What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums come with a powerful motors and a set of bristles or rollers that are tough. They also have large dustbins as well as a long battery life.

Certain models map homes with smart mapping. They can pause to recharge, then pick up cleaning where they have left off. They can even set no-go zones and identify different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums as it allows them to avoid running into small things like socks, shoes or toys that aren't on the floor but on furniture or other items. These systems use an integrated camera to recognize objects in an AI database, and then instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro uses a combination of sensors, including 3D Time of Flight, which transmits light waves into the room to measure the distance and the depth of objects, and 3D Structured Light, which emits a pattern of light onto the room, analyzing the light distortion, to build a map to steer clear of obstacles.

A recent addition to the obstacle avoidance arsenal is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to better identify and understand what they're observing. This software uses one or two cameras to observe the world around them and analyzes it in real time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, including shoes and cables.

Certain models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back off the surrounding surfaces to create a live 3-D map of the environment. This is helpful in the detection of furniture, walls and even stairs. It might not work in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.

Whatever cameras or sensors are employed, it is important that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can last the duration of your home without having to return to the dock to recharge. Look for models that can run for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, based on the size of your living space.

Self-Emptying Bases

Some robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases, which could reduce the frequency you have to empty your trash. They're considered a premium feature that typically increases the cost of the robot.

The best robots have bases that can either house bins or a removable dust bin that you can open and empty when it's full. This can help you save time by cutting down on the time spent worrying about when to empty the dustbin.

Self-emptying bases are found on all the robots in our review, except for the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which does not have one. This is a shame, as this robot is an extremely strong performer. It had the best robot vacuum for the money mapping results out of all the robots that we tested, and also has superior navigational abilities. It has a good mowing ability and a docking system that will empty the water tank on its own when it is required.

It doesn't have iRobot's advanced obstacle avoidance or digital keep-out zones, and it gets hung up on rugs and cables and can't see rogue socks and shoelaces. It's still an excellent option for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.

Other highlights are its navigation technology that includes bump sensors as well as a drop sensor, and the ability to create a map of your entire home by using lasers and cameras. It is easy to use, comes with a variety of settings and modes and is a great choice for mowing or vacuuming. Its smart-home feature allows it to be controlled with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can make it easier to use if have multiple smartphones or tablets and don't want to pick up the remote.

App Controls

Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi. This allows users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This convenience is especially helpful in homes with a lot of floors, in which you may have to navigate through a staircase before the robot can get to the bottom. This removes the need for an additional long cord, allowing you to move furniture without worrying about the robot getting tangled in it or running out power while cleaning.

The app functions as central control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app also lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning modes and the water level settings. This feature is especially useful for homes with multiple types of flooring, like carpet and tile. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and mode to clean each area.

Certain models have an inbuilt camera that can send a live feed to the app. These models are a good option for pet owners or those with children who need to monitor the robot while it's working. Other smart robots have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edge of a room and then return to their base to dock. This stops them from overrunning an area and ensures they've cleaned every surface in 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 select an option with a longer battery lifespan that will allow you to avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums come with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on area rugs, carpets as well as hard floors like wood and tile. They're not the same as a full-size, canister or upright vacuum cleaner, but they offer great suction on dirt and dust and are a fantastic way to keep your floor clean between deep cleanings with a traditional machine.

Sensors aid the robot in navigating your home by spotting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also allow you to create physical and virtual "no-go" zones by using boundaries or virtual walls (like the ones used by Eufy) to prevent the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Some robots come with cliff sensors that alert you when your robot is set to crash into an obstacle.

The type of navigational system that the robot utilizes is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums use LiDAR sensors to map and scan the area to ensure precise navigation. These systems can be costly but provide the most efficient results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems are less precise and could miss some areas. They're great for avoiding big obstacles, but they can still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.

Look for a model with an extra-large dust container and a long battery life. There are models that recharge and then resume where they left off after they dock, which can save you time. In addition to navigation, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by prepping for each cleaning session. Make sure that all power cords as well as toys and other debris are tucked away and away from the robot's path, and empty the bin every cleaning. Clean the charging port and sensors to ensure your robot is in good health.

Navigation

The most effective robot vacuums create a digital mapping of your home's interior using mapping technology during the initial cleaning session. It helps them recognize textures, such as carpets and hard floors and ensures that all areas are cleaned. Mapping also prevents your robot from having to clean the same spots that improves efficiency and reduces the use of batteries. A majority of top models let you save maps to be used in the future. This is ideal for large homes.

The majority of Robotic Vacuum Cleaner vacuums come with some form of obstacle avoidance, which stops them from running into cords, shoes, or socks. The sensors don't always detect smaller objects. Manufacturers added sensors to robots around a year ago. This allowed them to detect and avoid household objects that sensors could not. They include cliff sensors and wall sensors that function by reflecting infrared beams light off surfaces to determine distances.

Certain sensors are built directly into the self-cleaning robot vacuums base, while others need to be purchased separately. These sensors generally help the robot navigate in a safe manner and prevent falling down stairs and keep clear of clutter. Some models include anti-drop sensors that will stop the robot from crashing into furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping, the most advanced navigation system available, is a feature you should consider when buying robot automated vacuum cleaner. This kind of system utilizes an ejector-type laser that is mounted on the top of the robot in order to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your space. This information helps it plan efficient routes and clear your entire home.