Mid-range models offer additional sensors mounted to the top, sides and bottom of vacuum to assist with object detection and navigation. This includes lidar sensors and upward facing cameras that use a technology called vslam. Both are great for mapping out an area, more recently robot vacuums are able to remember where they’ve been before and save the maps. Users are able to assign rooms, create “no-go zones” to keep the vacuums away from hazardous areas such as big rugs, cords, low furniture, and dog dishes. 

“When a Neato robot vacuum cleans, it uses LIDAR to navigate the home—finding walls, avoiding staircases or cliffs, and mapping out the most efficient cleaning path so it can clean effectively, even in the dark (and under furniture). This means that while round robots bounce around a room, Neato cleans with millimeter precision and reaches the corners and edges that round robots can’t. Consumers personalize their cleaning experiences using the Neato app to create floor plans, set up virtual cleaning zones, and schedule cleanings. Neato also works with  smart home assistants to start cleaning at the push of a button or the sound of your voice. Neato’s intelligent robot vacuums are the ultimate partner in home cleaning.” – Neato CEO, Thomas Nedder

Within the app of each robot vacuum you’re also able to schedule cleanings, connect to your favorite voice assistant and get real time alerts when the robot needs attention. 

Neato robotics was the first company to come up with a D shaped design with brushes that go to the edge and are ideal for getting into tight corners, the Roomba i9 series now has a similar design. iRobot’s latest products include a base station that the robot vacuum docks into and clears out it’s dust bin. 

Roborock has a variety of smart robot vacuums that are packed with features, many models include a mopping attachment. They’re able to detect which type of surface is being cleaned and turn the flow of water to the mop on or off. Another interesting advancement Roborock has come up with is the use of AI to identify and avoid objects as it is cleaning.

“The seamless integration of ReactiveAI with our advanced laser technology allows the Roborock S6 MaxV to estimate the size and location of common obstacles and the best way to clean around them, setting the standard for our smartest navigational robot vacuum yet,” said Richard Chang, CEO of Roborock.

Common obstacles for robot vacuums include cords, tables, chairs, low furnitures, thick rugs and transition pieces between rooms. We put each robot to the test to see how it would handle various situations, the more expensive robots packed with additional technology were better equipped to handle the obstacles than their entry level counterparts. 

Robot vacuum technology has advanced significantly over the years, if you spend a little more money you won’t need to worry about them getting to trouble. You’ll be able to set them up on a schedule, let them do their job, and remember to empty the bins.