The top robot vacuums feature an efficient engine and a durable set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and a long battery life.
Some models use smart mapping to map homes, and they can pause, recharge and pick up cleaning exactly where they left off. They can even create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums, since it allows them to avoid running into small items like cords, toys, socks, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. The machines use cameras built into the system to identify objects that are in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors, including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of the surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of light onto the space and analyzing the light distortion to build an image) to effectively steer clear of obstacles.
A more recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to better identify and understand what they're observing. This software utilizes cameras that are either double or single to look around and analyze it in real-time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects including shoes, cables and pet poop.
Some models use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits lasers and analyzes the time it takes for them to bounce off surrounding surfaces to create an 3D map. This is useful in finding furniture, walls, and even stairs. It might not work in dim light or with reflective or transparent objects.
Whatever sensor or cameras are utilized, a good battery life is essential to ensure that your robot will be able to complete an entire home without having to return to its dock to recharge. Look for an option that runs for at least 80 minutes or more, based on the dimensions of your living space.
Self-Emptying Bases
Some robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases that can decrease the frequency you have to empty your bin. They are considered to be a premium and add to the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.
The best robots come with bases that are able to hold either bins or a removable dustbin. It is possible to open it and empty it once it is full. This can cut down on the amount of time you're thinking about when to empty your bin and could be a huge benefit if you have a high-mess household.
You'll find self-emptying bases on all the robots featured in our review, except for the basic Roomba I3+, which does not have one. This is a shame since this robot performs very well. It had the best results in mapping of all the robots we tested, and it has excellent navigation abilities. It also has good mower power, as well as docking station that automatically empty the water tank if required.
It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance technology or digital keep-out zones it is hung over cables and rugs and can't see rogue socks and shoelaces. That said, it's the perfect choice for a small, well-maintained home.
Other strengths include its navigation technology, which includes drop sensors and bump sensors, and the ability to map out your entire house using cameras and a laser. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of settings and modes that are effective when mows or vacuuming. Its smart-home feature allows it to be controlled by voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can make it easier to operate when you have multiple smartphones or tablets, and don't want to pick up the traditional remote.
App Controls
Certain robots come with Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to control them using your smartphone or tablet. This convenience is especially helpful in large homes with multiple floors, where you might have to navigate your way down a staircase before the robot can get to the bottom of it. This eliminates 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 power when cleaning.
The app functions as an important control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app also lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning mode and water level settings. This feature is especially useful for homes with different types of flooring, like tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and cleaning mode for each floor.
Some models have a built-in camera that transmits a live feed to the app. These models are perfect for pet owners as well as those with small children who wish to keep an eye on the robot as it functions. smart vacuum cleaner robots also use sensors to know when they've reached the edge of an area and return to their docking station. This prevents them from taking over the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces of your home.
Certain models can automatically empty the dustbin and even wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and keeps the robot cleaner in good working order for a longer period of time. There is also a model with an extended battery which allows you to avoid the hassle of mid-cleaning recharges.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums use sensors to navigate your home and work their magic on hard floors like laminate, tile, and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. They're not a substitute to an upright or full-size cleaner, but offer excellent suction and a great method to keep your floor robot clean between deep cleanings.
Sensors assist the robot in navigating your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down steps. They also let you create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with the feature known as boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones used 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 about to run into a cliff.
The type of navigational system the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuum cleaner commercial vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan areas, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems are expensive however they deliver the most effective results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and may miss certain places. These models are effective in getting around obstacles, but they can be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Choose a model with an extra-large dust bin as well as a long battery lifespan. There are models that recharge and then resume where they left off when they dock to help save time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum in addition to navigation, by preparing each cleaning session. Check that all power cords, toys and other debris are kept out of the robot's path, and empty the bin between each cleaning. Clean the sensors and charging port to ensure that your robot is healthy.
Navigation
The most effective robot vacuums employ mapping technology to create digital maps of your home during the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize the different textures of carpets or hard floors, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also prevents your robots from having to clean the same areas repeatedly to increase efficiency and reduce battery consumption. A majority of top models allow you to save the map to use in the future. This is great for large homes.
Most robotic hoovers vacuums come with some sort of obstacle avoidance system that stops them from running over cords, socks, or shoes. These sensors do not always detect small objects. Manufacturers added sensors to robots in the past few years. This allowed them to detect and avoid household objects that sensors could not. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that operate by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to determine distances.
Some sensors are built directly into the robot's base however, others require being purchased separately. These sensors aid the robot to move safely, avoid falling on steps, and keep away from clutter. Certain models come with anti-drop sensors which prevent the robots from crashing against furniture and walls.
LiDAR mapping is the most recent and most advanced navigation technology and it's an option to look for in robot vacuum. This kind of system makes use of a spinning laser sensor mounted on top of the robot to map your home. By scattering infrared beams across furniture and walls it is able to determine the layout of your home. This information can help to plan efficient routes and clean your entire home.
