Alissa Loyau

What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The most effective robot vacuums come with a an efficient motor and a set of bristles or rollers that are durable. They also have large dustbins and a long battery life.

Certain models map homes using smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then pick up cleaning where they left off. They can also set up no-go zones, and recognize different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums, because it allows them avoid crashing into small items like socks, toys, cords, or shoes that are not on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to detect objects in an AI database, and teach the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, utilizes a mix of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to build a map) to efficiently steer clear of obstacles.

A new 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 works with cameras that are either dual or single to see the world around them, and analyzes it in real time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 types of objects, including cables, shoes, and pet poop.

Certain models employ LiDAR for navigation. The technology emits lasers and measures the time taken to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create an 3D map. This is useful for finding furniture, walls, and even stairs. It might not work in dim light or with transparent or reflective objects.

Whatever sensor or cameras are used regardless of the camera or sensor, a long battery life is essential to ensure that your robot can complete the entire house without needing to return to its dock to recharge. Look for a model that can run for at least an hour or more, based on the size of your living space.

Bases that self-eliminate

Certain robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases, which could decrease the frequency you need to empty your trash. They are considered premium feature and can increase the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.

The most effective robots have bases that can either house either a bin or a dustbin that is easy to open and empty when full. This can cut down on the amount of time that you spend worrying about when to empty your trash bin and can make a big difference when you have a busy household.

Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots we've reviewed in our review, with the exception of the basic Roomba I3+, which doesn't have a self-emptying base. This is a pity because this robot performs very well. It had the top mapping results of all the robots that we tested, and also has superior navigation capabilities. It also has good mower power, as well as a docking station which can automatically empty the water tank if needed.

It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance technology and digital keep-out zone, however it can get tangled up in cables and rugs, and it isn't able to detect shoes or socks that are not in good order. It's a great option for a small house that's well-maintained.

Other highlights include its navigation technology that includes bump sensors and a drop sensors, as well as its ability to map out your whole house using cameras and lasers. It is easy to use, has a range of settings and modes that are effective when cleaning or mowing. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled via voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. That can make it simpler to use if you have multiple tablets or smartphones and do not want to carry the remote.

App Controls

Certain robots come with Wi-Fi connectivity which allows users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This convenience is especially helpful in homes with multiple floors, where you may need to walk down a flight of stairs before the robot is able to get to the bottom. This eliminates the need for an additional long cord, allowing you to move furniture with no worries about the robot getting tangled in it or running out of power when automated cleaning.

The app acts as a single-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 multiple floor types -- for instance, carpet and tile, as you can set the robot to clean each area using the appropriate power and mode.

Certain models come with a built-in video camera that sends a live feed directly to the application. These models are a great choice for pet owners and people with young children who need to monitor the robot while it's working. Other smart robot robots have sensors that can detect when they've reached the edge of a room and then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from overrunning the area and ensures that they've cleaned all 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 cleaner running smoothly for a longer period of time. You can also pick a model with a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums use 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 rugs. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size cleaner, but offer excellent suction and a great way to keep your floor clean between deep cleanings.

Sensors aid the robot in navigating your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual wall (like those used by eufy) to stop the robot from entering certain areas of your home. Certain robots have cliff sensors that alert you when your robot is about to crash into a cliff.

The type of navigation system the robot uses depends on your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring accurate and efficient navigation. These systems can be expensive however they give the most effective results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps are less precise and can miss some spots. They are great for avoiding major obstacles, but they can still fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Choose a model that has an extensive dust bin as well as long battery life. You can find models that dock and recharge, then resume where they left off. This can save time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by prepping for each cleaning session. Check that all power cables as well as toys and other debris is tucked out of the path of the robot and empty the trash bin after each cleaning. Cleanse the charging port and sensors to keep your robot healthy.

Navigation

The best robot vacuum reviews vacuums use mapping technology to create digital maps of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize patterns like carpets or hard floors and ensures all areas are cleaned. It also stops your robots from cleaning the same areas repeatedly, which can improve efficiency and reduce battery consumption. Many high-end models have the option of saving the map of your home to use in the future, which is great for larger homes.

Most robotic vacuum cleaner best vacuums feature some form of obstacle avoidance that keeps them from crashing into shoes, cords or socks. These sensors are not always able to detect small objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding more 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 function by bouncing light beams infrared off surfaces to calculate distances.

Certain sensors are built directly into the robot's base, while others must be purchased separately. These sensors assist the robot to move safely, avoid falling on steps, and keep away from clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors that automatically stop the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the newest and most advanced technology for navigation, and it's an option to look for in a robot vacuum. The system makes use of the spinning sensor on the robot to map your home. By scattering infrared beams across your walls and furniture it can determine the layout of your home. This information can help it plan efficient paths and clear your entire house.