What Makes a Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

The top 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 a long battery life.

Some models use smart mapping to create maps of homes. They can pause, recharge and resume cleaning right where they left off. They can also set up zones that are not allowed to enter, and can identify different surfaces.

Object Avoidance

Object detection is an essential feature of robot vacuums, since it allows them to avoid running into small items like cords, toys, socks or shoes that are not on the floor, but rather on furniture. These systems use an integrated camera to identify objects in an AI database, and then teach the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for instance, makes use of a variety 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 space and analyzing the distortion of light to create an image) to efficiently steer away from obstacles.

Artificial intelligence and visual interpretation are more recent addition to robot obstacle avoidance. They allow robots to understand and recognize what they come across. The software makes use of cameras that are either double or single to view the world and analyze it in real time. The ECOVACS DEEBOT uses this software to detect up to 30 different kinds of objects such as shoes, cables and pet poop.

Some models also use LiDAR to navigate. The technology emits laser beams and records the time it takes them to bounce back at nearby surfaces to create a real-time, 3D map of the surrounding. This can be used to identify furniture, walls, and even stairs. It may not work well in low light or with transparent or reflective objects.

Whatever sensor or cameras are utilized regardless of the camera or sensor, a long battery life is essential to ensure that your robot is able to complete an entire 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.

Bases that self-empty

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

The best robots come with bases that can hold a bin or a removable dustbin that is easy to open and empty when full. This will save you time by reducing the amount of time spent worrying about when to empty a dustbin.

All the robots we reviewed have self-emptying bases, except the Roomba I3+. This is a shame, as this robot is otherwise extremely efficient. It had the best results in mapping of all the robots that we tested, and it has superb navigation abilities. It has a strong mower and docking system that can empty the water tank automatically when required.

It's not equipped with iRobot's innovative obstacle avoidance system or digital keep-out zones, and it gets hung over cables and rugs and doesn't have the ability to detect shoes and socks that aren't in order. 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 the ability to make your home a map using cameras and lasers. It is easy to use, has a range of options and settings that are effective when mowing or vacuuming. Another advantage is its smart-home connectivity, that allows it to function with voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it simpler to use if you have multiple tablets or smartphones and don't want to grab the remote.

App Controls

Some robots connect to Wi-Fi, allowing users to control them from your smartphone or tablet. This feature is particularly beneficial in large homes with multiple floors, where you might have to navigate down a flight of stairs before the robot can get to the bottom. It also eliminates the need for a long cord, so you can move furniture freely without having to worry about the robot getting tangled up in the cord or running out of power while cleaning.

The app functions as central control point for monitoring and scheduling tasks. The app allows you to modify the cleaning mode, power and water level of your robotic cleaner. This feature is especially useful inside homes that have different flooring 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 cameras built-in that send a live feed to the app. These models are a great choice for pet owners and people with young children who wish to keep an eye on the robot as it works. Some smart robots utilize sensors to detect when they reach the edges of a space and return to their docking station. This prevents them from taking over an area and also ensures that they've cleaned every surface in your home.

Certain models automatically empty the dustbin, and wash and blow dries its mop heads in between cleaning sessions. This helps reduce the need for manual maintenance and helps keep the cleaner running smoothly for a longer duration. There is also a model with an extended battery that helps you avoid the hassle of mid-cleaning recharges.

Sensors

Many robot vacuums make use of 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're not a substitute to an upright or full-size canister cleaner, but they provide excellent suction and a fantastic way to keep your floors clean in between deep cleanings.

Sensors allow the robot to navigate around your home by finding obstacles and avoiding falling off the stairs. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones by using boundary strips or virtual walls (like the ones employed by eufy) to stop the robot hoover from entering certain areas of your home. Some robots have cliff sensors that warn you when the robot is getting close to running into an edge.

The kind of navigational system the robot vacuum deals uses is determined by your budget and home layout. Some of the most advanced robotic vacuums utilize LiDAR-based sensors to scan and map rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems can be costly but they deliver the best results. Cheaper models with basic bump navigation systems are less precise and could miss some areas. These models are good at avoidance of major obstacles, but they may fail to spot dirt in crevices and around baseboards.

Choose a model with an extra-large dust bin and an extended battery life. There are models that recharge and resume the same place they left off after they dock, which can save you time. In addition to navigation and cleaning, you can make the most of your robot vacuum by making sure you have everything ready for each cleaning session. Check that power cords and toys are tucked away and away from the path of the robot, and empty the bin between each cleaning. Cleanse the charging port and sensors to ensure that your robot is healthy.

Navigation

The best robot vacuums create digital maps of your home using mapping technology in the first cleaning session. It helps them recognize the different textures, like hard and carpeted floors and ensures that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Mapping also saves your robot from having to clean the same areas that improves efficiency and can reduce battery usage. A lot of high-end models offer the option to save the map of your house to use in the future, which is great for larger homes.

The majority of robotic vacuums have some sort of obstacle avoidance technology that stops them from slamming into cords or socks or shoes. However, these sensors can't always detect smaller objects. Some time ago manufacturers began adding additional sensors to their robots, which allowed them to detect and avoid household objects that traditional sensors could not. These include cliff sensors and wall sensors that operate by reflecting infrared beams of light off surfaces to determine distances.

Some of these sensors are built in the robot's base while others require you to purchase an additional attachment. They generally help the robot navigate safely, avoid falling down steps and keep clear of clutter. Certain models also have anti-drop sensors, which will stop the robot from hitting walls and furniture.

LiDAR mapping the most advanced navigation system is a feature you should consider when purchasing a robot automated vacuum. This system uses an ejector that spins on the robot to map your home. By bouncing infrared beams off of furniture and walls it is able to determine the layout of your home. This helps to plan efficient routes and clear your entire house.