What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The top robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful motor and a set of bristles or rollers that are tough. They also have decently sized dustbins and large battery life.
Certain models map homes with smart mapping, and can stop to recharge, and then resume cleaning where they stopped. They can even define no-go zones, and even identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums because it allows them avoid getting into small objects such as socks, toys, cords, or shoes that are not on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use a built-in camera to recognize objects that are listed in an AI database and then teach the vacuum how to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, including 3D Time of Flight, which sends light pulses into the room to measure distance and depth of objects, and 3D Structured Light, which emits a pattern of light onto the room and analyzes the light distortion to create a map to steer clear of obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to more easily identify and understand what they're observing. This software works with one or two cameras to view the world around them, and analyzes 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.
Certain models employ LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers, and determines the amount of time it takes for them to bounce off the surfaces around them in order to create an 3D map. This is able to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. However, it may not work in low lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensor or cameras are being used regardless of the camera or sensor, a long battery life is crucial to ensure that your robot is able to completely fill your home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Pick a model that has a battery life of at least 80 minutes, or longer depending on the size and shape of your home.
Self-Emptying Bases
Certain robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases. This could reduce the frequency at which you need empty your dustbin. They are considered premium feature and can increase the cost of a robotic vacuum cleaner.
The most effective robots have bases that can hold bins or a removable dustbin that you can easily open and empty when full. This can help you save time by reducing the amount of time spent worrying about when to empty the dustbin.
Self-emptying bases are found on all the robots we've reviewed in our review, with the exception of the basic Roomba I3+, which does not have one. It's a pity, since this robot is otherwise a very strong performer. It had the best mapping results out of all the robots we tested and has superb navigational abilities. It has a strong mower and docking system that can empty the water tank automatically when needed.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance technology and digital keep-out zone, but it can become tangled in rugs and cables, and is unable to see the stray shoelaces or socks. It's a great option for a small house which is well-maintained.
Its other strong points include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map the entire house with cameras and a laser. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of settings and modes, and performs well when mows or vacuuming. Its smart-home function allows it to be controlled with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. That can make it easier to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and do not want to carry the remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful in homes with multiple floors, where you might need to walk down a staircase before the robot is able to get to the bottom of it. This will eliminate the need for an extra long cord, allowing you to move furniture with no worries about the robot getting caught in it or running out power while cleaning.
The app acts as a one-stop control center to monitor and schedule tasks. The app also lets you modify your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning mode and levels of water. This feature is especially beneficial in homes with different flooring types -- for example, carpet and tile because you can designate the robot to clean each room with the appropriate power and mode.
Certain models come with a built-in camera that can send a live feed directly to the application. These models are a good choice for pet owners or people with young children who need to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Smart robots also use sensors to determine when they reach the edges of an area and return to their docking station. This prevents them from taking over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned the surfaces of your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and even wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and keeps the robot cleaner in good working order for a longer duration. You can also choose a model that has an extended battery that helps you avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums come with sensors that let them navigate through your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets and hard floors such as wood and tile. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size canister cleaner, but they provide excellent suction and are a great method to keep your floor clean between deep cleanings.
Sensors aid the robot in navigating your space by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. They also allow you to set virtual and physical "no-go" zones using a feature called boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by eufy) to prevent the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Certain robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is close to crossing an edge.
The kind of navigational system robot employs is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums employ LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area that ensure accurate navigation. These systems can be expensive however they deliver the most efficient results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps aren't as precise and can miss some areas. They're great for avoiding big obstacles, but they may still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Pick a model that has an extensive dust bin as well as long battery life. There are robot vacuum cleaner best that recharge and then resume where they left off when they dock to save time. In addition to navigation it is possible to get the most out of your robot vacuum by prepping for each cleaning session. Make sure that all power cords, toys and other debris are tucked away and away from the robot's path. Also, empty the bin between each cleaning. Also, clean the charging ports and sensors to keep the robot healthy.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums can create a digital map of your home's interior using mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It allows them to recognize different the different textures, like hard floors and carpets, and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also saves your robot from having to clean the same areas, which improves efficiency and can reduce battery consumption. A lot of high-end models allow you to save a map to be used in the future. This is perfect for homes with large spaces.
Most robotic vacuums come with some sort of obstacle avoidance technology that stops them from slamming into cords or socks or shoes. These sensors do not always detect smaller items. A few years ago, manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them detect and avoid household objects that standard sensor systems couldn't. These include wall and cliff sensors, which work by bouncing infrared light beams off of surfaces to calculate distances.
Some of these sensors are integrated in the robot's base while others require an additional attachment. These sensors aid the robot navigate in a safe manner and avoid falling down stairs, and stay away from clutter. Some models even include anti-drop sensors that prevent the robot from hitting walls and furniture.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available is a feature you should consider when purchasing the robot vacuum. It uses an ejector that spins on the robot to map your home. By bouncing infrared beams off of your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your space. This information then helps to plan efficient routes and also clean your home.