What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The top robot vacuums have an engine that is powerful and a sturdy set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and a long battery life.

Some models use smart mapping to identify homes, and they can stop, recharge and then resume cleaning right where they left off. They can also set up no-go zones, and identify different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums since it helps them avoid hitting small objects such as shoes, socks, toys or cords that aren't found on the floor but on furniture or other things. The systems utilize cameras built into the system to identify objects that are in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum how to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, such as 3D Time of Flight, which transmits light waves into the room to determine the distance and depth of objects and 3D Structured Light, which emits a pattern of light onto the room, analyzing the distortion of light to create a map to steer clear of obstacles.

A new addition to the arsenal of obstacle avoidance is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to better identify and understand what they're encountering. The software makes use of two cameras to look around and analyze it in real-time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 types of objects such as shoes, cables and pet poop.

Some models use LiDAR for navigation. This technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes for them to bounce back off nearby surfaces to create a real-time, 3-D map of the surroundings. This is useful in detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It might not be effective in low light or with reflective or transparent objects.

Whatever sensor or cameras are used regardless of the camera or sensor used, a long-lasting battery is crucial to ensure that your robot is able to completely fill your home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Look for models that can run for at least an hour or more, based on the size of your living space.

auto vacuum cleaner that self-eliminate

Some robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases that can reduce the frequency with which you must empty your dustbin. They are considered to be a extra feature and increase the price of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

The most effective robots have bases that can either hold bins or a removable dustbin that you can easily open and empty when it's full. This can reduce the amount of time you're worrying about when you should empty your trash bin and can be a huge benefit when you have a busy household.


All the robots we reviewed have self-emptying bases, except the Roomba I3+. This is a shame, as the robot is extremely efficient. It got the best results in mapping of all the robots we tested, and it has superb navigating abilities. It has a good mower and docking system that will empty the water tank on its own when it is needed.

It lacks iRobot’s advanced obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, but it is prone to getting caught in cables and rugs and is unable to see rogue shoelaces or socks. It's still the perfect choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.

Other highlights are its navigation system, which includes bump sensors and a drop sensors, as well as its ability to map out your whole house by using lasers and cameras. It's also easy to set up, offers many settings and modes, and also offers 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. This makes it easier to operate if you own several tablets or smartphones, and don't wish to purchase a traditional remote.

App Controls

Certain robots are able to connect to Wi-Fi, which allows users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This is especially useful for homes with multiple floors. You may have to climb an escalator to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. It also removes the need for a lengthy cord, allowing you to move furniture without worrying about your robot getting tangled up in the cord or running out of power while cleaning.

The app acts as a central control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app allows you to alter the cleaning mode, power and the water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is particularly beneficial in homes with multiple floor types -- for instance, carpet and tile, as you can designate the robot to clean each room with the appropriate power and mode.

Some models have an integrated video camera that sends live feeds directly to the app. These models are great for pet owners as well as those with children who need to monitor the robot as it operates. Some smart robots utilize sensors to detect when they've reached the edge of a space and return to their docking station. This stops them from sweeping over the space and makes sure that they've cleaned all the surfaces of your home.

Certain models automatically empty the dustbin and even blow dry and wash its mop heads between cleaning sessions. This eliminates the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will work better for longer. You can also select an option that has a longer battery life that will allow you to avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.

Sensors

A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets and hard floors like tile and wood. They're not an alternative to a full-size canister or upright cleaner, but provide superior suction and a fantastic way to keep your floors clean in between deep cleanings.

Sensors help the robot navigate your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. You can also create physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or a virtual wall (like the ones used by eufy) to stop the robot from entering certain areas in your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is about to fall into a cliff.

The type of navigation system the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems are costly, but they deliver the best results. The budget-friendly models that have basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and could miss some spots. They're great for avoiding big obstacles, but they can still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. There are models that recharge and resume where they left off when they dock to save time. You can maximize the use of your robot vacuum as well as navigation, by prepping each cleaning session. Check that all power cords as well as toys and other junk is cleared from the robot's path. Then empty the trash bin after each cleaning. Cleanse the sensors and charging port to ensure your robot is in good health.

Navigation

The best robot vacuums can create a digital map of your home with mapping technology during the initial cleaning session. It helps them recognize the different textures, like hard floors and carpets, and ensures that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. The mapping also stops your robot from having to clean the same spots that improves efficiency and reduces battery consumption. A lot of high-end models offer the option of saving the map of your house to be used in the future, which is great for larger homes.

Most robotic vacuums feature some form of obstacle avoidance, which prevents them from running into cords, shoes, or socks. However, these sensors can't always detect smaller objects. Manufacturers began adding sensors to robots in the past few years. This allowed them to recognize and avoid household objects that sensors could not. These include wall and cliff sensors, which function by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to determine distances.

Some sensors are built 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 keep clear of clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors which prevent the robots from hitting furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the latest and most advanced technology for navigation and it's something you should look for in the robot vacuum. This type of system uses a spinning laser sensor mounted on top of the robot to map your home. It can map your home's interior by bounces of infrared rays off the furniture and walls. robot vacuum cleaner best buy can help it design efficient routes and clean your entire home.