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There are many reasons to look forward to weekends, but vacuuming isn’t one of them. Do you personally know anyone who enjoys lugging the heavy machine around their houses?
Once you find a reachable outlet, the work really begins. I don’t know about you but pushing and shoving a heavy vacuum cleaner isn’t under my definition of fun.
If you would like to spend less time cleaning your home, it may be time to consider using a robot vacuum cleaner.
Robotic vacuums are programmable appliances designed to make your workload a lot easier. They use automatic wall sensors to detect boundaries and detect walls.
The device recharges on a docking station where it is stored between uses. Cleaning your floors doesn’t get much easier than that.
What are the Working Components of Robot Vacuum Cleaners?
Most robot vacuum cleaner’s design includes one or two rolling brushes and spinning brushes. The brushes and rollers work together to pull debris toward the middle of the vacuum’s base.
Once the dirt and debris are gathered, the vacuuming suction pulls it up into the waste storage bin.
As the vacuum gathers dirt, food hair, and other small items from floors, it is all stored in the removable bin. After it becomes full, you’ll need to remove it and dump the contents into the trash.
Most can be programmed, so they run automatically. Some high-end models are managed using mobile apps or a smart speaker. Since they are programmable, you can program the vacuum to run while you are not at home.
You return to already cleaned floors; just one less thing you need to do.
How do Robot Vacuum Cleaners Work Using Sensors?
Different types of sensors make sure vacuums don’t fall down staircases or get into a bind. Sensors help with navigation that keeps the unit from damaging itself or your home.
Some of the sensors on robot vacuums include:
Dirt sensors are not included in all models. If the robotic vacuum has a dirt sensor, you’ll find it on the bottom close to the agitator brush.
The sensor causes vibrations that the vacuum interprets, so it knows whether to go over the area again or increase suction to pick up the remaining dirt.
Object sensors located on the sides of the vacuum, act similar to a vehicle’s airbag sensors. When it bumps into something, the sensors direct the vacuum to rotate, back up, or move in another direction.
Wall sensors work similarly to object sensors and treat a wall as an object. However, some of the more advanced models use infrared sensors located on a bumper.
This sensor detects walls, and the unit follows along the edge of the wall without bumping into them.
These units are great options for cleaning corners and edges.
Cliff sensors use infrared light. The light bounces off objects and sends the signal back to the vacuum’s receiver.
When the signal doesn’t return or bounce back, the receiver is programmed to assume a drop-off like a staircase is ahead.
It then signals to the robot vacuum to back away and proceed in another direction.
How does a robot vacuum’s docking station work?
Robot vacuum cleaners do not have any cords to get tangled up on while they are cleaning. They have a battery for power and need to be recharged between uses.
Various models will differ in terms of battery life based on their specific features.
When you purchase a robotic vacuum, it will include a docking station. Cheaper versions usually die somewhere in the house. You may end up having to go exploring to find them.
More recent models like the roomba i7 return to the dock automatically once their battery runs low. Some models return to the docking station to recharge, and then go back out to finish the job they had started.
Will a Robot Vacuum Work with “Smart” Technology?
Many of our appliances have internet connectivity, and robot vacuums are no different. When choosing your robot vacuum, you can choose the level of connectivity you prefer.
Some offer app control, and some have the controls built-in.
If you have a smart home, you may want to choose a model that will interact with Amazon Alexi or Google Assistant. Then all you have to do to enable the device is give a voice command.
You can simply say, “Start cleaning,” and the vacuum will undock and get started. The irobot Roomba line is a good example of smart integrations.
If you are on a tight budget, you may opt to buy a remote-controlled cleaning device. They are easy to set up and use. You can skip setting it up with an app or your home’s smart technology.
Final Thoughts
Robot vacuums are a great way to ease the burden of cleaning floors. With the latest technology, they can be programmed to clean a room at your convenience without you having to lift a finger.
Some models can be controlled via an app so you can have your floors cleaned while you are sitting in the recliner or away at work.
What a great way to fulfil your responsibility of cleaning the floors without having to do more than push a few buttons.
