How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: expert tips
So the hero’s dream came true from the movie “The Adventures of Electronics”, which enthusiastically sang that “the robots are working on it, not a person”. Many people dream of a smart robot vacuum cleaner that cleans an apartment on their own. It costs a lot, but there are a lot of models in stores - it’s hard to understand how they differ from each other. We hope that this material will help the buyer to figure out how to choose a good quality robot vacuum cleaner with the right characteristics.
Content:
- How does a robot vacuum cleaner work, and what is inside
- Myths and features that you must know before buying a robot vacuum cleaner
- How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: the main criteria
- Which manufacturer to prefer
- The ratio of the cost of the product and its quality
- Video: Testing Robot Vacuum Cleaners
How does a robot vacuum cleaner work, and what is inside
First, we will talk about the technical parameters of a smart little cleaner - after all, they determine how quickly and efficiently our future vacuum cleaner will work. However, this can be said of any technical device. And now - the specifics.
The prefix "robot" this vacuum cleaner received due to the fact that it performs all cleaning work independently, in accordance with a given program. Reaching any obstacle or doorway, he cleverly and accurately circumambulates it. And when the cleaning is completed, the machine rushes to the base to recharge. By the way, every decent device has a base - only anonymous Chinese models lack it.
Construction and materials of the cleaning part
The robotic vacuum cleaner removes large debris with a special brush (of which it has one or two in a set). To reach inaccessible places (for example, near furniture legs, in the corners, near the wall), he has small side brushes in store.
1 - side brush; 2 - silicone brush; 3 - turbo brush; 4 - a container for dust.
In general, it is not so important what size all these devices have - the determining factor is what material they are made of. If it is of high quality, then the vacuum cleaner can be easily cleaned of such “problem” debris as threads, hair or wool.
1. The side brush sweeps the debris along the baseboards and in the corners of the room, then moves it under the main brushes.
2. The two main brushes rotate towards each other and pick up debris from the floor.
3. All collected garbage is moved to a dust collector, and the filter traps small particles of dust.
We recall again the cheap Chinese models, the harvesting part of which is not very well done. It takes a long time to clean such a device. And an optimally designed vacuum cleaner does not require long fuss when cleaning it. In addition, he and the details change in one easy motion. And models of the middle price category and business class are equipped with special brushes that are very convenient to use. Hair or threads wound around them are removed in a few seconds - just press the button.
How a robot vacuum cleaner finds out where to go
A small and compact robot vacuum cleaner does not suck in the air as much as its older brother - an ordinary vacuum cleaner. But he himself is guided in the room thanks to special touch sensors, and can also perform cleaning according to a certain algorithm. This procedure is set by software, which each manufacturer has its own patented. It determines the quality of cleaning, sometimes determining a significant difference in price for similar models of the same brand.
During the cleaning of the premises, the robot vacuum cleaner can move along one of the standard paths: zigzag, spiral, diagonal, perimeter. Sensors tell the device when to change one motion algorithm to another.Note that during its accidental movement, the vacuum cleaner operates in accordance with certain rules. For example, he can clean the middle of the room “without fanaticism”, but he thoroughly and meticulously cleans the corners from the garbage. There are models that regulate the suction power depending on the cleanliness of the room. They themselves are able to choose the mode that will give the best results. Algorithms for the action and movement of the vacuum cleaner are set using special software that is equipped with each robot vacuum cleaner. The quality of the vacuum cleaner depends on the quality of this software and the developments laid in its foundation. Therefore, each manufacturer tries to implement their innovations and patent them.
You can consider the principle of the robot vacuum cleaner, drawing a parallel between its device and a living organism. Then a variety of sensors can be compared with the senses. They send signals to the controller, which instructs the device to turn or drive faster. If there are a lot of sensors, then the robot is perfectly oriented in any room.
A standard set of sensors includes the following types:
1.Collision sensors hide under the bumper. The bumper is made of rubber and covers the entire perimeter of the vacuum cleaner. If in the immediate vicinity there is any object, the sensor signals this. The controller receives a signal and changes the direction of movement of the device. It will be the opposite of the triggered sensor.
2.Touch sensors are infrared. They are located around the entire perimeter, and their task is to prevent the robot vacuum cleaner from colliding with any large object. Their presence increases the maneuverability of the device, and also reduces cleaning time. They work like this: an infrared ray created by a special emitter is reflected from objects, and then it arrives at the receiver. When a large object is dangerously close to a vacuum cleaner, the reflection of an invisible beam occurs too quickly. The sensor responds to this instantly by sending a correction signal to the “brain” of the device. The trajectory of motion changes safely, and no collision occurs.
3.Drop sensorslocated on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner are also infrared. Their task is to inform in time that the floor height has changed. This helps a lot when you need to overcome the threshold or not fall off a high staircase.
These were the main types of sensors, which are certainly present in every robot vacuum cleaner. Business class models that are equipped with many convenient additional features have an expanded range of capabilities.
In addition to the main kit, they may have the following useful additions:
1.Ultrasonic sensors work on the principle of echolocation. The emitter (now not infrared, but sound) transmits a high-frequency sound wave that a person does not feel. Reflecting from the object, the wave returns to the receiver. Depending on the type of wave returned, the distance at which the object is located is estimated. Based on this, the robot can adjust its speed: where it is empty, it rolls faster, and where there is a lot of furniture - slower. Thanks to the presence of an ultrasonic device, the vacuum cleaner more thoroughly cleans corners and the floor near the baseboards.
2.Pollution sensors help you choose the optimal cleaning mode and trajectory. Depending on how clean the room is, the robot vacuum cleaner can move faster or slower, make cosmetic or general cleaning.
3.Laser sensors - This is a whole system of scanners, which with the help of lasers examines the room, outlining its outline in detail and sending it to the intelligent system. Thanks to the presence of such a plan of the terrain, the robot will be able to bypass obstacles in advance, and also not to clean carefully where it is already clean enough.
Some additional “tricks”, such as the front wheel rotation sensor, are not so important. Their presence does not affect the efficiency of the device.
Base for recharging the robot vacuum cleaner and its battery
To ride freely around the house, bringing cleanliness, our vacuum cleaner needs an independent source of energy. To do this, it was equipped with a built-in battery, the main characteristic of which is capacity. The larger it is, the longer the device can work without requiring recharging. Accordingly, the cleaned area will also be larger. As an example, let's take a decent size room - 60 m2. A robotic vacuum cleaner, working diligently and efficiently, will cope with it in two hours. But if its built-in battery lasts only for an hour, then you will have to interrupt the cleaning in the middle to recharge.
Premium segment robots are recharged “to the eyeballs” in just 20 minutes, while lower-cost models require much more time - from 3 to 8 hours. And sometimes it can happen that an apartment consisting of two rooms is cleaned for a whole day. Perhaps for some it is not important, but for many such slowness will not be to their taste. Therefore, it is preferable to purchase models with a large battery capacity.
Now let's talk about the charging method. It is very convenient when robotic vacuum cleaners are delivered together with a base - a special charging station. As soon as their strength is exhausted, they themselves look for this station, and then automatically recharge. Very little is required from the owner of the cleaned apartment: put the unit in the center of the room and ask him the desired program. Well, and if necessary, throw garbage out of the container. The vacuum cleaner will do the rest on its own.
So that the robot does not get lost and can easily find the charging station, it constantly emits an infrared signal. Thanks to this, a small cleaner finds the right direction to his base, even from a remote corner of a large house. Some charging stations have a convenient accessory - a large waste bin, which can accommodate all the collected garbage.
About the wet cleaning function and its features
A robot vacuum cleaner is cleaning one of two ways:
Method 1 If there is a built-in container with water, then the device makes a good wet cleaning absolutely independently. However, as with a conventional washing vacuum cleaner, you will have to periodically change the dirty water in the tank to clean.
Due to the autonomy and mobility, cleaning devices cannot be connected rigidly to the plumbing system, like a washing machine. Washing-type robotic vacuum cleaners usually do not have the function of automatic recharging, since all the same, water has to be changed more often than charging the battery.
Before washing the floor, the robot collects all large debris from it. Then he carefully wipes the floor covering with a brush. The third stage is the cleaning of dirty water. To do this, there is a special scraper that delivers water to the suction device. The result pleases the housewives, and it is more pleasant to use automation than rags and mops. However, not every floor covering is prepared to withstand such handling. In particular, a washing vacuum cleaner is not suitable for laminate and parquet (except for waterproof brands), brushed wood and wooden floorboards with open seams, stone porous tiles and long pile carpets.
Method 2 This is how most robotic vacuum cleaners work. In this case, a damp cloth is attached to the bottom of the device, which wipes the floor. Naturally, this piece of fabric requires periodic rinsing in clean water.
In general, it looks like a standard wet cleaning, only a working and zealous robot vacuum cleaner will crawl with a wet rag instead of a happy housewife.
Myths and features that you must know before buying a robot vacuum cleaner
We considered the main features and principles of the design and operation of the robot vacuum cleaner. But before we consider the criteria by which you can choose your robot vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to debunk some myths and outline its capabilities.
Myth 1. You should not think that the automatic assistant will shoulder all homework. After all, there will be many places in the apartment where he still cannot penetrate.So be prepared for the fact that once every half a month or three weeks you will need to arm yourself with an ordinary vacuum cleaner. The robot, of course, will keep the apartment clean by collecting garbage and dust, but the landlords will have to do the monthly general cleaning.
Myth 2. Now one delicate moment associated with cleaning corners. Even the special form of the device does not help to clean them well. For example, square models from LG and Neato VX-21 are produced, however, they are also not able to cope with treacherous dust in the corners of the room. Moreover, Neato VX-21 also lacks side brushes, due to which untidy strips of dust remain along the wall. LG has side brushes, which distinguishes this model from the previous one. So it is better to choose a robot vacuum cleaner of the model where there are two side brushes. Best of all, if each such device consists of three or four small radiofrequent brushes.
Myth 3. A large suction base where a vacuum cleaner can scoop up collected garbage is nothing more than an advertising ploy. Such models are manufactured by Samsung, Kerher, DeeBot, but it is not always convenient to use them. The base, equipped with a huge waste bin, becomes too cumbersome, and you have to look for a place for it. After all, also on the side you need to leave space for the free access of the robot. In addition, replaceable bags are often used in such models, which are quite expensive. Have to buy them regularly - and this is an extra cost. And even during the unloading of garbage, he sometimes wakes up past, and you have to periodically clean up the parking lot of the robot.
Myth 4. Another marketing trick is equipping vacuum cleaners with a special UV lamp that can destroy germs and bacteria. Mostly Chinese manufacturers “dabble” with this, and reputable brands (such as, for example, Neato, iClebo, iRobot) do not put any UV lamps. They do not want to deceive their customers, because there is absolutely no sense in such a lamp. These are all empty words, not supported by evidence - Chinese manufacturers did not even try to check whether bacteria and microbes are destroyed by this device.
Myth 5. During wet cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner acts like a floor polisher by wiping the floor with a wet microfiber cloth. Spots, of course, she will not remove, but the floor will wipe. For consumer safety, there is no water supply in such a vacuum cleaner. But in high-quality devices (for example, in iClebo Pop and iClebo Arte models), the napkin has excellent quality. It does not dry out for a long time - enough for the entire cleaning. Due to this, fine dust is well removed. With such a vacuum cleaner, allergies, sensitive to dust, live much calmer. Perhaps the most successful wet wipe for the iClebo Arte model, and unsuccessful for many products made in China (for example, Clever & Clean 112). Their presence is not felt at all.
Myth 6. The fine filter and the HEPA filter perform the same function. Only the latter has a greater number of layers for filtering, and it has a denser structure.
Pleasure is not cheap, and an urgent need for such a device does not always arise.
A robot vacuum cleaner can really help you if:
- You live in a dusty area, and dust constantly flies in your windows, and in the summer also fluff. And if you no longer have the strength to constantly wield a broom and a rag, it makes sense to buy a robot vacuum cleaner. You can program it so that he will quietly clean the apartment every two days, while no one is at home. And then all week you can do nothing, tidying up only on weekends.
- You have a pet, especially a furry one. Good robotic vacuum cleaners perfectly remove wool and fluff. But inexpensive models often have too little dust collector (only 0.25 liters), quickly clogging with wool. Therefore, in this case, they will help little. If the dust bag has a volume of 0.5 l or more, then there will be no problems collecting wool.
- You hate dust with all the fibers of the soul, and with manic pedantry get rid of its slightest traces.In this case, the model of a reliable and reputable brand equipped with a high-quality wet towel is most suitable for you. So you get rid of even the smallest dust, and at the same time refresh the air in the apartment.
- You don’t really like to get out - there’s not enough time, effort or desire to do this. After all, it is much nicer to read a book or watch a movie in your spare time. Then you should consider buying an assistant robot. He will definitely free time.
- You adore all sorts of “advanced” technical inventions, and rush to get all the fun. Your house is full of all kinds of gadgets, and there is no such novelty that you would not hear about. You will probably have a robot vacuum cleaner “to the yard”, and acquaintances, who come to visit, will gasp in delight.
How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: the main criteria
If a person has never seen such devices before, then when buying it can be confused. He does not imagine which robot vacuum cleaner is better to choose, which functions to give preference to, what characteristics to pay attention to first of all. It turns out to be insufficient to have only a general idea of the principle of operation and design of the device. In addition, there are many more nuances. There are a number of questions that no one can answer. Having searched for an answer on the Web, not everyone will be satisfied with the results - sometimes even there the information is not complete and useful. We will try to give a complete list of the main criteria for choosing a robot vacuum cleaner.
Area for cleaning
This is one of the main parameters, because a low-power model, designed for 40 m2, you will not remove a large mansion or apartment 100 m2. Usually the cleaning area is indicated in the technical passport. If you did not find it there, calculate it yourself: for this, subtract the number 10 from the time of the vacuum cleaner (in minutes). The optimum area that this model can handle will be obtained.
Ability to overcome obstacles
It would seem that this parameter should not be of primary importance. But in reality, this is not so - a helpless vacuum cleaner that constantly trips and gets stuck is a poor helper. Rather, he himself needs help, saving from trouble. The best indicators in this regard are the iRobot Roomba models belonging to the 700th line. Neither a two-centimeter threshold is a hindrance to them, nor are wires stretched across the floor. IClebo vacuum cleaners are just as dexterous, and this compares them favorably with cheap “Chinese”, who clean them with a sheer hassle. However, their manufacturers are trying, as far as possible, not to advertise the poor patency of their devices.
Scheduled cleaning
But this, of course, is not the main thing. However, for those who want to withdraw from participating in cleaning, the presence of such a function will be important. Having set up the program only once, you can relax or go about your business. And the robot itself will go to work according to the task, and at the end of the cleaning itself will return to its base. Such a function is usually present in all "untwisted" models of well-known brands.
Soft touch
It is about mitigating the impact when colliding with any objects. In principle, from acceleration, not a single robot vacuum cleaner will run into obstacles - most of them have a spring-loaded bumper that softens the blow. Well, the “soft touch” is achieved by proximity sensors, which, in front of the obstacle, give the command to slow down. And if you have antique vases or valuable furniture that you worry about on the floor, grab a device with this feature.
In addition, you can further insure yourself by buying a vacuum cleaner with a low weight - even if he accidentally collides with a valuable item, then the blow will be very weak, almost imperceptible. Such, for example, are many iRobot and Neato models that weigh less than 4 kg. And the previously mentioned iClebo Arte vacuum cleaner weighs even less - only 2.8 kg.
Dust collector volume
And this is important - because with a volume of less than 0.3 l, the dust collecting container will be catastrophically quickly filled. And if you have a dog or cat, then the dust will kill it instantly. Therefore, buy a robot vacuum cleaner with a volume of less than 0.3 liters. not recommended.
However, if there are no pets, and the apartment is small (less than 50 m2), then you can buy a model of 0.3 liters. With an area of up to 80 m2 half-liter dust collectors are suitable, and owners of larger premises should choose models whose waste bin has a volume of 0.5 to 1 liter.
Type of air filtration
All manufacturers of these devices with one voice declare the presence of HEPA filters. But not all of them tell the truth - in fact, sometimes it turns out that instead there is a thin paper filter. It is impossible to visually check the quality of the filter system, so you should rely on brand solidity. For example, there is no reason not to trust that the iClebo Arte and iRobot Roomba models have high-quality multilayer filters.
Completeness
In the box with the robot vacuum cleaner, you can find various accessories and devices. This is a remote control, and spare brushes and filters, and movement limiters with coordinators. Which of them should certainly be present, and which ones can be dispensed with? We’ll find out now.
1. Remote control - A stylish and useful little thing, but having it in the kit is not necessary at all. After all, a robot is not a TV, and you don’t need to switch a program. He does everything himself, without outside interference.
2. Traffic limiter, which is beautifully called a virtual wall, is needed by those who need to create a restricted area for a vacuum cleaner. For example, this is the corner where the cat eats and stands his bowl of food. Or it could be a fragile aquarium standing right on the floor. You can also put a limiter on the threshold of one of the rooms, if this time you decide not to clean it. It is a magnetic tape that is glued to the floor.
3. Movement coordinators - These are whole navigators capable of directing the vacuum cleaner in the right direction. There is no need to glue on the floor.
In addition to the devices described above, vacuum cleaners are equipped with an adapter for recharging, spare brushes for sweeping, as well as various devices used for periodic cleaning of the vacuum cleaner.
Consumables and service
It is imperative to focus attention on this - after all, you don’t want the beautiful and expensive robot vacuum cleaner to die quietly after working for six months. But this can happen to an unnamed Chinese model acquired in the market. What kind of service and guarantee is there - hardly anyone wants to hold the answer for such a product. However, some conscientious sellers agree to accept the defective product back (if the warranty has not expired). However, practice shows that there are problems with this. No seller wants to incur inevitable losses.
Therefore, when thinking about which robot to choose a vacuum cleaner, you need to find out if there are official service centers in Russia of a manufacturer whose model you like. Ensure that the warranty card is completed by the seller. Moreover, both the coupon and the user manual should be in Russian.
Now about consumables. It is advisable that they be available on your model for sale. It’s not enough - the brush will break or the filter will fail. If they are easy to find, then the problems will be solved quickly.
Which manufacturer to prefer
Officially, there are several well-known brands on the domestic market. Arrange them in order of popularity.
1. iRobot
The American company iRobot is a leader both in foreign markets and here. She began with the development of robots for the US military industry. Then, in a timely manner, the company began to mass-produce household products.
2. Yujin Robot
South Korean manufacturer Yujin Robot ranks second in the ranking. His iClebo robot models have been very successful. Especially liked consumers iClebo Home and iClebo Smart. It should be noted that this company specializes in robots for industry. But having felt that the demand for household models would increase, she also developed robotic vacuum cleaners.
3. Neato Robotics
Another US company is Neato Robotics. She developed only one model of a robot vacuum cleaner, which she called the XV-11. However, the appearance of the second model is not far off.A popular “feature” of this manufacturer is the integration of a laser rangefinder, which helps to build an accurate map of the cleaned room. Thanks to this, the XV-11 vacuum cleaner is actively being bought up.
4. RobZone
The Austrian company RobZone prefers to use an ordinary Chinese factory to manufacture its products, where other vacuum cleaners are made, purely of Chinese origin. The company managed to occupy its niche in the European market, having released at the time a number of models of vacuum cleaners that clean autonomously. Recently, an Austrian company appeared on the Russian market. Her most popular model is considered RobZone Gold.
5. Manufacturers not specializing in these products
There are also companies in which robotic vacuum cleaners are not the main products. They specialize in something else. For example, you can name the company Karcher (Robocleaner 3000 and 4000 models developed back in 2002), Samsung (NaviBot model), LG (Hom Bot model), Clatronic (BSR model).
6. Chinese manufacturers
Now about the ubiquitous "Chinese." These are Deebot, Clever & Clean, Qwikk, xRobot, QQ-02, ё-Robot Smarty, A320. The list goes on. They are often sold on discounted services such as Grupponov and Biglioni enterprising gentlemen. They cost one and a half times cheaper than the same iRobot. As for their quality, there are many controversial issues, some argue that it is quite acceptable.
The ratio of the cost of the product and its quality
Budget models
Such devices cost from 130 to 250 $. To ensure that the price of a robot vacuum cleaner is at such a level, manufacturers have to severely save literally on everything. These are body materials, and electronic "filling", and brushes, and sensors. Therefore, such a device is poorly oriented in the apartment and is able to work without recharging for no more than an hour. Cleaning with him can not be programmed, but the build quality and plastic leaves much to be desired. Even additional features do not compensate for these disadvantages. However, a modest model for cleaning a small apartment in this segment can be found.
Medium Price Models
Their cost is from 250 to 700 $. They can be recognized by their quality assembly and durable plastic case. They clean more efficiently than models from the budget segment, and they have more additional functions. The advantage of such vacuum cleaners is a volumetric waste bin and a good battery that allows you to clean 2 hours without respite. A sufficient number of sensors makes it possible not to encounter obstacles by choosing the optimal route. The kit has a base for charging, and the charging itself lasts 3-4 hours. Cleaning can be programmed. Such a robot vacuum cleaner fulfills its price, not so high, at 100%. He is able to become a good help to the hostess.
Elite Segment Models
They cost more than $ 700, and the functions are not much different from middle-class models. But their work efficiency is higher: spending only 10 or 20 minutes on charging, such a vacuum cleaner can very quickly clean a huge apartment or mansion. Therefore, those for whom it is more important than money, but time, will surely like elite models. They will completely save the owners of the apartment from the hassle of cleaning it.
We think that the video that you can see below will give good help in choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, understanding all the principles of its operation and possible shortcomings.
