What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful motor and a set of bristles or rollers that are durable. 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 clean up where they have left off. They can create no-go zones and also recognize different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums as it helps them to avoid running into small objects such as cords, toys, socks, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but instead on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to recognize objects in an AI database, and then instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to measure the distance and depth of surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the space and analyzing the light distortion to build a map) to efficiently steer away from obstacles.

A recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to more easily identify and understand what they're observing. The software works with cameras that are either dual or single to see the world around them, and analyzes it in real time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, which includes cables and shoes.

Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits lasers and measures the time taken for them to bounce off surrounding surfaces in order to create a 3-D map. This is useful for detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It might not be effective in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.

Whatever sensors or cameras are used it is crucial that your robot has a long battery lifespan so that it can last the duration of your home without having to return to the dock for recharge. Look for an option that runs for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, based on the size of your living area.

Self-Emptying Bases

Some robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases, which could reduce the frequency you need to empty your trash. They are considered to be a premium and add to the price of a robotic vacuum cleaner.


The most effective robots have bases that can either house a bin or a removable dust bin that you can open and empty when full. This will reduce the amount of time you're worrying about when to empty your trash bin and can make a significant difference in the case of a messy household.

The robots we examined have self-emptying bases, with the exception of the Roomba I3+. That's a shame, because the robot is a very strong performer. It has the best results in mapping of all the robots that we tested, and it has superb navigation abilities. It has a good mowing ability and a docking system that will empty the water tank on its own when it is it is required.

It doesn't have iRobot's advanced obstacle avoidance technology or digital keep-out zones it can get tangled up on rugs and cables and is unable to see shoes and socks that aren't in order. It's still an excellent choice for a small, well-maintained home.

Other strong points of the product include its aforementioned navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also simple to set up, has many settings and modes, and provides excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Its smart-home functionality allows it to be controlled by voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it simpler to use if you have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to grab an additional remote.

App Controls

Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi. This allows you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful in homes with a lot of floors, in which you may have to navigate your way down a flight of stairs before the robot can get to the bottom of it. It also eliminates the requirement for a long cord, allowing you to move furniture without having to worry about your robot getting caught up in the cord or running out of power while cleaning.

The app functions as a central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to customize the cleaning mode, power and water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is especially helpful for homes with various flooring types, such as tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and cleaning mode for each floor.

Certain models come with a built-in video camera that can send a live feed directly to the app. These models are a good option for pet owners or people with young children who want to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Some smart robots utilize sensors to determine when they are near the edges of a space, and then return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the area and ensures that they've cleaned the surfaces of your home.

Certain models automatically empty the dustbin, and wash and blow dries its mop heads in between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner in good working order for a longer duration. You can also choose one with a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharge.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums come with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs as well as hard floors like wood and tile. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size cleaner, but offer excellent suction and are a great way to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.

Sensors assist 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 a virtual walls (like the ones used by eufy), to prevent the robot entering specific areas in your home. Some robots come with cliff sensors that alert you when your robot is set to crash into an obstacle.

The kind of navigation system that the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums use LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area to ensure precise navigation. These systems can be costly but they deliver the most effective results. The budget models that have basic navigation bumps aren't as precise and can miss some spots. These models are effective in getting around obstacles, but they can miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.

Look for a model with an extra-large dust bin as well as a long battery life. There are also models that can recharge and resume the same place they left off after they dock to save time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that all power cables or toys, as well as other debris is removed of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each clean. Wipe down the sensors and charging port to ensure your robot is in good health.

Navigation

The best robot vacuums create digital maps of your home with mapping technology in the initial cleaning session. It helps them recognize patterns, like hard floors and carpets and ensures that all areas are clean. Mapping also saves your robot from cleaning the same areas, which improves efficiency and may reduce battery consumption. robotic vacuum cleaner best -end models allow you to save the map to use in the future. This is great for large homes.

The majority of robotic vacuums come with some form of obstacle avoidance that stops them from running into shoes, cords, or socks. The sensors don't always detect smaller items. A few years ago, manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them to identify and avoid household items that conventional sensors couldn't. These include wall and cliff sensors, which operate by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to determine distances.

Certain sensors are integrated directly into the robot's base however, others require being purchased separately. They generally assist the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling down stairs and avoid clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors that prevent the robots from hitting furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system is a feature that you should consider when purchasing robot vacuum. This type of system uses a spinning laser sensor mounted on top of the robot to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your space. This helps in planning efficient routes and also clean your entire house.