What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums come with an engine that is powerful and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also have large dustbins as well as an extended battery life.

Certain models employ smart mapping to identify homes, and they can pause, recharge and clean up right where they stopped. They can also create no-go zones and recognize different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums, because it allows them avoid crashing into small items like cords, toys, socks, or shoes that are not on the floor, but instead on furniture. The machines use a built-in camera to recognize 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 transmits light waves into the room to determine the distance and the depth of objects, and 3D Structured Light, which beams a pattern onto the room and analyzes the light distortion, to create a map to steer clear of obstacles.

A more recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which allows robots to more easily identify and comprehend what they're facing. The software works with cameras that are either dual or single to view 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 including cables, shoes and pet poop.

Some models use LiDAR for navigation. This technology emits lasers and determines the amount of time it takes for them to bounce off the surfaces around them in order to create a 3-D map. This is able to detect furniture, walls, and even stairs. It might not work in dim light or with transparent or reflective objects.

Whatever cameras or sensors are employed it is crucial that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can complete an entire home without needing to return to the dock to recharge. Pick a model that has an extended battery life of at least 80 minutes, or longer depending on the size and shape of your home.

Bases that self-eliminate

Certain robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases. This can decrease the frequency that you have to empty your trash. They are considered a premium feature and can increase the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.

The best robots have bases that can either hold either a bin or a dust bin that you can open and empty when it's full. This can help you save time by decreasing the amount of time spent worrying about when to empty a dustbin.

Self-emptying bases are found on all the robots in our review, with the exception of the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which does not have one. This is a pity because the robot performs extremely well. It has the best mapping results of all the robots we tested, and it has great navigating abilities. It also has good mower power and docking station that can automatically empty the water tank if required.

It lacks iRobot’s advanced obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zones, but it can become tangled in cables and rugs, and cannot see the stray shoelaces or socks. It's a great option for a small home that is well-maintained.

Other strengths include its navigation technology, including drop sensors and bump sensors, and its ability to map out your entire home using cameras and laser. It's also simple to set up, offers a wide variety of settings and modes, and also offers outstanding mowing and vacuuming performance. Its smart-home feature allows it to be controlled via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it easier to operate when you have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't wish to pick up the traditional remote.

App Controls

Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi, which allows you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly beneficial in homes with several floors. It is possible that you will have to climb a staircase to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. It also removes the need for a lengthy cord, which means you can move furniture freely without worrying about your robot getting caught in the cord or running out of power while cleaning.

The app acts as a one-stop control center for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to modify the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robot cleaner. This feature is especially helpful for homes with multiple types of flooring, like tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the proper power and cleaning mode to clean every area.

Some models have an integrated video camera that sends live video directly to the application. These models are a good choice for pet owners or parents of children who wish to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Other smart robots come with sensors that can detect when they've reached the edges of a room. They then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from taking over an area and ensures they have cleaned all surfaces within your home.

Some 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 the robot cleaner will function better for longer. You can also select an option that has a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.

Sensors

A lot of Robot Vacuum Cleaner Industrial vacuums are fitted with sensors that let them navigate through your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets and hard floors like tile and wood. They're not the same as a full-size, upright or canister vacuum cleaner, but they do offer great suction on dirt and dust. They are a fantastic way to keep your floor free of dirt between deep cleanings with a traditional machine.

Sensors help the robot navigate your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual wall (like the ones employed by Eufy) to prevent the robot entering specific areas within your home. Certain robots also have cliff sensors that alert you when the robot is close to running into an edge.

The type of navigation system the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and home layout. The most advanced robotic vacuums use LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area, ensuring accurate navigation. These systems can be costly but they deliver the best results. Models that are budget-friendly with basic navigation bumps are less precise and could miss certain spots. They are great for avoiding major obstacles, but they could still miss dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and a long battery life. There are models that recharge and then resume the same place they left off after they dock, which can save you time. You can get the most value from your robot vacuum in addition to navigation by preparing each cleaning session. Check that all power cords, toys, and other junk is cleared of the robot’s path and empty the bin after each cleaning. Clean the sensors and charging port to keep your robot healthy.

Navigation

The best robot vacuums use mapping technology to create an electronic map of your home during the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize textures such as hard or carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also stops your robots from cleaning the same areas repeatedly and can increase efficiency and reduce battery consumption. A lot of high-end models offer the option to save the map of your house to be used in the future, which is great for homes with larger spaces.

The majority of robotic vacuums have some kind of obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from tripping over cords or socks or shoes. These sensors do not always detect smaller objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them identify and avoid household items that standard sensor systems couldn't. These include wall and cliff sensors, which work by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to calculate distances.

Some of these sensors are integrated in the robot's base while others require you to purchase an additional attachment. These sensors aid the robot navigate in a safe manner and avoid falling off stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Certain models also come with anti-drop sensors, which automatically stop the robot from hitting furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system available, is a feature you should consider when buying a robot vacuum. This type of system uses a spinning laser sensor mounted on the top of the robot to map your home. By bouncing infrared beams off of your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your home. This helps to plan efficient routes and clear your entire house.