What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The top robot vacuums have a powerful motors and a set of bristles or rollers that are tough. They also come with large dustbins and an extended battery life.
Certain models map homes using smart mapping. They can be able to pause for recharge, then pick up cleaning where they stopped. They can also set up zones that are not allowed to enter, and can determine the different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums, since it allows them avoid getting into small objects like cords, toys, socks or shoes that are not on the floor, but on furniture. These systems use an inbuilt camera to detect objects that are listed in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, utilizes a mix of sensors including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of nearby objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the space and analyzing the light distortion to build an image) to ensure that it is away from obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to recognize and comprehend what they're facing. This software utilizes two cameras to observe the world and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, including cables and shoes.
Some models use LiDAR for navigation. This technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back from surrounding surfaces to create a real-time, 3-D map of the environment. This can be used to detect walls, furniture and even stairs. It may not work well in dim light or with transparent or reflective objects.
No matter what cameras or sensors are utilized, it is important that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock for recharge. Choose a model that can run for at least an hour or more, based on the size of your living area.
Bases that self-eliminate
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases, which could reduce the frequency with which you have to empty your dustbin. They are considered premium and add to the cost of a robotic vacuum cleaner.
The best robots come with bases that hold either bins, or a removable dustbin. You can open it and empty it when it is full. This can cut down on the amount of time that you spend worrying about when you should empty your bin and could make a big difference in the case of a messy household.
All the robots we reviewed have self-emptying bases, except the Roomba I3+. This is a pity because this robot is extremely efficient. It had the top mapping results of all the robots we tested and has superb navigation capabilities. It also has excellent mowing power and docking station which can automatically empty the water tank when required.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance technology and digital keep-out zone, but it can become tangled in cables and rugs and is unable to see rogue shoelaces or socks. It's still an excellent choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.
Other strengths are its navigation system that includes bump sensors and a drop sensor, and the ability to create a map of your entire home by using lasers and cameras. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of settings and modes that are effective when cleaning or mowing. Its smart-home function allows it to be controlled by voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can make it easier to operate in the event that you own multiple tablets or smartphones and don't wish to buy a traditional remote.
App Controls
Certain robots come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control them using your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial in homes with several floors. It is possible that you will require navigating down an escalator to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. This removes the need for an extra long cord so you can move furniture without worrying about the robot getting caught in it or running out of power when cleaning.
The app is a central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app lets you modify the cleaning mode, power and the water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is especially helpful in homes that have multiple flooring types, such as tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and mode to clean each area.
Some models have cameras built-in that send live feeds to the app. These models are a great choice for pet owners and those with children who wish to keep an eye on the robot while it's in operation. Other smart robots come with sensors that detect when they've reached the edge of a room. They then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from encroaching on an area and also ensures that they have cleaned all surfaces within your home.
Some models can empty the dustbin on their own and even wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This reduces the necessity for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will perform better over a longer period of time. You can also find a model with a longer battery life, which helps you avoid the hassle of mid-cleaning recharges.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs, and hard floors such as wood and tile. They're not the same as the full-size canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they offer great suction on dirt and dust. They can be a great method of keeping the floor clean between deep cleanings with an upright machine.
Sensors help the robot navigate your space by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also let you create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with boundaries or virtual walls (like the ones used by Eufy) to block the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Certain robots have cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is set to fall into an obstacle.
The type of navigational system the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan areas to ensure precise navigation. These systems are expensive however they provide the best results. The budget models that have basic navigation bumps aren't as precise and can miss some areas. They're good for avoiding major obstacles, but they may still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Choose a model with an extra-large dust container and a long battery lifespan. You can find models that dock and recharge, then resume where they stopped. This saves time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that all power cables, toys, and other junk is cleared from the robot's path. Then empty the bin after each cleaning. Clean the sensors and charging port to keep your robot healthy.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums create digital maps of your home with mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It helps them recognize textures, such as hard and carpeted floors, and ensures that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Mapping also prevents your robot from cleaning the same areas that improves efficiency and reduces battery consumption. Many high-end models let you save a map for future use. This is perfect for homes with large spaces.
Most robotic vacuums feature some form of obstacle avoidance that keeps them from crashing 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 detect and avoid household items that standard sensor systems couldn't. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that function by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to determine distances.
Certain sensors are built directly into the robot's base, while others need to be purchased separately. These sensors assist the robot to navigate safely, avoid falling on stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Some models even include anti-drop sensors that prevent the robot from colliding with walls and furniture.
LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system available, is a feature you should consider when buying the robot vacuum. The system makes use of a spinning sensor mounted on the robot to map out your home. By scattering infrared beams across furniture and walls it can determine the layout of your home. This helps in planning efficient routes and also clean your entire home.