What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

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

Some models map homes using smart mapping, and can be able to pause for recharge, then pick up cleaning where they stopped. They can create no-go zones, and recognize different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums, since it allows them avoid getting into small items like socks, toys, cords or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to identify objects in an AI database, and instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for instance, makes use of a variety of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of nearby objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the space and analyzing the light distortion to create a map) to effectively steer away from obstacles.

A more recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to recognize and understand what they're observing. This software works with a single or dual camera 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 including cables, shoes and pet poop.

Certain models employ 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 walls, furniture, and even stairs. However, it may not work in dim lighting or when working with reflective or transparent objects.

Whatever cameras or sensors are employed it is crucial that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can complete your home without having to return to the dock for recharging. Find models that can run for at least 80 minutes or more, depending on the size of your living area.

Self-Emptying Bases

Certain robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases. This can reduce the frequency that you must empty your bin. They're considered to be a luxury feature that typically increases the cost of a robot.

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

All of the robots we tested have self-emptying bases. The only exception is the Roomba I3+. This is a shame because this robot is extremely efficient. It had the best mapping results out of all the robots that we tested, and also has superior navigational capabilities. It has a good mower, and it has a docking system that can empty the water tank automatically if it is it is required.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance or digital keep-out zones it is hung over cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect the stray socks or shoelaces. It's an excellent choice for a small home that's well-maintained.

Other strengths include its navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and drop sensors, and the ability to map the entire house with cameras and a laser. It is easy to use, has a range of settings and modes that are effective when mowing or vacuuming. Another advantage 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 if have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to pick up the remote.

App Controls

Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled which allows you to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly beneficial for homes with multiple floors. You may need to navigate down an elevator to reach the robot before it can reach the bottom. It also removes the requirement for a long cord, so you can move furniture freely without having to worry about the robot getting caught in the cord or running out of energy during cleaning.

The app functions as a central control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app lets you modify your robotic Bot cleaner's cleaning mode, power and water level settings. This feature is particularly useful in homes with multiple floor types -- for example, carpet and tile -- because you can assign the robot to clean each area with the appropriate power and mode.

Some models come with an inbuilt camera that can send a live feed to the app. These models are a great choice for pet owners or those with children who want to monitor the robot while it's in operation. Smart robots also use sensors to know when they are near the edges of a space, and then return to their docking station. This stops them from overrunning an area and also ensures that they have cleaned all surfaces within your home.

Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This eliminates the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will function better for a longer time. You can also pick a model with a longer battery life which will help you avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums utilize sensors to navigate around your home and work on hard floors such as laminate, wood, and tile as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. They are not a replacement to an upright or full-size canister cleaner, but provide superior suction and a fantastic method to keep your floor clean in between deep cleanings.

Sensors let the robot navigate around your home, detecting obstacles and avoiding falling off the stairs. They also let you set virtual and physical "no-go" zones using the feature known as boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by eufy) to block the robot from entering certain areas of your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when your robot is about to crash into a cliff.

The type of navigational system that the robot uses is determined by your budget and layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums use LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area that ensure accurate navigation. These systems are expensive but they deliver the most effective results. Budget-friendly models with rudimentary bump navigation systems are less precise and can miss areas. These models are adept at avoidance of major obstacles, but they may miss dirt in crevices or around baseboards.

Find a model that has an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. There are models that dock and recharge and then pick up where they stopped. This will save you time. In addition to navigation, you can get the most out of your robot vacuum by preparing for each cleaning session. Check that all power cords or toys, as well as other junk is cleared of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each cleaning. Also, clean the charging ports and sensors to ensure that the robot is healthy.

Navigation

The best robot vacuums create a digital mapping of your home using mapping technology during the initial cleaning session. It assists them in recognizing the different patterns, like hard floors and carpets, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also stops your robots from cleaning the same areas again and can increase efficiency and reduce battery consumption. Many top models come with the option to save the map of your home to use in the future, which is great for homes with larger spaces.

Most robotic vacuums feature some form of obstacle avoidance, which keeps them from crashing into shoes, cords or socks. However, these sensors can't always recognize smaller objects. Manufacturers started adding sensors to robots in the past few years. This enabled them to identify and avoid objects that sensors could not. These include cliff sensors as well as wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to determine distances.

Some of these sensors are built in the robot's base while others require you to purchase a separate attachment. These sensors help the robot to move safely, avoid falling on stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Some models even come with anti-drop sensors, which prevent the robot from colliding with furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the most recent and most advanced technology for navigation and it's something you should look for in robot vacuum. This type of system uses a spinning laser sensor mounted on the top of the robot in order to map your home. By scattering infrared beams across your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your space. This helps in planning efficient routes and clean your entire house.