What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The best robot vacuums feature an engine that is powerful and a sturdy set of bristles or rollers. They also have decently sized dustbins and long battery life.

Certain models employ Smart robot mapping to map homes, and they can be able to pause, recharge and resume cleaning right where they started. They can set up no-go zones and also identify different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature for robot vacuums since it allows them avoid crashing into small objects such as cords, toys, [empty] socks, or shoes that aren't on the floor, but rather on furniture. The machines use an inbuilt camera to detect objects that are in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid 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 the surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and then analyzing the distortion of light to create an image) to effectively steer clear of obstacles.

Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are a more recent innovation in robot obstacle avoidance. They enable robots to better comprehend and identify what they encounter. The software makes use of cameras that are either double or single to look around and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by the ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, including cables and shoes.

Some models utilize LiDAR for navigation. The technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes for them to bounce back from surrounding surfaces to create a live 3D map of the surrounding. This is useful in detecting walls, furniture and even stairs. It may not work well in low light or with transparent or reflective objects.

No matter what cameras or sensors are utilized, it is important that your robot has a long battery life so that it can last the duration of your home without having to return to the dock for recharging. Look for models that can run for at least an hour or more, based on the dimensions of your living space.

Self-Emptying Bases

Some robot vacuum cleaners feature self-emptying bases. This could reduce the frequency at which you need empty your dustbin. They are considered to be a premium feature and can increase the cost of a robot vacuum cleaner.

The most effective robots have bases that can hold bins, or a movable dustbin. It is possible to open the bin and empty it when full. This can save you time by reducing the amount of time you are occupied with deciding when to empty a dustbin.

Self-emptying bases are present on all the robots featured in our review, except for the bare-bones Roomba I3+, which doesn't have one. This is a pity because the robot performs extremely well. It got the best results in mapping of all the robots we tested and it has excellent navigation abilities. It also has good mower power, as well as docking stations which can automatically empty the water tank if needed.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones, though it is hung up on rugs and cables and can't see rogue socks and shoelaces. It's a great option for a small home that's well-maintained.

Other highlights include its navigation technology that includes bump sensors and drop sensor, and its ability create a map of your entire home by using lasers and cameras. It's also simple to set up, offers many settings and modes, and also offers excellent mowing and vacuuming performance. Another advantage is its smart-home connectivity which allows it to work with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That can make it simpler to use if you have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to pick up an additional remote.

App Controls

Some robots can connect to Wi-Fi, which allows you to control them using your tablet or smartphone. This convenience is especially helpful in homes with multiple floors, where you may have to navigate down a staircase before the robot can get to the bottom. This will eliminate the need for an extra long cord so you can move furniture without worrying about the robot becoming tangled in it or running out power when cleaning.

The app functions as a central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to alter the power, cleaning mode and the water level of your robotic floor vacuums cleaner. This feature is especially helpful in homes that have various types of flooring, like tile and carpet. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and mode to clean each floor.

Some models have an inbuilt camera that can send live feeds to the app. These models are a great option for pet owners or those with children who want to keep an eye on the highest rated robot vacuum as it works. Other smart robots have sensors that recognize when they've reached the edge of a room. They then return to their base to dock. This prevents them from overrunning the area and also ensures that they've cleaned all of the surfaces of your home.

Some models can automatically empty the dustbin and even wash and blow dries its mop heads between cleaning sessions. This will reduce the need for manual maintenance, and the robot cleaner will function better for longer. You can also choose models with an extended battery duration, which helps you avoid the hassle of having to recharge mid-cleaning.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums come with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs, and hard floors such as tile and wood. They're not a substitute to an upright or full-size canister cleaner, but provide superior suction and are a great way to keep your floors free of dust between deep cleanings.

Sensors allow the robot to navigate through your home by finding obstacles and also avoiding falling down stairs. They also allow you to set virtual and physical "no-go" zones by using a feature called boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by eufy) to prevent the robot from entering specific areas of your home. Some robots also have cliff sensors that alert you when the robot is getting close to crossing an edge.

The type of navigation system the robot utilizes will depend on your budget and the layout of your home. Some of the most sophisticated robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems can be costly but provide the best results. The budget-friendly models that have basic bump navigation systems aren't as precise and may miss certain spots. These models are good at avoidance of major obstacles, but they may fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Look for a model with an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. You can find models that can dock and recharge and then resume where they left off. This will save you time. In addition to navigation, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by making sure you have everything ready for each cleaning session. Check that all power cables as well as toys and other debris is removed of the path of the robot and empty the bin after each cleaning. Clean the sensors and charging port to keep your robot healthy.

Navigation

The best robot cleaner robot vacuums use mapping technology to create digital maps of your home prior to the initial cleaning session. It allows them to recognize the different textures of hard or carpeted floors and ensures all areas are cleaned. Mapping also prevents your robot from cleaning the same areas that improves efficiency and may reduce battery consumption. Many high-end models have the option of saving a map of your house for future use which is ideal for homes with larger spaces.

Most robotic vacuums come with some sort of obstacle avoidance system that stops them from running over cords, socks, or shoes. These sensors are not always able to detect smaller objects. In the past few years manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, allowing them detect and avoid household objects that traditional sensors could not. These include wall and cliff sensors, which operate by bouncing light beams infrared off of surfaces to determine distances.

Certain sensors are integrated directly into the robot base, however, others require being purchased separately. These sensors assist the robot to move safely and avoid falling down stairs, and [Redirect Only] stay clear from clutter. Some models have anti-drop sensors which prevent the robot from colliding with furniture and walls.

LiDAR mapping, the most expensive robot vacuum advanced navigation system is a feature that you should look for when purchasing the robot vacuum. It uses the spinning sensor on the bagless robot vacuum to map your home. By scattering infrared beams across your walls and furniture it is able to determine the layout of your room. This information helps it plan efficient routes and also clean your entire home.