The autonomous vacuum is one of the older technologies from before the smart era that has managed to integrate itself into today’s popular smart home products.
The robot vacuum was easily recognized in films over the past few decades, even before the first widely used smartphone was released, despite the fact that the concept had been theorised by futurists over 70 years ago.
The Roomba, one of the most well-known robot vacuums, turns 20 years old this month. Its popularity led to the naming of all autonomous cleaners after it.
The Roomba, one of the first manufacturers to enter the market and the name that eventually stuck for all robot vacuum cleaners regardless of the manufacturer or model, was introduced to the public in 2002 as one of the first autonomous vacuum cleaners.
One of the most well-known and expensive brands of robotic cleaners today is Roomba. Along with this, there are numerous fresh names and expensive vacuums with more advanced cleaning features.
How do they function?
Robotic vacuum cleaners are simpler than expected, which may surprise people who haven’t used this kind of technology before.
The majority of models have three cleaning brushes, all of which face the ground. It is simpler to “sweep” toward the third brush, which collects dirt into the cleaner’s suction mouth, because the first two brushes rotate inward.
These brushes must be replaced after a specific amount of use, and they are typically sold there as well.
These vacuums have sensors all around them that let them move around the house and under furniture while cleaning the entire floor.
Today’s autonomous vacuums commonly include a mopping feature as well. Some models demand that the user swap out the container that collects dirt for one with a flat cleaning cloth and a water tank.
Unfortunately, despite being useful for mopping the house, most robot vacuum cleaners with mopping capabilities can only use water rather than detergents to avoid damaging the mechanism.
The majority of autonomous cleaners can easily integrate into a smart home thanks to specific apps for each. They can also be integrated into more well-known ecosystems like Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.
With the help of these apps, users can schedule mopping and cleaning tasks, allowing them to come home to a spotless house every day after work.
Do they merit it?
Robot vacuum cleaners are, of course, high-end and niche products, so they have a heftier price tag that can reach as high as R20,000 for premium brands like the Roomba.
Fortunately, there is a solution for this type of smart home technology that starts at least R3 000 for a respectable and valuable product.
Popular brands in the meantime are, of course, Roomba and Xiaomi, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer. While all slightly more expensive brands offer various cleaning functionality, unidentified brands produce the most effective cleaning results.
For what they’re worth, these robotic vacuums are a lifesaver for both diligent housewives and slothful bachelors. They are effective at removing light objects, small dirt particles, and pet hair.
Despite this, the product’s suction power improves with price, leading to better cleaning outcomes.
Generally speaking, a 2600mAh battery and 2600pa of suction power could clean your smart home for about two hours on a moderate power setting.
