Window cleaning robots as a complete replacement for manual labor

Dreams will turn into reality if you strive for this. Many technical inventions with fantastic prototypes are now perceived as commonplace. You press a button - you get a healing drink, instead of a floor - a space abyss, and water will flow - just raise your hands. Everyone has long been accustomed to washing vacuum cleaners. It was not difficult to predict that similar mechanisms would be created for vertical surfaces. There are robotic window cleaning robots.

Window cleaning robot: luxury or necessity

Washing windows is a rather complicated, time-consuming and somewhat dangerous process. It is no coincidence that when contacting a cleaning company, a clarification will follow: cleaning with or without washing windows? The price for the service without washing the window blocks will be much lower.

The trend towards an increase in glass surfaces in residential buildings and offices (panoramic windows, large stained glass windows, shop windows, doors, partitions) makes the issue of cleaning them even more urgent. This is probably why the list of gadgets has recently been replenished with another one - a robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning windows.

Before making a conclusion about whether such an assistant is needed in the house or whether it is better to do the work with your own hands, you should pay attention to the distinctive positive characteristics of the device:

• saves time and effort;
• eliminates the need to purchase ladders and other devices to provide access to high glass surfaces;
• eliminates the possibility of traumatic situations.

Such a robot allows a person to simultaneously perform other work or watch videos, listen to music as a rest, etc.

The device is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to purchase it without tangible financial costs.In deciding the question "to have or not to have", the main role is still played by the relation to the organization of life.

How a window cleaning robot works: structural elements and functionality

A robot is an automatic device. The device performs various mechanical actions in accordance with the program set in it. The task of the robot that washes the windows is to repeat the movements of human hands. He does it much more actively, with the same intensity and frequency, so the result is often excellent. Measured forward movements eliminate gaps.

The device can do both dry and wet cleaning. The required mode is set, in which the wipes are either moistened or used dry. Wetting can be done from special containers, which are part of the structure. The liquid can also be applied to the napkins by hand, directly from the container in which it is purchased.

A glass cleaner for washing windows is able not only to remove streaks and streaks, but also to cope with a rather thick layer of dirt. High-quality cleaning of heavily soiled surfaces is facilitated by napkins with a coarser texture, which do the rough work. Softer wipes keep surfaces clean.

Useful advice! If spare wipes are not provided with the glass washing robot, it is better to purchase them immediately so that you do not have to make a new order and spend additional money on shipping.

Robot vacuum cleaner for windows: main technical characteristics

Today, there are quite a few robot models, so you need to have some knowledge to understand the differences. First of all, window cleaning machines differ in technical characteristics. One of the most important points is the way it is fixed to a vertical surface. There are two types of models:

• vacuum devices;
• magnetic robots.

The vacuum variants are held on the surface by means of pumps. The degree of adhesion is constantly monitored by special sensors. If a problem arises, the device will signal this.

Magnetic models consist of two blocks equipped with magnets. They are attached to the inner and outer sides of the surface in a strictly coinciding position. The generated magnetic field holds the elements securely on a horizontal surface.

The Magnetic Window Cleaning Robot has a large work surface, which contributes to efficiency, but the need for installation on both sides limits its use.

The devices can work both in automatic and manual modes. To do this, select a specific option on the remote control. During automatic operation, the robot moves according to a given algorithm. With manual control, the device must be directly set the direction.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the possibility of remote control greatly facilitates the use of the device, especially when washing high-lying surfaces.

Hobot product line: window cleaning robots of different generations

Hobot is a Taiwanese company that has been implementing innovative technologies in the creation of household appliances for almost two decades. The use of computer programming and digital data transmission, along with the use of optical and electromechanical systems, formed the basis of production.

Among the manufactured products are floor polishers and window washers. During the activity of the company, more than one generation of robots for cleaning windows have been developed and produced. Hobot WINBOT-68 was the first model. This apparatus was attached to the surface using magnets, which were located on both sides of the glass surface.

The robot was far from its modern counterpart, but it was a huge hit with consumers.The novelty was highly appreciated by experts. Further, the process of improving technologies began, opportunities expanded, and operational qualities improved.

The advantages of the company's work include the presence of service centers. They are available in almost all major cities of Russia.

Today the most popular robots for cleaning windows are the Trunk. The price of products ranges from 20 to 33 thousand rubles. A Chinese counterfeit can be offered for 13 thousand rubles. They most often cannot be repaired; after a breakdown, it remains only to throw it away.

Useful advice! In order not to become a victim of unscrupulous sellers, it is better to purchase cleaning robots from authorized Hobot dealers.

Features of the design of the robot window cleaner Hobot-188, user reviews

The Hobot-188 model is the basic one, it was invented one of the first not only by this manufacturer, but in general in the world. The apparatus is held on the glass by means of a vacuum created by the engine. The compressor draws in air between the glass surface and the wheels that are directly cleaning. The suction force is such that it can hold an object weighing up to 7 kg. This model of the robot itself, the Trunk for washing windows, weighs only 950 grams.

The device moves on the surface due to the rotation of wheels, on which microfiber napkins are fixed. Cleaning can be carried out both dry (just wiping off the dust) and wet (using detergents). The robot works from the mains, it is a rather economical device: the level of consumed electricity is 80 W.

The glass washer is also equipped with a rechargeable battery, which after turning off the power will be able to keep the device on the surface for another 15-20 minutes. For fall insurance, a cord is included to prevent the robot from crashing. The dimensions of the device are quite compact - 295x148x120 mm.

You can talk about the advantages of the technique as much as you like, but the general impression will be formed only after use. The reviews about the Hobot-188 model are mostly positive and even enthusiastic.

“I do not regret the purchase at all. Window cleaning results in an interesting procedure with a remarkable result ... ”. “Waste has long been forgotten, and with it the problem of washing windows. Now a teenage son does it, he likes ... ". “At first I was adjusting, I followed everything, now I leave work for a while and do other things. A great helper, feels all the edges and obstacles, rolls down funny. Works great. "

There are opinions and the following content: “... only for large windows. I have them 100x120 cm, I spend more time on installing the robot, replacing napkins, etc. Recently, I don't use them at all ... "," ... I don't get enough in the corners, I wash. Not difficult, but I consider it a disadvantage, this moment is not thought out ... "

New features of the Hobot-198 window cleaning robot

The Hobot-198 robot is a more advanced version. It can be used to wash horizontal and vertical surfaces. Vacuum is also a method of surface retention. The main difference of this model can be considered the implementation of a program that provides repeated passage. That is, this Trunk for cleaning windows during the first movement removes the main layer of dirt, and during the second - brings the surface to an ideal state.

Another significant difference between this robot and the previous model is the ability to control it from a smartphone after installing the application. Despite the fact that the power of the device has increased to 90 W, its dimensions have not changed. Users note the good mobility of the device when colliding with obstacles. The weight of the device, although slightly, has decreased, it is 930 grams.

The movement speed of the robot has increased significantly. The window cleaning device reduced the operating time by 20%.When the battery is low, the device beeps. The main device comes with a control panel, a cord for insurance and 14 washable napkins, so you won't need to purchase consumables for a long time. The design of the product has also been improved: the body is made of high-quality matte plastic.

Useful advice! If you cannot install the application on your smartphone yourself, you should contact the specialists - the process of controlling the robot from a mobile phone is much more comfortable.

Bigger and better: the Hobot-268 window cleaning robot

The next achievement of the company's developers was the Hobot-268 window cleaning robot. Reviews were not long in coming. Users appreciated the new shape of the device - it became square. An increase in size was also noted as a positive development. This device has acquired the following dimensions: 240x240x105 mm. Greater surface grip accelerated the window cleaning process.

Related article:

Robot vacuum cleaners: smart and reliable assistants with artificial intelligence

Features and technical parameters of devices. Varieties and equipment of units. Review of popular models.

This is a model with a vacuum motor that reliably holds the apparatus, the weight of which has increased to 1200 grams. Moving is carried out by means of rubberized tracks with special cutouts. For this model, wipes of a slightly different quality are used: there is an option for dry and wet cleaning. The pile has an improved structure, which makes the washing process more efficient.

The Hobot-268 window cleaning robot also received positive reviews for its good cleaning speed. Compared to the Hobot-198 model, it has increased almost 1.5 times. The Hobot-268 robot cleans a square meter of glass in 2.4 minutes.

The complete set of this model of the wiper is standard, with the exception of the quality and quantity of wipes: 3 are offered for dry cleaning and the same for wet cleaning. The improved quality has significantly increased their service life.

The warranty for this device is also standard - 12 months (like other models of this manufacturer). Based on user reviews, we can conclude that the device is stable, it functions without breakdowns for 5 years (as stated by the company).

Top Position: Hobot-288 Window Washer Robot

The Hobot-288 window cleaning robot appeared on the domestic market in 2017 and immediately took a leading position. It does not have significant differences from previous models, but the refinement and improvement of performance allowed the device to become more efficient in operation among other models of this manufacturer. The main advantages of the device are the following characteristics:

1. Square shape. It provides the greatest possible access to the corners of the surface.
2. Smartphone control.
3. Wipes for two purposes - dry (blue) and wet (yellow) cleaning.
4. Double pass both horizontally and vertically.

Useful advice! When choosing a Hobot robot washer, it is worthwhile to correlate the size of the device and the area planned for cleaning.

Reviews of the robot window cleaner Hobot-288 are mostly positive. Users point to convenience, quiet operation, ease of operation and good cleaning performance.

A more critical assessment still has drawbacks.

“My friend has Hobot-268, she is happy. I bought 288, decided to buy something more modern. Almost 6 thousand more. But neither she has a container for a liquid product, nor do I. It annoys me: what an improved model it is! "

Irina, Belgorod

“Washes slowly, I spend almost an hour working with such an assistant. True, I wash the windows, the shower, and the tiles, this time even on the floor (I experimented). But in general it is normal.I guess I was just counting on something faster. "

Christina, Irkutsk

“After all the passes along the frames, the stains still remain. If you ignore this, then the robot works fine. But I wipe, wrap a napkin around the mop and remove. This is 3-4 centimeters. You need to do it right away, later it is more difficult. Considering that I chose this particular model, square, so that it could penetrate into all corners, the disadvantage is significant. "

Polina, Orekhovo-Zuevo

Modern vacuum cleaner Karcher for washing windows: features of work

Vacuum cleaners are an excellent option to make cleaning glass and other smooth surfaces easier. Karcher models can be considered one of the most popular. The devices operate on battery power (mains power is not provided), which only simplifies use, eliminating dependence on the length of the power cord.

The main part of the window vacuum cleaner consists of a rubber brush attachment, a power supply and a water collection container. The principle of operation is as follows:

• window glass is moistened;
• by pressing a button, the device is brought into working condition;
• while the vacuum cleaner sweeps over the surface to be cleaned, the brushes scoop up water, and the engine intensively draws it in, sending it into a special reservoir.

Autonomous power supply with a full charge of the battery lasts for 20 minutes. An extension attachment is sold with the vacuum cleaner, which allows you to work at height. It is necessary to move the vacuum cleaner from top to bottom, but in the corners the direction can be changed. This model can work both on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Convenient to clean polished furniture.

Useful advice! When cleaning horizontal planes, do not wet them abundantly with water. This will not affect the result (the surface will not become cleaner), but the need to frequently empty the reservoir from the liquid will complicate the work.

The Karcher window vacuum cleaner can be equipped with a spray gun with a special nozzle, where a napkin is attached (model WV-50 Plus). Such a device is designed to pre-wet and wipe the surface, after which the remaining liquid is collected with a vacuum cleaner.

Manufacturers also offer models with a more powerful battery, an additional replaceable rubber brush of a smaller size (convenient for small fragments of window glazing).

Xiaomi JIMMY VW302 Manual Window Cleaning Robot

Some sales companies have proactively labeled the machine a "hand-held robot." Although in reality it is nothing more than a window vacuum cleaner. This is how the Chinese manufacturers call it. The principle of the device is absolutely identical to that of the Karcher model.

The Xiaomi JIMMY VW302 vacuum cleaner for washing windows includes a 28 cm wide nozzle (which provides a fairly large surface grip) with a rubber brush strip that scoops up water, a battery and a dirty water tank. There is a hole in the bottom of the case where you can insert the extension structure of the device (so that you can wash high vertical surfaces), but they must be purchased separately. In addition to the vacuum cleaner, there is a spray bottle with a nozzle on which a soft pad is put on, washing away the main layer of dirt.

This model, with good functionality, has a number of disadvantages:

1. The instructions are written in Chinese. Therefore, only schematic fragments will help in mastering the device.
2. The soft pad on the spray nozzle is attached rather troublesome - by disconnecting and connecting the Velcro.
3. It is inconvenient to pour out dirty water from the sump - it is necessary to completely turn the vacuum cleaner, which forms dirty streaks on the body.

It is worth noting the quite affordable price of the Xiaomi JIMMY robot for cleaning windows. It can be purchased for only 4 thousand rubles.

Useful advice! It is worth keeping the battery of this device in a charged state, this will significantly extend its life.

Redmond Smart Home: Robot Window Washer

For some time, Redmond has been actively engaged in the release of "smart" technology. It manufactures kitchen appliances, heaters, floor polishers, kettles and more. Vacuum cleaners for washing windows can also be added to the list, but the most popular is the window cleaner - the RV-RW001 robot.

The device is held on a vacuum motor and has two wheels on which napkins are attached to directly remove dirt. The device can be controlled from a smartphone using the Redmond Wiperbot app (available in versions for iOS and Android), or using the remote control. The maximum distance of the latter is allowed at a distance of 650 cm.

The body is made of glossy plastic, which makes the device look pretty nice. For a convenient grip, there are fragments of rough material on the sides of the protruding part, which prevents the device from slipping out of the hands. The launch is carried out by two buttons: one turns on the device, the second provides the start of movement.

The device works from the mains, the cord is 400 cm long. There is also a battery in the design, but it only holds (for 15 minutes) the robot in the event that the power supply is cut off.

The robot window cleaner Redmond is quite noisy, the reason for this is the loudly running vacuum motor.

Useful advice! It is imperative to master the remote control for this Redmond window cleaning robot after reading the instructions. This will speed up the process and help avoid mistakes.

The efficiency of window cleaning robots: user reviews

Apparatuses for washing windows on social networks are discussed quite actively. The opinions and even positions of users are very different. The statements below have been selected in such a way as to highlight the problems that have not been raised in the article up to this point.

“I don't see anything perfect. Yes, it washes, but no better than by hand. If you save energy, then a worthwhile acquisition. I have a trunk-188. I use it twice a year, and more often I wipe it by hand. I don't like this unboxing-attaching-control ritual. I don’t regret the purchase, but I don’t admire it either. ”

Elena, Samara

“We bought it after reading the reviews and no regrets. Demagoguery is carried out by those whose windows do not rise above two meters. We have two French balconies, so the robot is just a salvation. Before that, they washed with a scraper, they did not get it everywhere, it was necessary to bend outward. The robot is magnetic, it keeps itself tight. "

Evgeny, Rostov-on-Don

“A robot is a mechanism that can break down at the most unexpected moment. 25 thousand rubles will simply fly away into the abyss. I can't imagine how they can wash the windows on the 16th floor ?! I wouldn't even risk it on a safety cord. I didn't buy the robot, I'm thinking. "

Irina, Kazan

“It's not so simple with a magnetic robot. First, you need to expose exactly two parts of it. If you make a mistake, it is difficult to correct, it rigidly "sticks together". And there is a second point. It is better not to wash a heavily dirty surface. You need to wipe the area, only then install. It keeps more securely. I must say right away that the apparatus for large windows, with small ones, is simply pointless to mess around. "

Andrey, Voronezh

Comparison of the functioning of vacuum cleaners and robots for cleaning windows (reviews)

According to customer reviews, window cleaning robots are more popular.

“It is even interesting to direct the movement of the device, we all the family observe how this seemingly sluggish mechanism leaves behind a crystal surface. The room becomes brighter. I wash my windows almost every month, for the seventh time, napkins without even a hint of wear. And there are ten more in stock! I rinse in soapy water after each cleaning ... ".“I use the Hobot 188 model. I give it to all my neighbors and friends. Nothing to break, works great. The surface is not ideal, but it is still better than after my cotton rags. "

Most of all it appears in the reviews of Hobot-268: "... to understand how much easier it is to wash windows, you need to buy and test a robot washer ...", "... no fatigue. Washing the windows became pleasant, and before that I mentally prepared for it for several days. "

Reviews about vacuum cleaners are more restrained. Partly because the mechanism itself is much simpler. However, there are both negative and positive opinions: “... nothing differs from my manual device (a nozzle on a stick), only it collects water, not pulls it down ...”, “... after you swipe, stripes along the edge of the nozzle remain, this is because the water is collected. I wipe after each pass. It seems not for long, you get used to it many times ... "," ... you have to work with your hands and watch in order to set the vacuum cleaner correctly ... "," An inexpensive and very good option, I'm happy, it washes perfectly. "

How to choose the right vacuum cleaners and robots for cleaning windows

What approach should be taken when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning windows? There are a lot of components. Most of all, one should start from personal preferences. As the above reviews indicate, almost all models give the same result, but the process has differences. When evaluating options, you can use the following algorithm and tips:

1. The choice of design. The features of operation depend on it. The rounded robot cannot penetrate into the corners, the device with magnets requires attachment to a clean surface, additional brushes help to cope with the dried layer of dirt. Robots are automated, vacuum cleaners are partially.
2. Convenience of management. All cleaning robots have a remote control, some can receive commands via a smartphone. On the remote control there are a lot of buttons, on the phone screen everything is conveniently concentrated and signed. For manual operation, it is worth purchasing a vacuum cleaner.
3. Ability to work with frameless surfaces. To wash such surfaces, you need to choose models with sensors that detect the edge, or vacuum cleaners.
4. Working conditions of magnetic robots. The thickness of the glasses should not exceed the dimensions specified by the manufacturer, permissible for creating a magnetic field and firmly holding the device on the surface.

It is also important to take into account financial capabilities when choosing. The price of window cleaning robots ranges from 13 to 35 thousand rubles. A vacuum cleaner can be purchased for 3.5-7 thousand rubles.

Rating of window cleaning robots: top 5 best models

During the selection process, each potential buyer wants to get as much information as possible about the most popular models, to find out which window cleaning robots are the best. The rating suggested below is based on the opinions of users.

Hobot 288. Improved device. Designed for cleaning both glass and other smooth surfaces. Has an increased wheel speed. Can be controlled from a smartphone. Held by vacuum.

Mamibot W110. Washes glass, mirror, tile and even plastic smooth surfaces. The work is provided by the power supply. There is also a lithium-polymer battery to hold the device in the absence of electricity. Differs in a zigzag step, performs wet and dry cleaning. The safety rope can hold the robot for an unlimited amount of time, as it is designed for a weight of up to 150 kg.

Ecovacs Winbot X. This is a robot vacuum cleaner. It operates on autonomous power supply. A full battery charge is sufficient for 50 minutes of device operation. Cleaning is carried out in several stages: wiping with a damp cloth, collecting moisture with a scraper, fine wiping.Powerful suction allows this device to clean even ribbed and rough surfaces.

Ecovacs Winbot 950 W (ER-D850). Vacuum device. Perfectly cleans the surface without leaving unwashed areas. It independently determines the size of the area and chooses the trajectory of movement. Regular windows are washed in N-way, wider surfaces - in Z-way.

Ilshim Global Windoro WCR-I001. Magnetic robot. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can wash an area of ​​15 m2, that is, it works continuously for almost 2 hours. The permissible distance between blocks is 15-25 mm.

Important! The rating of models should be taken as nothing more than a generalization of other people's opinions. The best robot for cleaning windows is the one that suits the user in his specific conditions.

Window cleaning robots: safe use

Everyone agrees that using robotic wipers is much safer than washing windows by hand with water and a cloth (or napkins, paper), especially if you need to get to the top level using various devices or stands. Are the robots and vacuum cleaners themselves absolutely safe? It is impossible to say “no” with certainty, since any device connected to the power supply is an object of increased danger.

So that the use of automated devices does not bring grief, and even more injuries, it is worth fulfilling simple safety requirements:

• the device is in contact with moisture, therefore, before each use, you should carefully inspect the case and, if damaged, refrain from operating until the defect is eliminated;
• switch the power supply on and off only with dry hands;
• use the safety cord only in accordance with the instructions;
• after using the device, rinse the container for collecting water, remove traces of moisture from the device.

If used correctly, the window cleaner will last a long time without causing problems.

Having figured out the intricacies of the work of various "smart" devices that have taken on the responsibility of washing glass, it will not be so difficult to choose an assistant. If you manage to make friends with him, the rooms will be flooded with clean daylight, creating coziness and raising the mood of the household.