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 come with large dustbins and an extended battery life.
Certain models use smart mapping to map homes, and they can pause, recharge and clean up right where they left off. They can set up no-go zones and also recognize different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a crucial feature for robot vacuums because it helps them avoid getting into small objects like socks, shoes, toys or cords that aren't on the floor, but instead on furniture or other items. The machines use 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 emits light pulses into the room to determine distance and the depth of objects, and 3D Structured Light, which beams a pattern onto the space, and then analyzes the light distortion to build a map to steer clear of obstacles.
A new addition to the obstacle avoidance repertoire is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to recognize and understand what they're observing. This software works with cameras that are either dual or single to observe the world around them and then analyzes it in real-time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects such as shoes, cables and pet poop.
Some models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits laser beams and measures the amount of time it takes them to bounce back at the surrounding surfaces to create a live, 3D map of the surrounding. This is able to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. However, it may not work as well in dim lighting or when working with reflective or transparent objects.
No matter which sensors or cameras are used it is crucial that your robot has a long-lasting battery to be able to complete your home without having to return to the dock to recharge. Select a model that has a battery life of at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the size and shape of your home.
Bases that Self-Empty
Certain robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases, which can reduce the frequency you must empty your bin. They're considered a premium feature, and usually add to the overall price of a robot.
The best robots come with bases that can either house a bin or a removable dustbin that you can easily open and empty when full. This will save you time by cutting down on the time you spend worrying about when to empty the dustbin.
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. That's a shame, because the robot is a very strong performer. It had the top mapping results out of all the robots that we tested, and also has superior navigational abilities. It also has good mowing power and a docking station that can automatically empty the water tank when needed.
It isn't equipped with iRobot's sophisticated obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, but it can become tangled in cables and rugs and is unable to see shoes or socks that are not in good order. It's an excellent choice for a smaller home which is well-maintained.
Its other strong points include its navigation technology, which includes drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map the entire house with cameras and laser. It's also simple to set up, offers a wide variety of settings and modes, and also offers an excellent performance in mowing and vacuuming. Another perk is its smart-home connectivity which enables it to work with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to use when you have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't wish to pick up a traditional remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This convenience is especially helpful in large homes with multiple floors, in which you may have to navigate your way through a staircase before the robot can get to the bottom of it. This will eliminate the need for an additional long cord to move furniture without worrying about the robot getting caught in it or running out of power while cleaning.
The app functions as central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app also allows you to customize your Robot Vacuum Mops cleaner's cleaning mode, power and water level settings. This feature is especially helpful in homes with different types of flooring, like tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and cleaning mode to clean each floor.
Certain models come with a built-in video camera that sends live feeds directly to the application. These models are ideal for pet owners and those with children who need 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 return to their docking station. This prevents them from taking over the space and makes sure that they've cleaned all of the surfaces within your home.
Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and wash their mop heads and blow dry between cleaning sessions. This eliminates the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will function better for a longer time. You can also find a model with an extended battery duration which allows you to avoid the hassle of mid-cleaning recharges.
Sensors
Many robot vacuums use sensors to navigate around your home and work their magic on hard floors, such as wood, tile and laminate as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. They're not a replacement for the full-size canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they do provide excellent suction for dirt and dust. They are a fantastic way to keep the floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with an upright machine.
Sensors let the robot navigate around your home by finding obstacles and avoiding falling on stairs. You can also set up physical and virtual "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual walls (like those employed by eufy), to prevent the robot from entering certain areas in your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that alert you when the robot is getting close to crossing an edge.
The kind of navigation system that the robot uses depends on your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area to ensure precise navigation. These systems are costly, but provide the most effective results. The budget-friendly models that have basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and could miss some areas. They're good for avoiding major obstacles, but they could still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.
Choose a model with an extra-large dust bin as well as a long battery life. There are also models that recharge and resume where they left off when they dock, which can save you time. You can get the most value from your robot vacuum, as well as navigation, by making sure that you are prepared for each cleaning session. Check that all power cords as well as toys and other junk is cleared of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each cleaning. Wipe down the charging port and sensors to ensure your robot is in good health.
Navigation
The top robot vacuums create digital maps of your home with mapping technology in the initial cleaning session. It helps them to recognize the different textures of hard or carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are clean. The mapping also stops your robot from cleaning the same spots which increases efficiency and may reduce battery consumption. A majority of top models let you save the map to use in the future. This is perfect for homes with large spaces.
Most robotic vacuums come with some sort of obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from tripping over cords, socks, or shoes. The sensors don't always detect smaller items. In the past few years manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them to detect and avoid household objects that standard sensor systems couldn't. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that operate by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to calculate distances.
Certain sensors are built directly into the robot's base however, others require being purchased separately. These sensors help the robot to navigate safely and avoid falling off stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors, which prevent the robot from colliding with furniture or walls.
LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available is a feature you should look for when buying a robot vacuum. This type of system uses an ejector-type laser that is mounted on the top of the robot to map your home. It can map your home's layout by bouncing infrared rays off your furniture and walls. This information can help it plan efficient paths and also clean your home.