Annie Coombes

What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The most effective robot vacuum deals vacuums are equipped with powerful motors and a bristles or rollers that are durable. They also have large dustbins and a long battery life.

Certain models map homes with smart mapping, and can pause to recharge and then resume cleaning where they left off. They can set up zones that are not allowed to enter, and can recognize different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums as it allows them to avoid getting into small objects like socks, shoes or toys, or even cords that aren't found on the floor but on furniture or other things. These systems use a built-in camera to recognize objects that appear 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 beams a pattern onto the space, and then analyzes the light distortion, to create a map to steer clear of obstacles.

A more recent addition to the arsenal of obstacle avoidance is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to more easily identify and comprehend what they're facing. The software makes use of a single or double camera to look around and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, which includes cables and shoes.

Some models also use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits lasers and measures the time taken to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create a 3-D map. This can be used to detect walls, furniture and even stairs. It might not be effective in dim light or with transparent or reflective objects.

Whatever sensor or cameras are used, a good battery life is crucial to ensure that your robot will be able to completely fill your home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Choose a model with an extended battery life of at least 80 minutes, or more, depending on the dimensions and shape of your home.

Bases that self-eliminate

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

The best robots come with bases that hold either a bin, or a removable dustbin. You can open it and empty it when full. This will reduce the amount of time you're thinking about when to empty your trash bin and can make a big difference in the case of a messy household.

Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots in our review, with the exception of the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which doesn't have one. This is a shame since this robot performs very well. It got the best smart vacuum results in mapping of all the robots that we tested, and it has superb navigation abilities. It also has excellent mower power, as well as docking stations which can automatically empty the water tank if it is required.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance technology or digital keep-out zones, though it is hung over cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect rogue socks and shoelaces. It's a great choice for a small house that's well-maintained.

Other strengths include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, as well as its ability to map out your entire house using cameras and laser. It is easy to use, has a range of settings and modes that are effective when mows or vacuuming. Another perk is its smart-home connectivity which enables it to work with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and 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 which allows you to control them using your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial in large homes that have several floors. It is possible that you will have to climb a staircase to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. This removes the need for an extra long cord, allowing you to move your furniture without worrying about the robot becoming tangled in it or running out of power while cleaning.

The app acts as a single-stop control center for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to customize your robot cleaner's cleaning mode, power and levels of water. This feature is especially useful for homes with different types of flooring, including tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the right power and mode to clean every area.

Certain models come with a built-in video camera that transmits live video directly to the application. These models are ideal for pet owners and those with small children who wish to watch the robot while it operates. Other smart robots use sensors to determine when they reach the edges of a space and return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces within your home.

Certain models can automatically empty the dustbin and wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will work better over a longer period of time. You can also select one with a longer battery lifespan which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums come with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs and hard floors like wood and tile. They're not an alternative to an actual canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they do offer excellent suction on dirt and dust and are a fantastic way to keep your floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with a traditional machine.

Sensors aid the robot in navigating your home by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. They also allow you to create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with a feature called boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by Eufy) to block the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Certain robots have cliff sensors which alert you when your robot is set to crash into the edge of a cliff.

The type of navigational system the robot uses is determined by your budget and home layout. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums use LiDAR-based sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems are expensive however they provide the best results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps aren't as precise and could miss certain spots. These models are effective in avoiding major obstacles but can miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.

Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and a long battery lifespan. There are models that recharge and dock and then resume where they stopped. This can save time. You can get the most value from your robot vacuum, in addition to navigation, by making sure that you are prepared for each cleaning session. Check that power cords as well as toys and other debris are tucked away and away from the robot's path. Also, empty the bin every cleaning. Cleanse the sensors and charging port to keep your robot healthy.

Navigation

The most effective robot vacuums employ mapping technology to create a digital map of your home during the initial cleaning session. It helps them to recognize the different textures of carpets or hard floors, and ensures that all areas are clean. The mapping also stops your robot from cleaning the same spots which increases efficiency and may reduce battery consumption. A lot of high-end models offer the option to save the map of your home to be used in the future which is ideal for homes with larger spaces.

Most robotic vacs have some form of obstacle avoidance, which stops them from running into shoes, cords or socks. However, these sensors can't always detect small objects. Manufacturers added sensors to robots in the past few years. They were able to detect and avoid household objects that sensors could not. These include cliff and wall sensors, which function by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to determine distances.

Some of these sensors are built into the robot's base, while others require you to purchase an additional attachment. These sensors generally help the robot navigate in a safe manner, avoid falling down stairs and keep clear of clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors that prevent the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the most recent and most advanced technology for navigation and is a feature that you should look for in a robot vacuum. This kind of system utilizes the spinning laser sensor that is placed on the top of the robot to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off furniture and walls it is able to determine the layout of your space. This helps to plan efficient routes and clean your entire house.