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums come with a powerful motors and a set of rollers or bristles that are durable. They also have large dustbins and long battery life.
Some models map homes using smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, and then pick up cleaning where they left off. They can even define no-go zones, and even identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a key feature of robot vacuums, because it allows them to avoid running into small objects like socks, toys, cords or shoes that are not on the floor, but on furniture. The machines use a built-in camera to recognize objects that are in an AI database and then teach the vacuum how to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which sends light pulses 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 distortion of light to build a map to avoid obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are newer addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They allow robots to understand and recognize what they come across. The software makes use of cameras that are either double or single to observe the world and analyze it in real-time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects, including cables, shoes and pet poop.
Some models also use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits laser beams and measures the amount of time it takes for them to bounce back at surrounding surfaces to create a live 3-D map of the surroundings. This can be used to identify furniture, walls and even stairs. It might not be effective in dim lighting or with transparent or reflective objects.
Regardless of which sensor or cameras are being used, a good battery life is essential to ensure that your robot is able to completely fill your home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Select a model that has an extended battery life of at least 80 minutes, or longer depending on the dimensions and shape of your home.
Self-Emptying Bases
Certain robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency you need empty your dustbin. They are considered to be a premium feature and can increase the price of a robotic vacuum cleaner.
The most effective robots have bases that hold either bins or a dust bin that is removable. You can open it and empty it when it is full. This can cut down on the amount of time you spend worrying about when you should empty your trash bin and can make a big difference if you have a high-mess household.
All the robots we reviewed have self-emptying bases. The only exception is the Roomba I3+. This is a pity because the robot performs extremely well. It got the best mapping results of all the robots we tested and it has superb navigating abilities. It also has excellent mowing power and docking station that automatically empty the water tank when required.
It doesn't come with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones it can get tangled over cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect the stray socks or shoelaces. However, it's the perfect choice for a small, well-maintained home.
Other strengths include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and the ability to map out your entire home using cameras and a laser. It is easy to use, has a range of options and settings that are effective when cleaning or mowing. Another perk is its smart-home connectivity that allows it to function with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it easier to operate in the event that you own multiple tablets or smartphones and don't wish to purchase the traditional remote.
App Controls
Some robots connect to Wi-Fi. This allows you to control them using your smartphone or tablet. This feature is particularly beneficial in large homes with multiple floors, where you might have to navigate down a staircase before the robot can come to the bottom of it. It also removes the need for a lengthy cord, allowing you to move furniture freely without worrying about your robot getting tangled up in the cord or running out of energy during cleaning.
The app functions as central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app lets you modify your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning mode and levels of water. This feature is especially useful in homes with various floor types, for instance, carpet and tile, as you can set the robot to clean each room using the appropriate power and mode.
Certain models have cameras built-in that send a live feed to the app. These models are perfect for pet owners as well as those with children who need to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Other smart robots have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edge of a room and then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from taking over an area and ensures they've cleaned all surfaces within your home.
Certain models automatically empty the dustbin, and blow dry and wash its mop heads in between cleaning sessions. self cleaning vacuum eliminates the necessity for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will work better for longer. You can also choose an option with a longer battery life that will allow you to avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums utilize sensors to navigate your home and work on hard floors, such as laminate, tile, and wood as well as low pile carpets and area rugs. They're not a substitute to an upright or full-size cleaner, but offer excellent suction and a fantastic way to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.
Sensors aid the robot in navigating your space by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also allow you to define physical and virtual "no-go" zones with a feature called boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones used by eufy) to prevent the robot from entering certain areas of your home. Some robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is close to crossing an edge.
The type of navigational system that the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring accurate and efficient navigation. These systems can be costly but provide the most effective results. Budget-friendly models with rudimentary bump navigation systems are less precise and can miss spots. They're good for avoiding major obstacles, but they could still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Pick a model that has an enormous dust bin and long battery life. There are also models that recharge and resume the same place they left off after they dock to help save time. You can get the most value from your robot vacuum, as well as navigation, by preparing each cleaning session. Check that all power cords, toys, and other debris is removed of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each clean. Also, clean the sensors and charging ports to keep the robot in good health.
Navigation
The top robot vacuums create a digital mapping of your home's interior using mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing patterns like hard or carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also prevents your robot from cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and reduces battery usage. A lot of high-end models allow you to save a map for future use. This is great for large homes.
The majority of robotic vacuums come with some kind of obstacle avoidance that keeps them from crashing into shoes, cords, or socks. However, these sensors can'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. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to calculate distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated in the robot's base while others require an additional attachment. These sensors generally help the robot navigate without danger and prevent falling down steps and avoid clutter. Some models even include anti-drop sensors that prevent the robot from colliding with furniture or walls.
LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system is a feature you should consider when buying the robot vacuum. This kind of system makes use of the spinning laser sensor that is placed on top of the robot to map your home. By bouncing infrared beams off of furniture and walls it is able to determine the layout of your space. This helps in planning efficient routes and clean your entire home.