What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums come with an engine that is powerful and a durable set of bristles or rollers. They also have large dustbins and an extended battery life.
Some models map homes using smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then resume cleaning where they have left off. They can create zones that are not allowed to enter, and can identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums because it helps them avoid hitting small objects such as socks, shoes or toys, or even cords that aren't in the floor, but instead on furniture or other objects. These systems use an integrated camera to recognize objects in an AI database, and teach the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to determine the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights across the room and analyzing the light distortion to build an image) to efficiently steer away from obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are a newer addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They enable robots to understand and recognize what they come across. This software uses cameras that are either dual or single to view the world around them and then analyzes it in real-time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 types of objects, including shoes, cables and pet poop.
Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers, and analyzes the time it takes for them to bounce off surfaces in order to create a 3-D map. This is helpful in detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It may not work well in low light or with reflective or transparent objects.
No matter which sensors or cameras are used, it is important that your robot has a long battery life to be able to complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock to recharge. Select a model that has a battery life of at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the size and shape of your home.
Self-Emptying Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases, which could reduce the frequency with which you need to empty your bin. They are considered a premium feature and can increase the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.
The best robots come with bases that hold either a bin, or a movable dustbin. It is possible to open it and empty it when full. This will reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about when to empty your bin and could make a significant difference in the case of a messy household.
The robots we examined have self-emptying bases. The only exception is the Roomba I3+. This is a shame because this robot is extremely efficient. It had the best mapping results of all the robots we tested, and it has great navigation capabilities. It also has excellent mowing power and a docking station that can automatically empty the water tank if needed.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, but it is prone to getting caught in cables and rugs, and cannot see the stray shoelaces or socks. It's a great option for a smaller home which is well-maintained.
Its other strong points include its aforementioned navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and drop sensors, and its ability to map out the entire house with cameras and a laser. It's also simple to set up, comes with a wide variety of settings and modes, and provides excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another advantage is its smart-home connectivity which enables it to work with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it easier to use if you own multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to buy an old-fashioned remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing users to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful in large homes that have several floors. You may require navigating down an escalator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. It also eliminates the need for a long cord, so you can move furniture freely without having to worry about the robot getting caught in the cord or running out of energy during cleaning.
The app serves as a single-stop control center to monitor and schedule tasks. The app also lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning modes and the water level settings. This feature is particularly useful in homes with multiple floor types -- for instance, carpet or tile because you can assign the robot to clean each area with the correct power and mode.
Some models have cameras built-in that send a live feed to the app. These models are a great option for pet owners or parents of children who need to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Some smart robots utilize sensors to detect when they reach the edges of a space and return to their docking station. This prevents them from taking over an area and also ensures that they have cleaned all surfaces in your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and even blow dry and wash mop heads between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner running smoothly for a longer period of time. You can also select a model with a longer battery lifespan, which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that allow them to navigate through your home. They can work on area rugs, carpets and hard floors such as wood and tile. They're not the same as an actual upright or canister vacuum cleaner, but they do offer great suction on dust and dirt and are a fantastic way to keep the floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with an upright machine.
Sensors assist the robot in navigating your home by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also let you set virtual and physical "no-go" zones with a feature called boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by Eufy) to stop 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 running into an edge.
The kind of navigational system the robot uses is determined by your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to map and scan rooms, which ensures accurate and efficient navigation. These systems are expensive but provide the most effective results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems are less precise and can miss spots. They are great for avoiding major obstacles, but they can still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Choose a model with an extra-large dust bin and a long battery lifespan. There are models that can dock and recharge and then pick up where they stopped. This saves time. In addition to navigation, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords, toys and other debris are tucked away and away from the robot's path. Also, empty the bin between each cleaning. Clean the sensors and charging port to ensure your robot is in good health.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums can create a digital map of your home's interior using mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing the different textures of carpets or hard floors, and ensures all areas are cleaned. Mapping also prevents your robot from re-cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and reduces battery usage. Many top models come with the option to save the map of your home for future use which is a great feature for homes with larger spaces.
Most robotic vacuums have an obstacle avoidance system that stops them from running over cords or socks, or shoes. These sensors are not always able to detect small objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them identify and avoid household items that conventional sensors couldn't. These include cliff sensors as well as wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to calculate distances.
Some of these sensors are built in the robot's base while others require a separate attachment. These sensors help the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling off stairs, and stay away from clutter. Some models even come with anti-drop sensors, which will stop the robot from hitting walls and furniture.
LiDAR mapping is the newest and most advanced technology for navigation and it's a feature that you should look for in the robot vacuum. This kind of system utilizes 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 to plan efficient routes and clear your entire house.