Quite a few households can say this sentence today. Robotic vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of modern households in recent years, revolutionizing the way we approach cleaning. These smart devices can not only vacuum, but also wipe dust or mop floors, thus ensuring basic and daily household care. Their development is driven by advanced technologies that allow them to efficiently navigate the space, automate various processes and integrate into Smart Home systems.
A key feature of robotic vacuum cleaners is their ability to move and orient themselves in space. Navigation systems have come a long way from simple contact sensors to sophisticated systems. Today, various navigation technologies are used, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses laser sensors to create an accurate map of the environment. The robot emits laser beams that bounce off surrounding objects, allowing it to identify obstacles and plan the optimal cleaning route. Some models are equipped with cameras that, together with computer vision algorithms, can recognize objects and navigate in space, which allows, for example, to identify stairs, furniture or even recognize specific rooms. Inertial measurement units, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, help track the robot’s movement and orientation, which is important for precise navigation. Ultrasonic and infrared sensors detect the proximity of obstacles and help the robot avoid hitting walls or furniture. Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms allow robots to learn from previous cleaning cycles, optimize routes and better adapt to different conditions in the home. Nowadays, it is already common for a robotic vacuum cleaner to create an accurate map of the entire space, according to which commands can be entered via a mobile application for independent cleaning of individual spaces, even with different cleaning parameters for different rooms. Through mobile apps, users can control the robot remotely, set schedules, track cleaning maps and receive notifications. Integration with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant provides voice control. Using the application, you can define areas where the robot should not enter, which is useful, for example, when protecting pet bowls or fragile objects. The robots offer different modes, such as automatic cleaning of the entire household, spot cleaning of a specific place or marginal cleaning along the walls. If the robot runs out of battery during cleaning, it will automatically return to the docking station, recharge and then continue where it left off. More equipped models have a camera system and artificial intelligence, with which they can accurately identify, for example, objects on the floor so that they do not become entangled in cables or discarded pieces of clothing, or so that they do not spread spilled liquids or animal excrement on the floor. Some models allow their cameras to be used even in the absence of the owner to guard the area. In the event of a violation, the owner receives a notification, or can directly connect to the robot’s camera using the application.
Another interesting function that increases the efficiency of robotic vacuum cleaners is mopping. Different types of mopping systems are used. Passive mopping is a simple system where a mopping pad is attached to the bottom of the robot and is moistened with water from the tank. Water is dosed by gravity through capillary channels. These systems are more for wiping dust, and some vacuum cleaners can use them in this way even for dry wiping without vacuuming. More advanced systems use electronically controlled pumps to precisely dispense water onto the mop pad, allowing the amount of water to be adjusted to the type of floor and degree of soiling. To improve the cleaning effect, some mopping systems have vibrating mopping pads that vibrate at a high frequency. It simulates manual scrubbing and removes dried stains more effectively. The most effective are rotary mopping brushes that use rotating mopping pads or brushes. These provide more intensive cleaning, especially on hard floors.
One of the biggest innovations is the automation of robot maintenance. After cleaning, the robot returns to the docking station, which is equipped with a suction mechanism. This vacuums the contents of the dust container into a larger container or bag in the station, which reduces the frequency of manual emptying and increases hygiene, since the user does not come into direct contact with the dust. Some advanced stations can fill the robot’s water tank. The station is equipped with a tank for clean water and waste water, which allows the entire mopping process to be automated without user intervention. Hygiene is a key aspect of mopping. The station can rinse the mopping pad with clean water after each mopping to remove dirt and prevent the spread of bacteria. After rinsing, the station can dry the mopping mat with warm air, which prevents the formation of mold and unpleasant odors. Some models allow you to start the cleaning cycle for mop brushes independently of cleaning the floor, which increases their life and performance.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming part of smart homes. Support for Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and more allows robots to communicate with other devices in the home. The robot can be part of complex automations. For example, you can start cleaning when you leave the house or stop cleaning when you return. In combination with intelligent sensors, the robot can react to the conditions in the home, for example, increase the frequency of cleaning in the season of allergies or after detection of pollution. Advanced models emphasize data protection and privacy, use encrypted communication and allow control over information sharing.
The future of robotic vacuum cleaners is full of innovation. Development is aimed at better object recognition, identification of dirt types and adaptive cleaning performance thanks to advanced artificial intelligence. Robots will be able to communicate with the user in natural language, provide messages and receive instructions. Increased emphasis is placed on ecological materials, recyclable components and energy efficiency. The possibility of replacing and upgrading components such as batteries, sensors or mopping systems will extend the life of the device. Regular software updates will bring new features and improvements, robots will be able to learn from large data sets and improve their performance.
Robotic vacuum cleaners represent a significant advance in the field of home automation and smart technology. Their ability to clean independently, adapt to different environments and integrate into Smart Home systems makes them invaluable helpers in the modern home. Advanced navigation technologies, automated maintenance processes and continuous feature improvements ensure that these devices will continue to increase their value and benefit to users. With the continued development of technology, we can expect that robotic vacuum cleaners will become even more intelligent, efficient and more adaptable to individual needs, thus contributing to higher comfort and quality of life.
PHOTO source: www.depositphotos.com
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
The new generation of robotic vacuum cleaner with mop offers advanced cleaning even in hard-to-reach places thanks to the extendable side brush and the VibraRise 3.0 mopping system. With a power of up to 10,000 Pa and carpet detection, it copes with even stubborn dirt. Reactive AI 2.0 technology with LiDAR and artificial intelligence accurately maps the household and ensures detection and avoidance of obstacles. The RockDock Ultra automatic docking station offers convenient maintenance, including water refilling, detergent dosing, emptying, washing and hot air drying of the mop. Thanks to the built-in camera, it can also be used to monitor premises or communicate with pets.
Recommended price: 1299 €
You can also find at dealers: Rise, Nay, Elektro Glide
The revolutionary D-shaped robotic vacuum cleaner from Rowenta perfectly vacuums every corner
The unique robotic vacuum cleaner X-Plorer S240+ AI Animal 3D Vision is made in the shape of the letter D. It therefore cleans the corners of rooms much more efficiently. The extra wide animal hair brush cleans perfectly. The vibrating mop can also handle stubborn stains. Thanks to 3D Vision technology with cameras, it perfectly captures every room and even bypasses small objects. After cleaning, it returns to the docking station, which vacuums the collected mess into an inserted bag. A 15-year repairability guarantee is a matter of course.
CENA: 824,99 €
www.homeandcook.sk
iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max
Robotic vacuum cleaner with a mop for animal hair, for all types of floors, for dry and wet cleaning, High Efficiency filter and AeroForce filter, automatic charging, anti-impact sensor, automatic emptying, sensor against falling from the stairs and automatic cleaning of mop covers, control by mobile application , dust container volume 0.313 l, plastic collection container with a volume of 0.523 l, 1 side brush, camera navigation, Li-ion battery, running time 75 min, charging time 3 h, noise level 58 dB, compatible with Wi-Fi, dimensions 8 .7 × 33.8 × 33.9 cm (h × w × d), weight 5 kg, black color.
CENA: 1380 €
Source: www.nextech.sk