
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful motor and a set of bristles or rollers that are durable. They also have large dustbins and large battery life.
Certain models map homes with smart mapping, and can be able to pause for recharge and then clean up where they stopped. They can even set no-go zones and identify different surfaces.
Object Avoidance
Object detection is a key feature for robot vacuums, because it allows them to avoid running into small objects such as socks, toys, cords or shoes that are not on the floor, but rather on furniture. The systems utilize cameras built into the system to identify objects that are listed in an AI database and then instruct the vacuum to avoid them. The Eufy S1 Pro, for example, uses a combination of sensors that include 3D Time of Flight (sending light pulses to gauge the distance and depth of the surrounding objects) and 3D Structured Light (beaming a pattern of lights onto the room and then analyzing the light distortion to build an image) to efficiently steer away from obstacles.
A recent addition to the arsenal of obstacle avoidance is artificial intelligence and visual interpretation, which enables robots to more easily identify and understand what they're observing. This software utilizes two cameras to view the world and analyze it in real-time. This software is used by ECOVACS DEEBOT to detect up 30 different objects, such as shoes and cables.
Some models use LiDAR to navigate. This technology emits lasers, and analyzes the time it takes for them to bounce off the surfaces around them to create a 3-D map. This is able to detect walls, furniture, and even stairs. However, it might not be as effective in dim lighting or with reflective or transparent objects.
No matter what sensors or cameras are used It is essential that your robot has a long-lasting battery so that it can complete a home without having to return to the dock to recharge. Find a model that can run for a minimum of 80 minutes or more, based on the size of your living space.
Bases that self-eliminate
Certain robot vacuum cleaners have self-emptying bases, which can reduce the frequency you have to empty your bin. They're considered a premium feature that typically increases the price 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 it's full. This can cut down on the amount of time you spend worrying about when you should empty your bin and could be a huge benefit if you have a high-mess household.
All of the robots we tested have self-emptying bases, except the Roomba I3+. That's a shame, because the robot is extremely efficient. It had the top mapping results of all the robots we tested and has excellent navigational capabilities. It also has excellent mowing power and docking station which can automatically empty the water tank if it is required.
It lacks iRobot’s advanced obstacle avoidance system and digital keep-out zone, however it is prone to getting caught in rugs and cables, and is unable to see rogue shoelaces or socks. It's a great option for a smaller home which is well-maintained.
Other strengths include its navigation technology, which includes bump sensors and a drop sensors, as well as its ability to map out your whole house using cameras and lasers. It's also simple to set up, offers many settings and modes, and provides an excellent performance in mowing and vacuuming. Another benefit is its smart-home functionality, which enables it to work using voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes it easier to operate when you have several tablets or smartphones, and don't wish to buy an old-fashioned remote.
App Controls
Some robots are Wi-Fi enabled which allows users to control them from your tablet or smartphone. This is particularly useful for homes with multiple floors. You might need to navigate down a staircase to reach the robot before it is able to reach the bottom. This removes the need for an additional long cord, allowing you to move your furniture without worrying about the robot getting tangled in it or running out power when cleaning.
The app acts as a single-stop control center to monitor and schedule tasks. The app lets you customize your robotic cleaner's power, cleaning modes and water level settings. This feature is particularly useful in homes that have different types of flooring, including carpet and tile. You can assign the robot the appropriate power and cleaning mode for each floor.

Certain models automatically empty the dustbin and wash and blow dries its mop heads in between cleaning sessions. This will reduce the necessity for manual maintenance and the robot cleaner will work better over a longer period of time. You can also select a model with a longer battery life, which will help you avoid the hassles of recharging mid-cleaning.
Sensors
A lot of robot vacuums are fitted with sensors that let them navigate around your home. They can be used on carpets, area rugs, and hard floors such as wood and tile. They're not an alternative to a full-size canister or upright cleaner, but they provide excellent suction and are a great method to keep your floor free of dust between deep cleanings.
Sensors help the robot navigate your space by finding obstacles and avoiding falling down stairs. You can also create virtual and physical "no go" zones by using boundary strips or a virtual wall (like the ones used by Eufy), to prevent the robot from entering certain areas within your home. Certain robots also come with cliff sensors, which warn you when the robot is close to running into an edge.
The type of navigational system the robot uses is determined by your budget and the layout of your home. The most advanced robotic vacuums make use of LiDAR sensors to map and scan rooms, ensuring precise and efficient navigation. These systems are costly however they deliver the most efficient results. Budget models with rudimentary navigation bumps are less precise and can miss some places. These models are effective in avoidance of major obstacles, but they may be unable to detect dirt in crevices or around baseboards.
Choose a model that has a large dust bin and long battery life. There are models that dock and recharge and then resume where they stopped. This saves time. In addition to navigation it is possible to 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 out of the robot's path, and empty the bin after each cleaning. Cleanse the sensors and charging port to keep your robot healthy.
Navigation
The best robot vacuums use mapping technology to create an electronic map of your home during the initial automated cleaning session. It allows them to recognize patterns like carpets or hard floors, and ensures that all areas are cleaned. It also stops your robots from having to clean the same areas repeatedly to increase efficiency and reduce battery consumption. A majority of top models let you save a map to be used in the future. This is perfect for large homes.
The majority of robotic vacuums (via) come with some form of obstacle avoidance, which prevents them from running into shoes, cords, or socks. These sensors do not always detect small objects. A few years ago manufacturers began adding more sensors to their robots, which allowed them to detect and avoid household items that traditional sensors could not. These include wall and cliff sensors, which function by bouncing infrared light beams off surfaces to calculate distances.
Certain sensors are integrated directly into the robot base, however, others require being purchased separately. These sensors aid the robot navigate in a safe manner, avoid falling on stairs, and stay clear from clutter. Certain models also include anti-drop sensors that prevent the robot from crashing into furniture or walls.
LiDAR mapping is the most recent and most advanced navigation technology and it's a feature that you should look for in the robot vacuum. This kind of system utilizes the spinning laser sensor that is placed on the top of the robot in order to map your home. It can map your home's interior by bounces of infrared rays off the walls and furniture. This information then helps to plan efficient routes and also clean your home.