What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums have an efficient engine and a robust set of bristles or rollers. They also come with large dustbins and a long battery life.

Certain models map homes using smart mapping, and can stop to recharge, then clean up where they left off. They can even define no-go zones, and even identify different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums, since it allows them to avoid running into small objects like socks, toys, cords, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems employ an integrated camera to detect objects in an AI database, and then instruct the vacuum to stay clear of them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, utilizes a mix of sensors including 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to measure the distance and depth of nearby objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and analyzing the light distortion to create an image) to efficiently steer away from obstacles.

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

Some models also use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers and measures the time taken for them to bounce off the surfaces around them to create an 3D map. This is useful for detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It may not work well in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.

Regardless of which sensor or cameras are being used regardless of the camera or sensor, a long battery life is important to ensure that your robot can completely fill your home without the need to return to its dock to recharge. Choose a model with a battery life of at least 80 minutes, or more depending on the dimensions and shape of your home.

Self-Emptying Bases

Some robot vacuum cleaners come with self-emptying bases that can reduce the frequency you must empty your dustbin. They are considered a premium feature and can increase the price of a robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuum cleaner.

The most effective robots have bases that are able to hold either bins or a movable dustbin. It is possible to open it and empty it once full. This can reduce the amount of time you're worrying about when you should empty your dustbin and can be a huge benefit if you have a high-mess household.

Self-emptying bases are found on all the robots featured in our review, except for the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which does not have one. That's a shame, because the robot is extremely efficient. It had the best robot vacuum cleaner mapping results of all the robots we tested and has superb navigational capabilities. It also has good mower power, as well as a docking station that can automatically empty the water tank whenever needed.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance or digital keep-out zones, though it is hung up on cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect shoes and socks that aren't in order. That said, it's the perfect choice for an apartment that is small and well-maintained.

Its other strong points include its navigation technology, including bump sensors and drop sensors, and the ability to map out your entire house using cameras and a laser. It's also simple to set up, offers many settings and modes, and also offers excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another benefit is its smart-home connectivity, that allows it to function with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it easier to use if you own multiple smartphones or tablets, and don't want to pick up a traditional remote.

App Controls

Certain robots come with Wi-Fi connectivity that allow you to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This convenience is especially helpful in homes with a lot of floors, where you might have to navigate down a flight of stairs before the robot can get to the bottom. This removes the need for an additional long cord so you can move your furniture without worrying about the robot becoming tangled in it or running out power when cleaning.

The app acts as a central control point to monitor and schedule tasks. The app allows you to modify the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is particularly useful in homes that have various types of flooring, like tiles and carpet. You can assign the robot the right power and mode to clean each floor.

Some models have an inbuilt camera that can send a live feed to the app. These models are a great choice for pet owners and people with young children who wish to monitor the robot while it's in operation. Some smart robots also have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edge of a room, and return to their base to dock. This stops them from sweeping over the area and ensures that they've cleaned all the surfaces of your home.

Certain models can empty the dustbin automatically and wash their mop heads and blow dry them between cleaning sessions. This minimizes the frequency of manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner in good working order for a longer period of time. You can also choose one with a longer battery life that will allow you to avoid the hassles of mid-cleaning recharging.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums are equipped 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 a substitute to a full-size canister or upright cleaner, but offer excellent suction and are a great method to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.

Sensors assist the Robot Vac in navigating your space by detecting obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. They also allow you to create physical and virtual "no-go" zones with the feature known as boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones used by Eufy) to stop the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Some robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is close to crossing an edge.

The type of navigational system the robot vacuum cleaner cheap utilizes is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to scan and map rooms, which ensures accurate and efficient navigation. These systems are costly, but provide the best results. Budget-friendly models with rudimentary bump navigation systems aren't as precise and can miss spots. They're great for avoiding big obstacles, but they may still be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.

Look for a model with an extra-large dust bin as well as an extended battery life. There are also models that can recharge and resume where they left off after they dock to help save time. You can make the most of your robot vacuum in addition to navigation by making sure that you are prepared for each cleaning session. Check that all power cords, toys, and 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 in the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize different the different textures, like hard floors and carpets, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. The mapping also stops your robot from cleaning the same areas which increases efficiency and can reduce the use of batteries. A lot of high-end models offer the option of saving a map of your house to use in the future which is ideal for larger homes.

The majority of robotic vacuums have some kind of obstacle avoidance system that stops them from slamming into cords or socks or shoes. However, these sensors do not always detect smaller objects. Manufacturers started adding sensors to robots around a year ago. This enabled them to detect and avoid household objects that standard sensor systems could not. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that work by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to calculate distances.

Some of these sensors are integrated into the robot's base, while others require an additional attachment. They generally aid the robot in navigating safely and avoid falling down steps and avoid clutter. Some models even come with anti-drop sensors, which prevent the robot from hitting furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping is the latest and most advanced technology for navigation and is an option to look for in a robot vacuum. This kind of system utilizes an ejector-type laser that is mounted on the top of the robot to map your home. By bounced infrared beams off furniture and walls, it can sense the layout of your room. This helps in planning efficient routes and clear your entire house.