The robot vacuum cleaner is an ally when cleaning, especially for periodic and relatively light cleaning. However, it is recommended to keep some essential information in mind to make the best purchase and not be disappointed with what the product has to offer.
Suction power and cloth
Suction power is one of the most important measurements to consider before purchasing, as it determines the device’s ability to remove dirt completely. This force is measured in Pascals (Pa) and defines the effectiveness of the equipment on different surfaces.
They have between 2,000 and 3,000 Pa, making them ideal for hard floors and light dirt, such as hair and surface dust. Even at this level, performance can be satisfactory for simpler cleaning.
However, it is possible to obtain extra strength in the 4,000 to 6,000 Pa category, recommended for mixed floors and short pile carpets. There are also advanced devices between 7,000 and 20,000 Pa, which are suitable for medium or high carpets, homes with animals and heavy debris.
To optimize energy consumption and battery life, some models automatically adjust suction when they detect carpet. This can be an important characteristic to consider when choosing a stronger robot.
It is also important to decide whether it is worth buying one model that irons clotha function that can be identified in advertisements by the term “mopping”. In this case, there are a few different types of technology implementation.
- Basic mop: a cloth at the bottom, which only removes superficial dust.
- Rotary mops: they use high-speed rotation and pressure to actually “scrub” the floor and remove more persistent stains;
- Roller mop: more advanced system that uses water tanks and constant self-cleaning of the roller to avoid cross-contamination (that is, previously cleaned dirt returning to the floor in another position).
There are also other specific technologies for each model, such as the lifting function that raises the cloth when detecting carpets to avoid getting them wet. The downward pressure value also varies, that is, the force applied against the floor to simulate manual cleaning.
Navigation and self-cleaning systems
Advanced robots use navigation systems to recognize the shape of rooms and avoid obstacles using different technologies. Collision and infrared sensors represent the most basic technology, which still requires removing objects from the ground.
In turn, it is more sophisticated and allows the creation of accurate 2D maps in real time to view on your cell phone. In some models, there are RGB cameras combined with artificial intelligence to recognize and avoid common objects, such as shoes and cables.
Another feature that may be interesting to look for is the presence of fall sensors, which prevent the robot from falling down stairs or steps.
It is also necessary to look for the characteristics of the base, which is the place where the robot moves at the end of the work, whether by automatic navigation or manual transport.
The type of base determines the level of human interaction required with the product. The simple charging base, for example, just recharges the battery, while the self-emptying station automatically collects dust.
In these seasons, dust bags can last more than 60 days before maintenance is needed, depending on the device. The station considered “all in one” can charge, empty the dust, wash the mop with water (sometimes hot), dry with hot air and refill the robot’s tank.
In terms of connectivity, it is important to understand what the robot offers. Additional technological features include the connectivity via appswith support for scheduling, creating no-go zones and cleaning by room.
Devices can also offer compatibility with voice assistants for natural commands and . Anti-tangle technologies in brushes are designed to prevent fur and hair from blocking the roller.
Robot vacuum cleaners don’t do all the work alone
Regardless of the model chosen, it is essential to understand that . After all, it is usually ideal for light and medium dirt.
For deep crevices, cleaning upholstery, or removing large particles/objects, even manual cleaning will be required.
Furthermore, with the exception of recent models seen at technology fairs, robots do not travel on stairs or large steps. It is also necessary to prepare the environment in advance before turning on the robot, removing loose items and wires from the floor.
Still in terms of maintenance, actions such as cleaning brushes and sensors, in addition to periodically changing filters, are very important to guarantee the performance and useful life of the device. There is no way to “drop” the robot and wait for it to do all the cleaning.
*Text written by reporter Vinicius Moschen, from Canaltech, in collaboration with CNN Brasil
