A vacuum cleaner that automatically empty itself provides substantial value and ease of use to models that are compatible. It also lowers the risk that dust could reintroduce dust and allergens to your home.
However the process can be loud and disruptive to nearby people and pets. We measured the noise produced by each model during the emptying cycle.
Control Panel
The ability to have a robot vacuum without you being around is great but when the on-board dust bin fills up halfway through a cleaning cycle and you have to reach your hands in there to empty it out, the whole system loses some of its appeal. This is where the new breed of self-emptying robots comes in. They have a larger container to store the dirt they accumulate. When the on-board bin gets full the robot will automatically return to its dock, where it dumps out the contents and clean its filter. This stops the bin from filling too much and blocking the drain, which could make your robot smell or stop suctioning completely.
Some of the more premium robot vacs also feature an app that lets you alter your cleaning preferences and schedules. Some even create an outline of your home and let you create virtual "no-go" zones to ensure that the robot is kept out of certain areas.
These apps aren't required for every buyer however they can be helpful. They can also provide you with an in-depth view of the performance of your robot, such as how long it spends on each floor, and the kinds of objects it sees the most frequently. Some apps have additional features, like cameras that allow you to see the robot's activities from anywhere in the globe and a voice-activated Assistant to help you control it.
If you're considering using a robot remote to control it, pick one with lots of buttons and icons that are easy to grasp. You don't want to end up with a robot that you barely comprehend, as that will be frustrating and maybe even risky.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing robot vacuums since 2021, and we've seen a lot of different styles, ranging from the iRobot Roomba and its ilk, to more modern self-emptying models, which also come with mopping features and other useful features. We suggest you choose a model which can perform multiple tasks at once and switch between mopping, vacuuming and dry sweeping modes based on the nature and condition of your floors.
Sensors
A robotic vacuum equipped with an automatic base can help you save much time and effort. Instead of having to watch the onboard dust bin and empty it regularly, you can simply create a cleaning schedule on your smartphone and let it to complete the task without having to be involved. This is a big advantage for those who have hectic lives and are unable to spend a lot of time cleaning.
The most effective robots come with various sensors that allow them to view and understand the world around them. Many of these sensors are cameras as well as laser sensors that allow you to locate a room, spot obstacles and other items. Some use a combination techniques to achieve this goal. For example, 3D Time of Flight (ToF) technology works by sending out infrared pulses and then analyzing the distortion created by their return to build an image of the space. This allows the robot to determine the depth, height and the size of any obstacles that are within its path.
Other types of sensors useful in robots include cliff sensors, wall sensors and bump sensors. Cliff sensors keep robots safe from falling down a staircase or over other large drops. Bump sensors are able to detect furniture legs, stair edges and other obstacles that may be knocked down during a cleaning cycle. Wall sensors are particularly helpful in Edge Mode where a robot can zigzag along walls to clean hard-to reach places.
Certain robots employ gyroscopes order to determine the speed at which they move and, as a result, where they are in relation to objects within the room. This is similar to how a car or phone works. This is a viable alternative to other navigation systems that can cost more and aren't always reliable.
The most advanced robotic vacuums can integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems that allow owners to activate and monitor the cleaning process using intuitive mobile apps and voice control platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This level of automation and hands-free cleaning takes the burden out of maintaining a spotless living space and can help in the hectic household.
Bagless Bin
Self-emptying is an option for those who want to take advantage of the benefits of a robot cleaner, but not have the dust bin empty every few cleaning cycles. The dock connects a robotic to a vacuum cleaner that cleans debris and dirt into larger containers. When the robot is aware that the storage container is full, it immediately returns to its base and emptys its contents into the bagless dock.
Many robots that have this feature come with a small storage system inside, which can only hold debris for a few cleaning sessions before it's time to empty it. This can be a real problem for those trying to keep up with the cleaning schedule of a robot cleaner, or who don't have much time between cleaning sessions.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a robot cleaner is that it often makes a lot of noise when it's on the move and emptying its trash bin. This can be a big deal for those who live in an apartment or other small spaces, and could cause neighbors to become annoyed. This problem is solved by the self-emptying feature that allows you to keep up-to-date with the cleaning process without worrying about it making too many noises.
Self-emptying systems can aid in saving money on the cost of replacing bags. Because these robots use a bagless system, they don't need to be emptying as often as other models, and they can save up to 50% off the cost of replacement bags when using this type of robot cleaner.
The self-emptying system isn't offered on all robots however it's a convenient alternative for anyone who wants the convenience of a robot cleaner but doesn't want to deal emptying the bin on a regular basis. There are a few factors to take into consideration when selecting a robot vacuum that has this feature, including the size of the bin and whether or not it has any other unique features.
Object Recognition
A robot vacuum that empties itself automatically is a great feature. It can reduce the risk of a messy clog and health risks like dust escaping in your family's faces especially for families with a person who suffers from allergies. Additionally, it allows you to utilize the robot more frequently and regularly which can help create healthier, cleaner living conditions.
Object recognition can also help your robot perform its job faster and more efficient. Certain models are designed to detect movable objects such as socks, toys or charging cables, and then navigate around them without damaging them. Certain robots also recognize corners and walls to provide more precise cleaning and mapping. This leaves fewer marks or bumps on walls and furniture. This is especially useful for small spaces or homes with lots of obstacles and rooms.
Some robots employ traditional obstacle avoidance sensors that detect when they bump into an object. Other models have more advanced technology, for instance a lidar (light detection range) mapping. Cameras create a digital image of the surrounding area, while lidar can measure distances in darkness using lasers. This means that if the robot going to come into contact with something, it will have much more time to react and alter direction.
Most models include an application that lets you customize the robot's features and even create cleaning schedules. You can also monitor your robot's performance and even obtain detailed information about the cleanliness of each room within your home. Certain apps let you set up a "no go" zone and increase the suction of your robot for difficult areas.
Remember that the more features a robot vacuum comes with more features, the higher the cost. Certain models that have a lot of bells and whistles cost upwards to $1,000. There are also robots that are affordable for those who want simple designs.
