Robot vacuum cleaners: smart and reliable assistants with artificial intelligence

The modern world is replete with a variety of smart gadgets that make human work easier. Among the innovative technologies are robotic vacuum cleaners that assist in the tedious process of keeping your home clean. Such a device is presented in a wide range. In order not to be mistaken in choosing an expensive assistant, you should study the main characteristics of the unit, consider popular models and read reviews.

What are robotic vacuum cleaners: general characteristics of devices

An automatic vacuum cleaner is a household appliance with artificial intelligence, which is designed to perform automatic cleaning of premises. The first assistants appeared in the early 2000s and were distinguished by simple functionality. Modern household robots boast advanced parameters.

How does a vacuum cleaner work? It is a disc of round or cylindrical shape, 6-15 cm high and 25-40 cm in diameter. There are rectangular and square models with rounded edges. In front of the device there is a special bumper and a contact sensor, thanks to which the device detects a possible collision with an obstacle. Inside the bumper are proximity sensors that monitor the current location of the device.

Important! Round robotic vacuum cleaners leave about 3-4 cm of corner space uncleaned, and corner devices 1.5-2 cm.

The robot vacuum cleaner moves independently along a given trajectory, collecting debris, dust and even liquid from the surface into a special compartment. There are small brushes at the bottom of the gadget. When the unit is operating, they rotate and direct debris to the suction port where the two main brushes are located.It is important that they are directed towards each other during operation, catching dirt directly under the body and sending it to the dust container. The air that is sucked in by the vacuum cleaner passes through the filter and returns to the room.

Helpful advice! The presence of a turbo brush near the suction hole will increase the quality of cleaning.

When encountering an obstacle, the device to overcome it performs one of the action algorithms that are embedded in it. To select a specific option, use special sensors located on the sides of the device. They recognize an obstacle and change their trajectory. The vacuum cleaner is battery operated. Its charge is carried out through the base, which is supplied with the device. It should be located in the center of the room. The vacuum cleaner reciprocates, moving away from it when cleaning and returning to recharge the battery.

Advantages and disadvantages of robotic vacuum cleaners: consumer reviews

Any technically complex device has specific advantages and disadvantages, which should be known in advance - before purchasing a household appliance for cleaning the room. The robot vacuum cleaner has a compact size that allows it to penetrate into hard-to-reach places in the room, such as the space under the bed, nightstand, corners.

Based on the reviews about the robot vacuum cleaner, it should be said that consumers note its silent movement during cleaning, which cannot be said about traditional models. Significant time savings are realized with the ability to customize scheduled cleaning that can be programmed by day of the week and time of day. The cleaning process takes place in automatic mode without direct human participation.

The robot vacuum cleaner needs minimal simple maintenance, which consists in the need to periodically clean the brushes and dust collector from accumulated debris. After a certain time, the batteries will have to be replaced.

All models of robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with a set of different sensors for orientation in space. Expensive devices are additionally equipped with special sensors for building gadget movement maps, which affects their cost.

Important! It will help in the question of which robot vacuum cleaner to choose, an overview of prices for popular models.

Despite the obvious advantages of the dust-cleaning device, the robot vacuum cleaner has some disadvantages. A smart gadget can only move on a perfectly flat surface. As you can read in the reviews of the robot vacuum cleaner, it will not clean uneven ground and climb stairs. The robot vacuum cleaner very carefully cleans the area from dust and debris, spending quite a lot of time on it. High-quality improved models, characterized by high efficiency, unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, are very expensive devices.

Important! An inexpensive robot vacuum cleaner is not able to provide effective and high-quality cleaning of the room surface.

How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: types of devices

Depending on the method of cleaning, there are models for dry, wet, wet cleaning of surfaces and combined options. The first type of device is designed to remove debris and crumbs from smooth floors or carpets with a pile height of up to 2 cm. This is the most preferred type of robot vacuum cleaner for carpets. In robotic polishers for wet cleaning, a wet microfiber cloth is located in the lower part of the case, which removes not only small debris from the floor, but also dust. The napkin must be periodically removed and rinsed by hand.

Important! This event cannot be called a full-fledged surface washing, but robotic vacuum cleaners with wet cleaning are a good option for maintaining an optimal indoor climate, which is especially important for people suffering from bronchial asthma, allergies, for families with small children and animals.

Washing robotic vacuum cleaners are used to thoroughly clean the surface. The devices are equipped with two additional reservoirs for clean and dirty water. The unit sprays liquid in front of it. Then, using a brush, it cleans the damp surface, drawing the dirty water back. As the reviews suggest, robot vacuum cleaners are not recommended for cleaning laminate, parquet, porous tiles and carpets.

When deciding which robot vacuum cleaner is best to choose, you should pay attention to the combined models that cope with all of the above tasks, depending on the settings available. It is advisable to purchase this option for cleaning large areas with different floor coverings.

Important! There are modern models that are additionally equipped with an ultraviolet lamp, which helps fight microorganisms and bacteria.

How a robot vacuum cleaner works with obstacles: types of device sensors

Before choosing a robot vacuum cleaner for an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the internal equipment of the device, which affects the efficiency of its operation. Any unit has built-in sensors, thanks to which the device is oriented in space. The efficiency of the gadget is influenced by the correct calibration of the sensors and their manufacturing technology. You should pay close attention to these parameters when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner.

The standard device should be equipped with collision, fall and infrared sensors. The bumper of the robot vacuum cleaner is divided into several sections. Under the pressure that occurs when they touch a hard object, they can bend slightly inward. It is here that sensors are hidden that react to obstacles. They give the vacuum cleaner a signal to change the trajectory of movement. The device drives back. It will no longer come into contact with a sofa, nightstand, table, chair, or other object on the floor.

Important! To prevent damage to the device body when hitting an obstacle, the robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a soft rubber bumper.

The drop sensor analyzes the drop in height to prevent the device from falling off a ladder or other hill.

When choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to the presence of an infrared sensor, which, using a beam, determines the distance of the device to furniture or a wall; when approaching it, it can change its route so as not to collide with an obstacle. Such devices have a more complex structure. For efficient operation, they are additionally equipped with a signal sensor and its receiver.

The infrared sensor also prevents the device from falling from a certain height. In this case, the emitter is located under the bottom of the device and gives it a signal that there is no floor under it. At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner turns around and moves in the opposite direction.

Equipping advanced robot vacuum cleaner models with sensors

The best models of robotic vacuum cleaners can be equipped with ultrasonic, laser sensors, pollution sensors and surface type detection.

With the help of an ultrasonic sensor, which sends high frequency sound waves, capturing them in response, the speed of the device is selected, which allows you to accurately measure the distance to the object. If a piece of furniture, wall or other object is close, the robot vacuum cleaner slows down.In the absence of foreign objects in the field of view, he moves at normal speed.

The presence of ultrasonic sensors ensures high-quality floor cleaning. The robot vacuum cleaner, without risking itself, comes close to walls, skirting boards and other obstacles, cleaning it from dust in the most problematic and inaccessible places.

In the very best robotic vacuum cleaners, the ultrasonic sensors are synchronized with the pollution sensor and the laser sensor. With such functionality, the device selects the optimal speed and trajectory of movement without compromising the quality of cleaning.

The laser sensor allows you to scan an area using a laser beam in order to build the best route for the device to move.

The contamination sensor analyzes the contamination of the surface in order to determine the movement pattern. This is done using a light signal from the visible spectrum or infrared beam. Depending on the transmitted indicators coming to the on-board computer of the device, the automation of the robot vacuum cleaner changes the power of its operation. This sensor also allows you to avoid wasting battery power.

Thanks to the sensor for detecting the type of surface, the robot vacuum cleaner adjusts its parameters, choosing the best option for a specific floor covering.

Important! Some modern models can be equipped with an idle sensor, which will prevent the robot vacuum cleaner from entangling in wires, shoe laces, allowing you to overcome the most difficult obstacles.

The simplest robotic vacuum cleaners move in a straight line. At the moment of contact with an obstacle, they change their direction to the opposite. Thus, some places are cleared several times, while others remain unused. Sophisticated devices perform the construction of a movement map, which allows you to effectively clean the surface without missing a single centimeter.

Related article:

Vacuum cleaner: how to choose a reliable assistant in household chores

How to choose a device by design option, type of dust collector, control system, power and additional capabilities. Review of manufacturers.

Which robot vacuum cleaner is better: the key characteristics of the device

An important parameter when choosing a smart cleaning assistant is the capacity of the dust collector, which is selected based on the area to be cleaned. For apartments up to 50 m² in size, preference should be given to devices with a cassette capacity of 0.3-0.4 liters, 50-80 m² - 0.4-0.5 liters. For very large areas of more than 80 m², it is worth purchasing models with a dust collector volume of 0.8-1 liters.

Comparing robotic vacuum cleaners, you should pay attention to the presence of some models of additional containers located on the docking station. After filling the dust container completely, the device returns to the base, where it transfers all contents from the container to a larger storage. However, such a system has the disadvantage that the docking station is large in size, for which a convenient place should be allocated. In addition, when unloading garbage, a certain amount of dirt can wake up, which requires manual cleaning.

The presence of a built-in air filter affects the state of the room microclimate during cleaning with a robotic vacuum cleaner. When deciding which robot vacuum cleaner to choose (consumer reviews will help in solving this issue), you should pay attention to the HEPA filter system, which resembles an accordion made of dense material. There are models equipped with an aroma diffuser, which is a special compartment for the aroma mixture coming out of the device along with the air, creating a pleasant fragrance in the room.

Control, noise effect and clearance of the robot vacuum cleaner

Before choosing a robot vacuum cleaner for your home, you should pay attention to the maximum noise effect that the device reproduces during its operation. This is especially important if there is no way to program the device to clean at a certain time in the absence of people in the house.

Important! The acceptable noise level for a comfortable stay in the room during the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner is 50-60 dB.

The next indicator is ground clearance, which determines the distance between the device body and the floor. This affects the ability of the robot vacuum cleaner to move on different types of flooring and overcome obstacles. This indicator should be at least 3 cm.

When comparing robotic vacuum cleaners, you need to pay attention to the operation of the device. For budget models, it is carried out using a display on the unit body. When you press the button, the device starts to work. When the battery is completely discharged, it stops in place. More expensive options have the function of returning to base in the event of a low battery. After recharging, the vacuum cleaner returns to the end point where cleaning was stopped.

Advanced models of smart gadgets have the ability to set a cleaning timer by day of the week and specific hours. This can be done using a remote control or a mobile app on your phone.

Important! Devices that can be controlled from a smartphone occupy a leading position in the ranking of the best models of robotic vacuum cleaners in 2018-2019.

There are newfangled models with voice guidance for all actions performed. Such devices can be turned into a jukebox. They are equipped with a slot for a memory card, thanks to which music will be played. If there are pets in the house, in order to exclude their manifestation of aggression towards the device, which will negatively affect its further work, you should pay attention to the models equipped with visual wall sensors. They allow you to limit the area for cleaning.

Types of battery and autonomy of the robot vacuum cleaner

When comparing robot vacuum cleaners, it is worth paying attention to the type of battery, which can be nickel metal hydride, lithium polymer or lithium ion. The first option is typical for inexpensive models. The main disadvantage of such a battery is the memory effect. This is manifested in the fact that a full charge is possible when the battery is completely discharged. If you charge an incompletely dead battery, its capacity will gradually decrease, which will negatively affect the life of the device.

Lithium-ion batteries do not have this disadvantage. Their energy intensity does not decrease over time. They are able to recharge quickly and last longer after a single charge. Lithium polymer batteries are relatively new to use. They are lighter in weight, do not have any negative impact on the environment when disposed of, but cost much more.

Small robotic vacuum cleaners cannot boast of high suction power, depending on the type of battery and its capacity. This affects the speed of movement of the device and the time of continuous cleaning. On average, it ranges from 180 to 240 minutes. During this period of time, the classic model of the robot vacuum cleaner can clean up to 50 m² of the surface.

Important! This only applies to dry cleaning, since with robotic vacuum cleaners for wet or wet cleaning, this time indicator will be much higher.

It is better to give preference to devices with longer battery life or devices equipped with an automatic recharge function at the base station.

Most robotic vacuum cleaner models have a limitation on the maximum surface area that needs to be cleaned. This parameter depends on the battery capacity. You should pay attention to this if you need to clean large areas of premises, which is more than 80 m². In the absence of the automatic charging function, the device independently goes to the base for recharging, and then returns back to the uncleaned area.

Important! The optimal battery capacity is considered to be 2500 mAh, and the maximum parameter reaches 7000 mAh.

Rating of robotic vacuum cleaners designed for dry cleaning

This rating is opened by the Mile SJQLO RХ1 robot vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning of smooth surfaces and carpets with low or medium pile height. It is equipped with a built-in navigation system, which sets the movement of the unit along a certain trajectory - strictly along straight parallel lines. Thanks to a special gyrosensor, the robot changes its angle of rotation in case of a possible collision with an obstacle, which it can easily recognize using the technology of trouble-free movement. The built-in camera makes it possible to better navigate in space.

The unit is equipped with a 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery, which allows it to work continuously for 120 minutes. The cyclone dust collector has a capacity of 0.6 liters. The device can work in automatic, point, turbo, manual mode and move along the corners. Control is carried out using the remote control. You can buy a robot vacuum cleaner for 12 thousand rubles.

The next in the ranking of robotic vacuum cleaners for the home is the RANDA X500 Pet Series. The model is characterized by good maneuverability, the ability to move without effort, which is carried out thanks to a vacuum cushion. The unit can adjust the suction power depending on the type of surface. The maximum value reaches 1200 Pa. The vacuum cleaner, due to the presence of side brushes, easily performs cleaning in hard-to-reach places. The model is equipped with a set of sensors that contribute to smooth, trouble-free movement. The cost of the device is 19 thousand rubles.

Noteworthy is the Xiaowa Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2 robot vacuum cleaner with a suction power of 1800 Pa. Thanks to the innovative Slam technology, the unit can map the space and set the trajectory of movement. It is equipped with a set of necessary sensors to help navigate the room, excluding the possibility of collisions with objects and falling from a height.

The vacuum cleaner can work for 150 minutes. After this time, the battery charge indicator is activated, the unit is sent to the base for recharging, which lasts 3.5 hours. The robot can be controlled using a remote control or a smartphone. The cost of a robotic vacuum cleaner Cleaner 2 is 20 thousand rubles.

The best robot vacuum cleaners from iRobot

The best robot cleaning vacuum cleaners are produced by iRobot. Topping the rating is the iRobot Braava 390T model, which is designed for delicate wet and dry cleaning of hard surfaces. The device is equipped with a 2000 mAh Ni-MH battery, which makes it possible to continuously clean up to 100 m² of the area in 4 hours in dry cleaning mode and up to 35 m² for 2.5 hours in wet cleaning. The robot vacuum cleaner works silently - within 35-40 dB.

The device is equipped with a unique navigation system that allows you to build a movement map taking into account the location of various objects in the room. Infrared sensors prevent the vacuum cleaner from falling and colliding with obstacles. Suction power - 850 Pa. The cost of the model is 21 thousand rubles.

The iRobot Braava Jet 240 hybrid model occupies the second position in the ranking of cleaning robotic vacuum cleaners for the home. A distinctive feature of the device is the ability to clean hard-to-reach areas, which is carried out due to the compactness and square shape of the device with rounded corners. The robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a unique patented navigation system that creates a map of the room showing the walls and objects in the room. The model can work continuously for 2.5 hours, performing dry cleaning of an area of ​​60 m², and 1.5 hours - when wet cleaning.

The vacuum cleaner operates silently at a noise level of 50 dB. The kit includes a virtual wall to delimit space. You can buy a robot vacuum cleaner for 16 thousand rubles.

The third place in the ranking of washing robotic vacuum cleaners belongs to the IRobot Scooba 450 model. The unit first performs dry cleaning, drawing in dirt and intensively cleaning the surface with a rotating brush. The unit then sprays water with detergent and performs final cleaning. The vacuum cleaner is equipped with optical sensors that recognize obstacles and differences in height, and two virtual walls. The noise level of the device is 60 dB. The cost of a washing household robot is 35 thousand rubles.

Review of the best Samsung robotic vacuum cleaners from a reputable home appliance manufacturer

A Korean home appliance company produces robotic dry vacuum cleaners equipped with a navigation system to optimize the movement of the device, which moves along a specific trajectory set by the program.

Among the wide range of devices, the Samsung VR7070 model is very popular, which is included in the top 5 best models of robotic vacuum cleaners. Consumer reviews note the high suction power of the unit. The device is U-shaped with a soft rubber bumper on the front of the plastic case. The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a powerful motor, touch screen and camera. The latest navigation system scans the space, building a movement map. Sensors are located along the entire perimeter of the device, which check the trajectory of movement, determining the optimal movement speed for each section.

This model occupies a leading position in the ranking of robotic vacuum cleaners for cleaning animal hair. Such cleaning is possible due to the unusual design on the back of the main brush body. When it rotates, debris falls into the product and is discharged into a 0.3 liter dust collector. This ensures that the brush is less clogged by wool and hair.

A special rubber seal allows you to clear debris from the space in the corner. It falls out of the body when the bumper touches a vertical surface. The unit automatically adjusts the suction power depending on the type of coating. The device is controlled using the remote control. The vacuum cleaner can work for 90 minutes.

Among the disadvantages of the device, one can single out the noise of operation (77 dB) and the high cost - 47 thousand rubles.

Based on the reviews, the rating of vacuum cleaners-robots from the NoviBоt series is headed by the Samsung SR8980 model, in which the base station is designed not only to charge the battery, but also to empty the device's dust collector with a capacity of 0.3 liters. The container on the base has a volume of 2 liters. The debris is removed using a brush and two small side pieces for cleaning corners. The model is equipped with 12 sensors and a camera that captures the surrounding space for further building a movement map.

The device is capable of overcoming obstacles up to 1.5 cm high. Continuous operation time is 90 minutes. Control can be carried out using a remote control or a mobile device. The price of a robot vacuum cleaner is 35 thousand rubles.

Comparison of features of all iLife robot vacuum cleaners

A Chinese manufacturer produces robotic vacuum cleaners of the A, V and X series. Devices of the first group are ideal for home conditions. The models are characterized by high power, the ability to clean any type of surface, reliability and durability. The company manufactures devices for dry, wet and wet cleaning.

Based on numerous reviews, the best robot vacuum cleaner of this brand is the iLife A4s model for dry cleaning of premises up to 150 m², which is achieved thanks to the coordinated work of the main and side brushes. The device works almost silently for 270 minutes, after which it is sent to the base for recharging for 3 hours. This long duty cycle is ensured by the high power lithium-ion battery. The dust container has a capacity of 0.45 liters. Thanks to the suction power of the unit (1000 Pa), large debris can be removed.

This robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with 4 operating modes, which include turbo mode. It provides for a three-stage cleaning, as a result of which pollen, fine dust and animal hair are retained. The device is controlled by a remote control. The price of a smart vacuum cleaner is 11 thousand rubles.

In the rating of the best robotic vacuum cleaners there is a model with extended functionality iLife A8. In addition to the basic functions, the device is equipped with a camera, thanks to which the device can build a map of further movement. This device is used for dry cleaning of premises up to 90 m².

It can operate continuously for 90 minutes, providing an adjustable suction power of up to 1000 Pa, depending on the type of coating. The dust container has a capacity of 0.3 liters. The unit works almost silently - up to 55 dB. You can buy such a vacuum cleaner for 17.5 thousand rubles.

The best robot vacuum cleaners of the iLife brand of the V and X series

V series models can do dry and wet cleaning. They have a special reservoir for automatic wetting of the napkin. In the ranking of wet cleaning robots, the V5s model occupies a worthy place. The device can work in automatic, spot mode, cleaning on a schedule and only along the walls. The unit operates continuously for 270 minutes.

The suction power is 850 Pa. Thanks to the presence of infrared sensors, the device is protected from collisions with other objects. The volume of the dust collector and container for wet cleaning is 0.3 liters. The kit includes a turbo brush for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces. You can buy a household robot for 15 thousand rubles.

The most powerful of the series is the V55 with a suction force of 950 Pa. As you can see from the reviews of the owners, the robot vacuum cleaner works almost silently during dry cleaning. Wet cleaning takes place with an increased noise effect. Infrared sensors protect the unit from collisions with other objects. The robot can travel up to 2cm height thanks to the robust large diameter side wheels. The set of the device includes a virtual wall to limit the range of the unit. How much does a robotic vacuum cleaner cost? You can buy such an assistant for only 9 thousand rubles.

One of the new robotic vacuum cleaners is the iLife X620 model, designed for dry and wet cleaning. The unit is equipped with a full range of intelligent sensors that protect the device from falls and collisions with obstacles. However, the device does not develop a map of the trajectory of movement, moving chaotically. For wet cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with an automatic water supply system. The suction power of the vacuum cleaner is 1200 Pa. The capacity of the dust container is 0.4 liters, the water container is 0.3 liters. Management is carried out using the remote control. The cost of the model is 17 thousand.rub.

Polaris robot vacuum cleaner review: perfect value for money

In the ranking of robot vacuum cleaners in 2019, the leading position is taken by the Polaris PVCR 0726W model for dry and wet cleaning, which continuously works for about 3 hours due to the fact that the battery capacity is 2600 mAh. Effective and high-quality cleaning is carried out due to the presence of two central and a pair of side brushes. The device operates quietly with a noise level of 60 dB.

The unit can operate in local and regular cleaning mode, clean a small room, move along walls or skirting boards. Control is carried out using the remote control. The device is equipped with two containers with a capacity of 0.3 liters, designed to collect garbage and water, to moisten a microfiber cloth. You can buy such a unit, which is in the ranking of the best robotic vacuum cleaners with wet cleaning, for 14.5 thousand rubles.

Noteworthy, based on numerous reviews about robotic vacuum cleaners, the Polaris PVCR 0926W EVO model, equipped with 5 operating modes: automatic, local, spiral, along walls and in corners. With a battery capacity of 2600 mAh, the device can work continuously for 200 minutes. The capacity of the cyclone dust collector is 0.5 liters. Creates a noise of 60 dB during operation.

The device is controlled using a display on the device body or a remote control. It can be programmed to clean by time and day of the week. The vacuum cleaner is equipped with the necessary set of sensors to protect it from falls and collisions. The device, which has a small size, manages to effectively clean hard-to-reach places, as stated in the reviews. The price of a robot vacuum cleaner is 20 thousand rubles.

A good hybrid model is the Polaris PVCR 0920WV, one of the top 5 best robotic vacuum cleaners. Consumer reviews indicate the good maneuverability of the unit and its ability to move easily even under low furniture. Due to the fact that the unit is equipped with a pair of interchangeable blocks, there is a possibility of dry and wet cleaning of any surface. A central turbo brush is designed for removing large debris and cleaning pile coverings. Side rubber scrapers clean the smooth surface.

The robot can function in one of 5 modes. The unit is equipped with virtual wall sensors to restrict movement. It can work continuously for 100 minutes. The volume of the cyclone dust collector is 0.5 liters. Control is carried out using the touch buttons on the body or the remote control. You can buy a reliable device for 13.5 thousand rubles.

A modern automated assistant will facilitate and speed up cleaning in an apartment or house. The robot vacuum cleaner can work without human intervention. In order to purchase a high-quality and effective device, it is important to first study its characteristics, read the reviews of the owners of this technology and an overview of robotic vacuum cleaners.