What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
The best robot vacuums come with an efficient engine and a sturdy set of bristles or rollers. They also have large dustbins and an extended battery life.
Certain models map homes using smart mapping. They can stop to recharge, then resume cleaning where they stopped. They can even create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums because it helps them avoid hitting small objects such as shoes, socks, toys or cords that aren't found on the floor, but instead on furniture or other objects. The systems utilize cameras built into the system to identify objects that are in an AI database, and then teach the vacuum how to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of the surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to create an image) to ensure that it is away from obstacles.
Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are a newer addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They allow robots to better comprehend and identify what they encounter. This software works with a single or dual camera to see the world around them, and then analyzes it in real-time. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, such as shoes and cables.
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 the surrounding surfaces to create a real-time, 3-D map of the environment. This is helpful in the detection of furniture, walls and even stairs. However, it might not be as effective in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensor or cameras are utilized regardless of the camera or sensor used, a long-lasting battery is crucial to ensure that your robot will be able to complete the entire house without having to return to its dock to recharge. Choose a model that can run for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, depending on the dimensions of your living space.
Bases that Self-Empty
Some robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency that you must empty your bin. They are considered a premium feature and can increase the cost of a robotic vacuum cleaner.
The most effective robots have bases that are able to hold either bins or a removable dustbin. You can open it and empty it when it is full. This will save you time by reducing the amount of time you are occupied with deciding when to empty a dustbin.
You'll find self-emptying bases on all the robots featured in our review, with the exception of the basic Roomba I3+, which does not have one. It's a pity, since this robot is extremely efficient. It had the top mapping results of all the robots we tested, and also has superior navigation capabilities. It has a strong mower and docking system that can empty the water tank automatically when required.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance and digital keep-out zones, but it can get tangled up in rugs and cables, and it isn't able to detect rogue shoelaces or socks. That said, it's an excellent option for a small, well-maintained home.
Other strong points are its navigation system that includes bump sensors and drop sensors, as well as its ability to map out your whole house by using lasers and cameras. It is easy to use, has a range of options and settings and is a great choice for mowing or vacuuming. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled by voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it easier to use if have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to pick up the remote.
App Controls
Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi. This allows you to control them with your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful in large homes with multiple floors, where you may have to navigate your way through a staircase before the robot can come to the bottom. It also eliminates the need for a lengthy cord, allowing you to move furniture without having to worry about your robot getting caught in the cord or running out of energy during cleaning.
The app serves as a one-stop control center to monitor and schedule tasks. The app allows you to customize your robot cleaner's cleaning mode, power and water level settings. This feature is especially helpful in homes that have different types of flooring, including tiles and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and cleaning mode to clean each area.
Some models come with an integrated video camera that transmits a live feed directly to the application. These models are a good choice for pet owners or people with young children who need to monitor the robot while it's in operation. Some smart robots also have sensors that detect when they've reached the edges of a room and then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from taking over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces within your home.
auto vacuum can automatically empty the dustbin and even wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This minimizes the frequency of manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner performing well for a longer time. There is also a model that has an extended battery which allows you to avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums make use of sensors to navigate around your home and work on hard floors, such as laminate, wood, and tile as well as carpets with low pile and area rug. They are not a replacement to a full-size canister or upright cleaner, but offer excellent suction and a great way to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.
Sensors help the robot navigate your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. You can also set up physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual wall (like the ones used by Eufy) to stop the robot entering specific areas of your home. Some robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is getting close to running into an edge.
The type of navigational system that robot employs is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems are costly, but they deliver the most effective results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps aren't as precise and can miss some areas. They're good for avoiding major obstacles, but they can still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Choose a model that has a large dust bin and long battery life. You can also find models that recharge and resume the same place they left off after they dock, which can save you time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum, in addition to navigation, by prepping each cleaning session. Check that all power cords as well as toys and other debris are removed and away from the path of the robot, and empty the bin every cleaning. Also, clean the sensors and charging ports to ensure that the robot is healthy.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums create digital maps of your home's interior using mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It allows them to recognize different patterns, like carpets and hard floors and ensures that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Mapping also saves your robot from re-cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and reduces battery usage. A majority of top models let you save a map for future use. This is ideal for homes with large spaces.
Most robotic vacuums have some kind of obstacle avoidance technology that stops them from running over cords, socks, or shoes. These sensors do not always detect smaller items. Some time ago manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, which allowed them to identify and avoid household items that standard sensor systems couldn't. These include cliff and wall sensors, which operate by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to determine distances.
Some sensors are built directly into the robot's base, while others must be purchased separately. These sensors generally assist the robot to navigate in a safe manner, avoid falling down stairs, and stay clear of clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors that prevent the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system is a feature you should look for when purchasing 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's interior by bounces of infrared beams off your furniture and walls. This information can help it plan efficient paths and clear your entire house.