What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The most effective robot vacuums have an efficient engine and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also have adequate dustbins and large battery life.

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


Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums as it helps them avoid getting into small objects like socks, shoes, toys or cords that aren't in the floor but on furniture or other things. The systems utilize an integrated camera to detect objects in an AI database, and instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which sends light pulses into the room to determine distance and the depth of objects, and 3D Structured Light, which emits a pattern of light onto the room, analyzing the light distortion, to create a map, to avoid obstacles.

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

Some models use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits laser beams and measures the time it takes for them to bounce back off the surrounding surfaces to create a live, 3-D map of the surroundings. This is useful in the detection of furniture, walls and even stairs. However, it might not work as well in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.

Regardless of which sensor or cameras are used regardless of the camera or sensor used, a long-lasting battery is important to ensure that your robot will be able to complete an entire home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Look for models that can run for at least 80 minutes or more, based on the size of your living space.

Self-Emptying Bases

Certain robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases, which could reduce the frequency with which you have to empty your dustbin. They're considered to be a top feature and typically add to the overall price of the robot.

The best robots come with bases that can hold bins or a removable dustbin that is easy to open and empty when it's full. This can reduce the amount of time that you spend worrying about when you should empty your bin and could be a huge benefit if you have a high-mess household.

Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots we've reviewed in our review, with the exception of the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which does not have one. This is a shame, as this robot is an extremely strong performer. It had the best mapping results of all the robots we tested, and it has great navigation abilities. It has a strong mowing ability and a docking system that can empty the water tank on its own when it is needed.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance technology or digital keep-out zones, though it can get tangled over cables and rugs and is unable to see shoes and socks that aren't in order. That said, it's the perfect choice for a small, well-maintained home.

Other strengths include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and the ability to map your entire house using cameras and a laser. It's also easy to set up, offers many settings and modes, and provides an excellent performance in mowing and vacuuming. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled by voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. That can make it easier to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to grab the remote.

App Controls

Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled that allow users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This is especially useful in homes with several floors. It is possible that you will have to climb an escalator to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. It also removes the requirement for a long cord, allowing you to move furniture around without worrying about your robot getting tangled up in the cord or running out of power during cleaning.

The app is central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to customize your robot cleaner's power, cleaning modes and levels of water. This feature is particularly useful in homes that have different types of flooring, including tiles and carpet. You can assign the robot the right power and cleaning mode for each area.

Certain models have cameras built-in that send live feeds to the app. These models are ideal for pet owners as well as those with children who need to watch the robot while it functions. Other smart robots use sensors to detect when they've reached the edge 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 of the surfaces in your home.

Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and blow dry and wash mop heads in between cleaning sessions. This minimizes the frequency of manual maintenance and keeps the cleaner in good working order for a longer time. You can also choose one with a longer battery life that will allow you to avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums use sensors to navigate your home and work their magic on hard floors like wood, tile and laminate as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. They're not an alternative to a full-size, canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they offer great suction on dirt and dust and can be a great way to keep your floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with an upright machine.

Sensors enable the robot to navigate through your home by finding obstacles and avoiding falling on steps. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones by using boundary strips or a virtual walls (like those employed by Eufy), to prevent the robot entering specific areas of your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that alert you when your robot is set to fall into a cliff.

The type of navigational system that robot employs is determined by your budget and layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to scan and map rooms, which ensures accurate and efficient navigation. These systems are expensive however they give the best results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps are less precise and could miss certain places. They are great for avoiding major obstacles, but they can still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Look for a model with an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. You can also find models that recharge and then resume the same place they left off after they dock, which can save you time. You can maximize the use of your robot vacuum, in addition to navigation by prepping each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords as well as toys and other debris are kept out of the path of the robot, and empty the bin every cleaning. Also, clean the sensors and charging ports to keep the robot healthy.

automatic vacuum mapping technology to create digital maps of your home during the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize patterns like carpets or hard floors, and ensures all areas are cleaned. Mapping also saves your robot from cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and reduces the use of batteries. Many top models come with the option of saving the map of your home to be used in the future which is a great feature for larger homes.

Most robotic vacuums feature some form of obstacle avoidance that stops them from running into shoes, cords, or socks. However, these sensors don't always recognize smaller objects. In the past few years manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them detect and avoid household objects that conventional sensors couldn't. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that operate by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to determine distances.

Some of these sensors are integrated into the robot's base while others require an additional attachment. In general, these sensors help the robot navigate in a safe manner and avoid falling down steps, and stay clear of clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors that prevent the robots from hitting furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the latest and most advanced navigation technology and is an option to look for in robot vacuum. This system uses the spinning sensor on the robot to map your home. It can map your home by bouncing infrared rays off the walls and furniture. This information then helps it design efficient routes and clean your entire home.