Robot vacuums are sold on suction figures and app features. In practice, navigation and maintenance determine whether the unit is useful or annoying.
Navigation: LiDAR versus camera
LiDAR units map with a laser and generally work in the dark. Camera-based units rely on visible light and can struggle in dim rooms. Both approaches work; the difference shows up at night and in cluttered floor plans.
Suction in pascals, read with care
Pascal figures are measured under conditions that differ between manufacturers, so they are not directly comparable across brands. Carpet performance depends on brush design and airflow as much as raw suction.
Brushes and tangling
Roller brushes collect hair. Rubberised rollers tangle less with long hair, while bristle brushes agitate carpet better. For homes with pets or long hair, roller type matters more than suction.
Consumables set the real running cost
Filters, side brushes, main brushes and mop pads all wear out. Check that replacements are available and reasonably priced before buying.
Mop functions
A vibrating or spinning mop pad lifts light dust; it does not replace mopping. If a listing implies floor scrubbing, that claim deserves scrutiny.
Docking and storage
Self-emptying docks reduce hands-on work but take significant floor space, and the dock bags are another consumable.
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