Robotic Vacuums:
Intelligent Carpet Cleaning Technology
Domestic robots no longer exist simply in the minds of
science fiction authors. Domestic robots, or robots used for household
chores, are becoming increasingly common and popular, with several
leading vacuum manufacturers developing their own unique models. New
models of robot vacuum cleaners are constantly hitting the market, and
the promise of more models in the future is a sure sign that the nascent
commercial robot industry is finally taking flight. In terms of domestic
robots, there are basically three distinct classes and categories:
1. Domobots: The highest level of domestic robot. These are used
for a range of household chores, are autonomous, and are usually
connected to a Wi-Fi home network. 2. Entertainment Robots: These can be used at home, but are
usually reserved for entertainment and social interaction purposes.
3. Care and Chore Robots: These are used for basic household
chores, including vacuuming.
Robotic vacuums fall into this latter category, and many consumers
choose these in an attempt to lessen the burden of household vacuuming
and perhaps even liberate them from this unpleasant daily chore. The
most popular robotic vacuum models are usually compact, pizza-shaped
appliances with suckers that move around a room until they cover an
entire area. They can vary significantly in price, ranging in $100 for
some of the most basic models to well over $1000 to some of the of most
advanced units, and deciding on what features are the most important to
you will be crucial in determining a robotic vacuum's price.
Nonetheless, today's robotic vacuums have definitely come a long way
from those that were initially introduced just a few years ago. The
older models were often awkward, used primitive controls, and had to be
tracked down when stranded in the house by an annoying and incessant
"Low Battery" beep. Some of the latest robotic vacuums available today
can not only clean your home, but they can also remember your home's
layout to increase efficiency, dispose of its own dirt in a designated
receptacle, and even have the ability to find their way back to a
recharging station to repower.
One of the main points to be aware of when purchasing a robotic vacuum
is the fact that these types of vacuums are meant to supplement a
standard, human-operated vacuum, and not to replace it.
 Vacuum
Cleaner Buying Tip: |
| They are simply
meant to perform either daily or weekly touch ups to
keep your home, office, or workspace tidier in
between regular vacuum sessions. |
In
addition, robotic vacuums work best on hard flooring, although
some units have transitioning capability and are able to convert from
floors to low-level carpeting with ease. While some robotic vacuums may
work well on thicker carpet, the transition from floor to dense carpet
may be difficult.
With these factors in mind, if a robotic vacuum seems like the right
choice for you, first decide on your vacuuming needs. A simple,
lower-priced robotic vacuum can clean and dust your hard flooring, while
a pricier unit will be able to transition from floor to carpet and also
boast features such as scheduler options, memory, and dirt detecting
sensors. Ultimately, a robotic vacuum's price will be primarily
influenced by its special features, such remote-controlled operation, a
self-charging base, or even virtual walls.
If your primary interest in a robotic vacuum is because of the
convenience factor, you will want to decide whether you want the robotic
vacuum to randomly clean an area or be able to "sense" whether it has
missed a specific area of your home and continue until the entire area
is cleaned. Some robotic vacuums even feature dust sensors to detect if
the floor is extremely saturated, and they will linger on that spot
accordingly. The size of a vacuum's dust bin is also to be considered.
Not all robotic vacuum dust bins are of the same size, and larger dust
bins are obviously more convenient. Be sure to check how easily a
robotic vacuum's dust bin removes itself from the unit, as frequent
emptying will result in optimum performance.
Thankfully, because robotic vacuums do not utilize any complicated bags
or filters, maintenance is usually quite simple: be sure to check for
debris that may be clogging the brushes and replace as necessary, and
empty the dust bin on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, despite the limitations of a robotic vacuum and regardless
of what model robot vacuum you choose, one thing is certain: robotic
vacuums will be as common as television sets or microwave ovens, and
robotic vacuum manufacturers and consumers alike are agreeing that
the robotic revolution is finally here.
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