What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums have an efficient engine and a durable set of bristles or rollers. They also have large dustbins as well as a long battery life.


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

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums as it assists them in avoiding hitting small objects such as socks, shoes or toys that aren't in the floor but on furniture or other items. These systems use an inbuilt camera to detect objects that are listed in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which sends light pulses into the room to measure the distance and the 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 avoid obstacles.

A recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to recognize 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. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, which includes cables and shoes.

Some models use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits laser beams and measures the time it takes for them to bounce back at nearby surfaces to create a live, 3D map of the surrounding. This is helpful in finding furniture, walls, and even stairs. It might not be effective in dim light or with reflective or transparent objects.

Whatever cameras or sensors are employed it is crucial that your robot has a long battery life to be able to complete your home without having to return to the dock for recharge. Choose an option that runs for at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the size of your living space.

Bases that self-empty

Some robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency at which you need empty your dustbin. They are considered premium and add to the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.

The most effective robots have bases that hold either bins, or a dust bin that is removable. You can open the bin and empty it when full. This can reduce the amount of time that you spend worrying about when you should empty your bin and could make a big difference when you have a busy household.

The robots we examined have self-emptying bases, with the exception of the Roomba I3+. This is a shame since the robot performs extremely well. It had the best mapping results of all the robots we tested and it has excellent navigation capabilities. It also has a good mower power, as well as docking station that can automatically empty the water tank when needed.

It doesn't come with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones, though it is hung up on rugs and cables and can't see rogue socks and shoelaces. It's still an excellent choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.

Other strong points of the product include its aforementioned navigation technology, which includes drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map out the entire house with cameras and a laser. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of options and settings and is a great choice for mows or vacuuming. Another benefit is its smart-home connectivity, that allows it to function with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That can make it easier to use if have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to pick up a remote.

App Controls

Some robots connect to Wi-Fi. This allows users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful in homes with multiple floors, where you may have to navigate down a staircase before the robot can get to the bottom. It also eliminates the need for a long cord, which means you can move furniture without having to worry about the robot getting caught in the cord or running out of power during cleaning.

The app functions as a central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to modify the cleaning mode, power and water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is especially useful in homes with various types of flooring, like carpet and tile. You can assign the robot the right power and mode to clean every area.

Certain models have an inbuilt camera that can send live feeds to the app. These models are a great choice for pet owners or people with young children who want to monitor the robot as it works. Some smart robots utilize sensors to determine when they reach the edges of an area and return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned the surfaces within your home.

Some models can empty the dustbin automatically and even wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This minimizes the frequency of manual maintenance and keeps the cleaner running smoothly for a longer period of time. You can also pick an option with a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums are equipped with sensors that let them navigate through your home. They can work on area rugs, carpets, and hard floors such as wood and tile. They're not a replacement for a full-size, canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they do provide excellent suction for dust and dirt and are a fantastic way to keep the floor clean between deep cleanings using an upright machine.

Sensors let the robot navigate around your home, detecting obstacles, and avoiding falling off stairs. They also allow you to define physical and virtual "no-go" zones with boundaries or virtual walls (like the ones employed by Eufy) to block the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is about to crash into an obstacle.

The type of navigational system that the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to scan and map rooms, which ensures accurate and efficient navigation. These systems are costly however they give the best results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems are less precise and could miss some places. They're great for avoiding big obstacles, but they may still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Select a model with a an extensive dust bin as well as long battery life. There are models that recharge and then resume the same place they left off after they dock to help save time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum, as well as navigation, by prepping each cleaning session. Make sure that power cords, toys and other debris are kept out of the path of the robot, and empty the bin between each cleaning. Wipe down the charging port and sensors to ensure your robot is in good health.

Navigation

The most effective robot vacuums employ mapping technology to create an electronic map of your home during the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing the different the different textures, like hard and carpeted floors, and ensures that all areas are clean. It also prevents your robots from cleaning the same areas over and over again, which can improve efficiency and reduce the amount of battery used. A lot of high-end models allow you to save a map to use in the future. This is great for homes with large spaces.

Most robotic vacuums come with an obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from slamming into cords or socks, or shoes. However, these sensors don't always recognize smaller objects. A few years ago, manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, which allowed them to detect and avoid household objects that traditional sensors could not. These include wall and cliff sensors, which function by bouncing infrared light beams off of surfaces to determine distances.

Some of these sensors are integrated into the robot's base, while others require you to purchase a separate attachment. These sensors generally help the robot navigate safely, avoid falling down steps and keep clear of clutter. Some models come with anti-drop sensors, which automatically stop the robot from colliding with furniture and walls.

self cleaning vacuum mapping the most advanced navigation system available is a feature you should consider when buying the robot vacuum. This type of system uses a spinning laser sensor mounted on the top of the robot in order to map your home. It can map your home's layout by bouncing infrared beams off your furniture and walls. This helps to plan efficient routes and clean your entire home.