What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums come with a powerful engine and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and an extended battery life.
Certain models map homes using smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then resume cleaning where they have left off. They can also create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums, as it helps them avoid getting into small objects such as cords, toys, socks, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to identify objects in an AI database, and teach 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 determine the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the space and analyzing the light distortion to create an image) to ensure that it is clear of obstacles.
A more recent addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to more easily identify and comprehend what they're facing. The software makes use of two cameras to look around and analyze it in real time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects such as shoes, cables and pet poop.
Some models use LiDAR for navigation. The technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes for them to bounce back off the surrounding surfaces to create a live 3D map of the surrounding. This is helpful in the detection of furniture, walls and even stairs. It may not work well in low light or with reflective or transparent objects.
No matter which cameras or sensors are employed, it is important that your robot has a long battery lifespan so that it can complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock for recharging. Choose a model that can run for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, based on the dimensions of your living space.
Self-Emptying Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency you have to empty your trash. They are considered extra feature and increase the price of a robotic vacuum cleaner.
The best robots come with bases that can either house either a bin or a dust bin that you can open and empty when full. This can help you save time by cutting down on the time spent worrying about when to empty the dustbin.
You'll find self-emptying bases on all the robots we've reviewed in our review, except for the basic Roomba I3+, which doesn't have a self-emptying base. It's a pity, since this robot is a very strong performer. It had the best mapping results out of all the robots we tested and has excellent navigation capabilities. It has a good mower, and it has a docking system that will empty the water tank on its own when it is it is required.
It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones, though it can get tangled over cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect shoes and socks that aren't in order. It's a great choice for a smaller home which is well-maintained.
Other strong points of the product include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and the ability to map your entire home using cameras and a laser. It's also simple to set up, offers many settings and modes, and also offers excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another benefit is its smart-home connectivity, that allows it to function using voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it simpler to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to pick up a remote.
App Controls
Some robots connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them with your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful in large homes with multiple floors, where you might have to navigate your way through a staircase before the robot can come to the bottom. This eliminates the need for an additional long cord to move your furniture without worrying about the robot getting 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 also lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning modes and levels of water. This feature is particularly useful in homes with different flooring types -- for example, carpet and tile because you can designate the robot to clean each area using the appropriate power and mode.
Some models have a built-in video camera that sends live video directly to the app. These models are ideal for pet owners and those with children who need to watch the robot while it operates. Smart robots also use sensors to detect when they are near the edges of a space, and then return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all the surfaces in your home.
Certain models can empty the dustbin on their own and even wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This eliminates the necessity for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will function better for longer. You can also select an option that has a longer battery life which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharge.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums are equipped with sensors that let them navigate through your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets, and hard floors such as tiles and wood. They're not an alternative to a full-size canister or upright cleaner, but they provide excellent suction and are a great way to keep your floors clean in between deep cleanings.
Sensors assist the robot in navigating your space by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones using boundary strips or a virtual walls (like those employed by Eufy) to prevent the robot entering specific areas of your home. Certain robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is getting close to crossing an edge.
The type of navigational system the robot uses is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan areas, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems are expensive however they give the most effective results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps are less precise and could miss certain spots. These models are adept at avoidance of major obstacles, but they may fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Look for a model with an extra-large dust container and a long battery life. You can also find models that recharge and resume where they left off after they dock to save time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by prepping for each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords and toys are removed and away from the robot's path, and empty the bin after each cleaning. Cleanse the charging port and sensors to keep your robot healthy.
Navigation
The most effective robot vacuums create a digital mapping of your home's interior using mapping technology in the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing patterns like carpets or hard floors and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also prevents your robot from cleaning the same areas, which improves efficiency and may reduce battery consumption. A majority of top models allow you to save a map to use in the future. This is great for large homes.
Most robotic vacuums come with some sort of obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from running over cords or socks or shoes. However, these sensors can't always detect small objects. In the past few years manufacturers began adding more sensors to their robots, allowing them to detect and avoid household items that traditional sensors could not. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to determine distances.
Certain sensors are built directly into the robot base, while others must be purchased separately. These sensors generally help the robot navigate without danger and avoid falling down steps, and stay clear of clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors that automatically stop the robot from colliding with furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system is a feature that you should consider when buying the robot vacuum. It uses the spinning sensor on the robot to map your home. By bouncing infrared beams off of furniture and walls it can determine the layout of your room. This helps it plan efficient paths and also clean your home.