Robot vacuums better understand how they can get the job done smartly. Not only they have outshined the traditional ones (in most cases) but also have won people by helping them do their work without involving them. While you let them roam around your home, you might wonder how they actually work? Well, these robots have a lot of functions that the device trigger so it can start its cleaning session. But, if you are one of the people who have no idea about how do robot vacuum cleaners work, brace yourself because this article will give a spotlight to your query. And here it is:
Table of Contents
How do Robot Vacuum Cleaners Work: Step by Step Cleaning Process
Stages to Spruce Up
Robot vacuum cleaners or you can say robovacs usually have some parts that function so it can do its cleaning job on the whole. Although, each model or manufacturer has its different theory, still, there are some common stages that can somewhat give you a clear idea on the way the work. And these stages are:
Stage 1
Robots have dual sweeping side brushes that work together so it can collect debris, pet hair, dust, and dirt from the floors to the edges and corners.
Stage 2
There is a main roller brush included as well so it can collect debris with its bristle and remove the grime by the rubber roller.
Stage 3
While the HEPA filter eradicates the dust particles, allergen, mites from the air, there I this powerful motor that sucks up the debris to the filtered bin by the air inlet.
Stage 4
The water reservoir distributes liquid to the micro-fiber rag continuously and the robot utilizes the damp rag so it can mop the surface back and forth and clean all the debris from it.
Sensors’ Sagacity
A robovac usually demands to move freely throughout the floor if you want to clean your room efficiently. The way we see the world, it gets different when it comes to them. You will see a cam clipped to the machine, but still, it’s the sensors that literally play the main role.
Be it using different kinds of sensors, or measuring the zones they have covered, these little machines do their job relying on the programmed behaviors triggered by the sensors.
But you cannot just explain how sensors of each of the robovacs work with using one example. Because each manufacturer or model has its own varieties of sensors to work and perform.
However, there are some mainstream sensors that are being used by most people. These are:
Obstacle Sensors
Scattered toys, sofas, table legs, these are the expected obstacles for a robot vac. But as they got sensors equipped near their shock-absorbing bumpers, they let the device drive all the way through these obstacles without having them slowed down.
You will find the sensor getting triggered while the bumper bangs an object that makes the vac turn and moves away till it locates a clear course. However, there are many sensors that deal with obstacles by slowing its pace down and then cleaning the dirt around them as it gives better coverage.
Wall Sensors
These sensors help robovac detect walls through infrared light so it can follow alongside the edges. Not only it will clean the dirt around the edges but will also help it do it without scuffing and bumping the walls.
Not just that, these sensors also help the robot follow the open doorways letting it find new zones to clean up.
Cliff Sensors
If you ask robovacs what could be most menacing peril for them, they would perhaps mention the stairs. It’s not the only human who gets hurt from a tumble, vac. can get damaged too. Unless they have these cliff sensors with them.
They keep on sending infrared signals to the floor and measure the distance to it. If the signals do not bounce back right away, the cleaner assumes it to have reached a stairway that makes them divert their track.
Wheel Sensors
There are many robot cleaners that use light sensors so they can measure the rotation of wheels. With the number as well as the circumference of the wheels, they can measure how far they have covered.
Mind of Mapping
The mapping technology can be called the upgraded factor of a robot vac. These cleaners possess self-navigation systems that let them use this particular tech. Each company has its own version of the factor.
However, there are still two of them most mainstream methods that have got quite popular:
One that utilized its endowed digital camera so it can take all the pictures of doorways, walls, furniture or other waymarks. Another is that utilizes a laser range finder that helps calculate the distance to object in the course of vac.
Both the ways will require your data so it can collect the information in combination with the other sensors and build a map of the space progressively while it is in the mission of cleaning.
Mapping has its notable perks to mention. Fortified with a space plan, a robovac is able to plot the most effective path throughout the room. And perhaps this is the reason why models that have mapping system tend to drive in straight lines as well as in neat ways than other rivals.
Besides, it also lets the robot to limit itself within the map so it can do its job accordingly. However, if the robot tends to run out of its juices, then you will find it to get returned to its dock station for recharge and then after it gets charged, it will start its session right from where it left.
So, mapping robots happen to offer more thorough and quicker cleaning.
However, just like all the stuff in the world, this mapping system has its own transgressions. Camera mapping vacs tend to struggle and might lose its course in a low light environment. But it is just a small issue that can be forgiven.
Both the ways will require your data so it can collect the information in combination with the other sensors and build a map of the space progressively while it is in the mission of cleaning. Mapping has its notable perks to mention.
Fortified with a space plan, a robovac is able to plot the most effective path throughout the room. And perhaps this is the reason why models that have mapping system tend to drive in straight lines as well as in neat ways than other rivals.
Conclusion
Now that you know how do robot vacuum cleaners work, you should be able to very efficiently use one. Besides, you’ll be realistic about what you could expect from a robot vacuum.
Many people don’t realize that robot vacuums aren’t omnipotent: you need to help them by making their path as clear as possible so they do their job the best. So when getting a new robot vacuum, remember how they work so you know what to expect from them!
