In recent years, with the rapid development of computer technology and artificial intelligence, intelligent robot technology has gradually become a hot topic in modern robotics research. Among them, service robots have opened up new areas of robot application.
Automatic floor cleaning robots integrate mechanics, electronics, sensor technology, computer technology, control technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. As a pioneer in the practical application of intelligent mobile robots, automatic floor cleaning robots, also known as automatic sweeping machines, intelligent vacuum cleaners, or robotic vacuum cleaners, are a type of intelligent home appliance that can automatically clean floors using a certain level of artificial intelligence. They generally use a combination of brushing and vacuuming to collect debris into their own dustbin, thus completing the floor cleaning function.
Automatic floor cleaning robots, also known as automatic sweeping machines or intelligent vacuum cleaners, are a type of intelligent home appliance that can autonomously complete floor cleaning tasks through artificial intelligence. It employs a combination of brushing and vacuuming, and is equipped with LDS laser radar navigation and AI binocular vision obstacle avoidance technologies to enhance path planning capabilities. Some models feature an ultra-thin 7.98cm body design and a self-cleaning base station for automatic mop washing and drying. Mainstream products integrate 3D structured light obstacle avoidance, high-temperature sterilization, and automatic dust collection functions, while some high-end models utilize a bionic robotic arm to achieve three-dimensional spatial cleaning and item placement.
Precautions for Using a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
1. Don't rush to charge a newly purchased robot vacuum.
Many people like to fully charge their newly purchased robot vacuums before using them, but this is unnecessary. A new robot vacuum still has a considerable amount of battery power. After bringing it home, don't charge it immediately. Let it clean first to check its performance. Once the battery is depleted, fully charge it to track the total charging and usage time for future cleaning.
2. Don't keep the robot working for extended periods.
Many people become careless with their robot vacuums, turning them on and letting them clean up even the smallest specks of dirt. During daily operation, it's crucial to check for overheating. Prolonged overload will significantly shorten its lifespan. Therefore, while it can be used for extended periods, it's best to divide the house into sections and have the robot clean only a portion each day to reduce its daily workload and extend its lifespan.
3. Empty the dustbin promptly after cleaning.
Many people, for convenience, often leave the dustbin unemptied for a long time. This practice is incorrect. Firstly, if the dustbin of a household smart robotic vacuum cleaner isn't emptied promptly, bacteria can easily grow, affecting the health of yourself and your family. Secondly, if the dustbin isn't emptied regularly, debris may leak out and enter the machine, causing malfunctions. Therefore, the dustbin should be emptied after each cleaning session and should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly to ensure a clean and tidy home.
Ten Minor Drawbacks of Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
1. 95% of robotic vacuum cleaners get tangled in hair (the Narwal is an exception; its pure suction design prevents hair entanglement, but its ability to clean dust and debris is limited). It's just a matter of how much hair gets tangled and how easy it is to clean.
V-shaped Roller Brush
The most common type on the market is the V-shaped roller brush (commonly known as a bristle brush). This type of main brush has strong cleaning power, can better conform to the floor during cleaning, is low in cost, and has a long service life, and was once the standard main brush for robotic vacuum cleaners. The obvious drawback is that it's relatively easy for hair to get tangled.
Single Rubber Brush
Roborock has equipped its T7S series with a single rubber brush. It's more friendly than the V-shaped roller brush in terms of hair entanglement and cleaning. Due to the material, tangled hair is looser and easier to clean—just a quick swipe. The drawback is that the rubber brush wears out easily, and its service life is not as long as that of a floating roller brush.
Dual-blade brushes
1. The easiest of the three main brush types to clean, with only slight tangling where the two axes remain stationary. The disadvantages are basically the same as single-blade brushes: they wear out more easily and have a shorter lifespan than floating roller brushes.
2. Edge cleaning ability is somewhat weak (this applies to both common round models and Dreame's D-shaped models).
3. Obstacle avoidance is a double-edged sword. Good obstacle avoidance is great for cleaning objects in the home, but the cleaning coverage around obstacles is not as good as on open ground.
Recommendation: Regardless of obstacle avoidance quality, it is recommended to clear small objects, slippers, power strips, etc., from the floor before the robot vacuum works. The more open the floor, the better the robot vacuum will perform.
4. The side brushes and bottom of the robot vacuum need to be cleaned regularly. (Electronic robot vacuums that automatically wash the mop only wash the mop at the base station, not the side brushes. This is especially problematic when mopping stains, as the side brushes can easily get stuck or be carried into the dustbin by the mop).
Most robotic vacuum cleaners on the market sweep and mop simultaneously. When cleaning stains on the floor, dirt easily gets stuck to the side brushes and then onto the base station chassis when returning to the station.
5. Limited ability to clean stubborn stains: Most robotic vacuum cleaners can only handle everyday floor problems (such as footprints, dust, and small debris). Stubborn stains can be handled by a floor scrubber, a close companion to the robotic vacuum. Also, large amounts of spilled juice or milk are not suitable for robotic vacuums to clean, as they may cause slippage.
6. Carpet cleaning issues (even with a carpet mode, it's limited to short-pile carpets; long-pile carpets are not suitable).
7. Robotic vacuums with washable mops aren't necessarily cleaner, but those without washable mops are mostly ineffective at cleaning (because they can't use the same mop for the whole house; observe how often a mother rinses her mop while mopping).
Recommendations:
If your budget allows, choose a robot vacuum with an automatic mop-washing function.
If your budget is limited, choose based on your apartment size.
For small apartments (less than 80 square meters), the sweeping and mopping area is approximately 50 square meters. This should be sufficient for most everyday floors, even without washing the mop mid-cleaning session. (This doesn't apply if you have preschool children who frequently cause cleaning disasters).
For medium to large apartments (over 80 square meters), it's best to choose a robot vacuum with an automatic mop-washing function. Otherwise, using one mop to clean the entire apartment won't guarantee effective cleaning.
8. Noise Issues (Noise during normal operation and automatic dust collection): Robot vacuums need sufficient suction to clean effectively, so noise is unavoidable, especially during automatic dust collection, which can reach over 80 decibels, far exceeding normal daily noise levels. Try to turn on the robot vacuum before leaving for work.
9. Water Stain Issues
10. Getting Stuck on Inclines or Failing to Get Out of Trouble.
In conclusion
While robotic vacuum cleaners have many drawbacks, they also have many advantages. They have already replaced humans in solving most floor cleaning problems. Buying a suitable robotic vacuum cleaner can improve your quality of life.
As a typical example of modern technology integrated into life, robotic vacuum cleaners, despite having ten minor shortcomings such as hair entanglement, weak edge cleaning, and limited ability to handle stubborn stains, have undeniably become a powerful assistant in household cleaning thanks to their advantages such as autonomous cleaning, intelligent navigation, and integrated functions. They have greatly freed people's hands and improved the convenience and happiness of life. With continuous technological innovation and improvement, it is believed that robotic vacuum cleaners will continue to improve their shortcomings, creating a cleaner and more comfortable living environment with better performance and more thoughtful design, shining even brighter in the field of smart homes.
