Keeping the floors clean is an unending struggle for homeowners. Wiping tracked-in dirt, cleaning up mud, and sweeping pet hair is a constant everyday challenge as it means you need to pull out your trusted broom, vacuum, and mop from the closet every few hours.
However, given the technological advancement we have seen up until now, it’s not exactly hard to imagine an automated cleaning robot. Apparently, manual vacuuming and sweeping are a thing of the past.
Now, the good news? You won’t need to spend a fortune to have tiny robots clean your floors. These small cleaning agents are much more affordable since the competition has become rough.
To help, we have compiled a list of the best and most cost-effective automated cleaning robots you can find today!
Types of Automated Cleaning Robots
Since the 1950s, robots have been included in the futuristic scenarios of people’s daily lives. Then, people tend to imagine robot maids, robot nannies, robot companions, and robot guards whenever they think of the future.
Now, 70 years have passed, and among the technological domestic marvels we have seen is the smart robot vacuum cleaner.
As of 2019, over 14 million Americans use robotic cleaners and vacuums at home. Undoubtedly, that number has doubled by now. Aside from a cleaning robot, other domestic technologies to become a reality are robotic lawnmowers, intelligent cooking machines, and robotic suitcases. These tools were made to improve people’s lives, helping relieve them from household chores and making them live better and happier.
Currently, commercial cleaning robots fall into two main categories;
- Industrial robots
- Service robots
An industrial auto cleaning robot is used mainly for manufacturing and industrial tasks. Meanwhile, a service robot is for non-manufacturing duties and can be typically separated into personal and professional categories.
Personal service robots are the domestic kinds that you can use at home. This robot is what you often deem as the automated vacuum robot. It can do menial tasks at home like vacuuming and cleaning the floors. A professional service robot is for business-oriented purposes.
How An Automated Cleaning Robot Works
The smart robot for home completely changed the way we clean our floors and rooms. Robot vacuums are advanced vacuum cleaners with a certain level of autonomy from the user and are set and programmed to clean.
These automated cleaners have been around for a while, with the first working model being patented way back in the late 1990s. During its first release, these vacuums were unpopular and often overlooked due to their high prices and lack of innovative features. Fortunately, over time, these vacuum cleaners adapted and became more intelligent and efficient.
Now, this compact and small smart device automatically navigates itself under various furniture like chairs, tables, beds, and shelves to pick up grime and dust. Some automated cleaners even have obstacle avoidance technology that utilizes infrared sensors, while others use laser mapping techniques.
Today’s robotic cleaners are also much more affordable and efficient. Most models have a cleaning robot design that maps the layout of your home, allowing for a fast and quick cleaning session.
Many of these models are also self-relieving and self-emptying. They would automatically dump the accumulated dust and dirt to the proper disposal before returning to their charging stations.
These robot cleaners are the forefront leaders of the ‘digital revolution’ in households. It’s not hard to see why, given that these devices require minimal human intervention and would do their job phenomenally.
Best Automated Cleaning Robots 2023
With the rise in popularity of automated cleaning robots, you can expect a myriad of choices available. Given the limitless options in the market, choosing the perfect robot cleaner would be a daunting task. That is where we help.
We have compiled a list of the best automated and intelligent robot vacuums and mops you can choose from. Whether you have a large house or a standard shoebox-sized apartment, there’s bound to be a smart robot cleaner for you.
1. Tikom
The Tikom L9000 Vacuum is a powerful and robust smart mop robot with several convenient and innovative features. Among those is the 360-degree LiDAR navigation feature that can make a detailed and accurate map layout of your home and save up to five different maps. This specific feature will allow you to customize the robot’s cleaning schedule for various floors and rooms without the hassle of repeating the entire mapping process.
The vacuum comes in a sleek black design and weighs only 6.17 lbs. The vacuum also boasts a long battery life of 150 minutes, paired with a reliable self-charging feature that programs the bot to charge itself.
Compared to other robot vacuums, this model has a powerful suction of 4000Pa that makes cleaning incredibly easy. This model’s suction power makes it perfect for houses and apartments with wooden floors, tiles, hard floors, and low-pile carpets.
Pros
- Easy to set-up
- 14 no-go zones
- Strong suction power
- Convenient voice and app control
Cons
- Limited to only 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection
2. Dreametech
The Dreametech Bot L10 is an efficient cleaning robot that can automatically wash floors and suck up any mess that gets in its way. It’s easy to set up and has features that allow it to accurately map around the house without actively crashing into any of your furniture.
The vacuum has a circular shape design and is available in color white. It weighs around 37.7 lbs and has a suction power of 5300Pa. Finally, this cleaning robot design has a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
This specific model is perfect for those with complicated house layouts, given that it has reliable navigation technology.
Pros
- Remarkable deep cleaning
- Powerful suction
- Mopping and vacuuming functions are available
- Promises 60 days of hands-free cleaning
Cons
- Struggles to remove stubborn stains on floors
3. XWOW
The XWOW R2 Vacuum and Mop Combo is a revolutionary cleaning device that offers a unique combination of mopping and vacuuming capabilities in a small machine. It provides numerous features, including cutting-edge mopping technology, a real-time cleaning system, and a 4-in-1 self-cleaning station.
It weighs 34.1 pounds and has a sleek white device and an arch-style charging station. Its suction power falls at 3500Pa and has a run time of 260 minutes.
This XWOW device is perfect for homeowners looking for an efficient and convenient means of cleaning their house. The device can serve busy career professionals and tech enthusiasts well with its reliable and intelligent features.
Pros
- Strong suction power
- 360-degree obstacle avoidance system
- Long battery life
- Four cleaning modes
Cons
- It might be heavy for some
4. Lefant
If you’re tired of fighting against pet hair and losing, then the Lefant M210 Robot Vacuum Cleaner might be the solution you are looking for. This smart robot is a game-changer for homeowners searching for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
This automated cleaning robot comes in an aesthetic white color and weighs only 6.61 lbs. It offers a relatively powerful suction of 2200Pa and a battery time of up to 120 minutes.
This Lefant robot model is ideal for families and individuals with pets. It’s also perfect for those busy professionals too occupied to clean the house or owners with mobility issues who need help with cleaning.
Pros
- Several cleaning modes for your diverse cleaning needs
- Quiet operation
- Auto-charging capabilities
- Effective against pet hair
Cons
- Limited to only 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection
5. Lubluelu
The Vacuum and Mop Combo from Lubluelu is another technological marvel with accurate and innovative features to better the owner’s lives. For this one, Lubluelu uses precise and accurate laser mapping and navigation using LiDAR technology to familiarize the bot with your home layout. With that, the robot vacuum can do its job more effectively.
This robot cleaner comes in a sleek circular-shaped design, has a run time of 120 minutes, and weighs only 9.44 pounds. It also has a relatively strong suction, falling around 3000Pa.
This robot would do those busy professionals well as it can function with minimal human intervention.
Pros
- Precision Laser Navigation and Mapping
- Remarkable deep cleaning
- Several cleaning modes
- Saves up to five-floor maps
Cons
- Battery life could be better
6. Imou
If you’re looking for a small and compact smart robot for adults, Imou might have the perfect model. A high-quality and incredibly advanced cleaning robot equipped with LiDAR navigation, app control, and obstacle avoidance — this device is ideal for those who need a snap cleaning session.
This model is available in white and weighs only 14.27 pounds. It has a suction power of 2700Pa and a running time of 110 minutes.
With those features, it’s clear that this model is perfect for small and humble-sized apartments and homes that do not have much floor and room to clean.
Pros
- Allows remote access and control
- Auto-recharges
- Obstacle Avoidance technology
- LiDAR Navigation Technology
Cons
- Suction power could be better
7. Alfabot
A rather unique automated cleaning robot — this Alfabot cleaning bot stands out in the sea of standard circular cleaning robots. Instead of the typical floor cleaning bot, this device is more of a window-cleaning robot with its features and shapes. It has a dual spray function, an auto path cleaning feature, and a fall-proof design, making it the ideal cleaning bot for any window.
With a weight of only 3 lbs, this cleaning bot is available in white and has a running time of around 50 minutes. It comes with microfiber cleaning pads that are washable, replaceable, and easy to remove.
This device is also for homes with plenty of windows. It’s the perfect cleaning robot for people too busy to clean up all their tall or standard-size windows.
Pros
- Self-adjustable suction
- Auto-path cleaning function
- Dual water spray
- Deep cleaning
Cons
- Fabric needs replacement
8. Eicobot
Eicobot is a brand you can trust when it comes to smart cleaning. To live up to its reputation, it released an automated cleaning robot to help improve your family’s everyday domestic lives. It has a suction with enough power to pick up and suck debris, dust, and pet hairs on hard floors and low-pile carpets.
This 6.63-pound device comes in a small circular shape and a black modern design that would fit well with any interior and aesthetic. Among its notable specifications are its suction power of 2200Pa, 550ml dust bin, and 130 minutes of running time.
This model would be a perfect fit for those living with pets that shed like crazy. It would also fit people who live busy lifestyles.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Automatic charging
- Efficient cleaning modes
- Infrared sensing
Cons
- Suction could be better
Benefits of Automated Cleaning Robots
From the beginning of time, cleaning has always been a tedious task. While several cleaning methods are available, most are tiring and require high effort. As technology continues to develop and advance, mostly with the help of automation, cleaning has become much more bearable and efficient thanks to the newly introduced automated cleaning robots.
The burden of cleaning is gradually reduced since these tiny smart devices will take on the task and do the work for you. Thanks to their advanced technological features, like mapping systems, remote control access, and navigation technology, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your floors again.
Aside from making it easier, what other benefits do automated cleaning robots offer? For that, we have gathered the advantages of robot cleaners you might be interested in knowing:
- They save time, freeing you to be more productive elsewhere
- They can clean different floor surfaces — ranging from hardwood to tiles
- They can reach the crooks and crannies you wouldn’t otherwise
- They are ideal for pet parents who are struggling daily against pet fur
- They are low maintenance
- They are customizable and are capable of setting consistent cleaning schedules
- They can reduce the physical strain that is a result of physical labor
- They are efficient cleaners
How To Choose The Best Automated Robot For Your Needs
If you plan to buy an automated cleaning robot, you must know how to choose the best in the market. As such, we created this short yet valuable buying guide to help you decide.
To buy the perfect robot vacuum cleaner, here are the factors you need to look out for:
Features
Most robot vacuum cleaners offer advanced features nowadays. You must find the one with the features you desire the most. Among the things to look for are no-go zones, automatic recharge, powerful suction, and mapping capabilities.
Space
Consider the space you have at home. If the robot vacuum has plenty of area to cover, search for a model with a long running time and a huge dust bin. The last thing you want is to recharge the vacuum while it’s in the middle of a cleaning session.
Mapping Capabilities
A robot vacuum without good mapping capabilities, like 3D obstacle recognition and LiDAR navigation, will most likely bump into various furniture and objects in your home.
Find a robot vacuum that can accurately map out your house layout so you won’t have to worry about it falling off the stairs or getting stuck under the couch.
Self-Emptying
While a self-emptying robot vacuum takes up more space, it is much more convenient than regular ones. With this feature, you won’t have to empty the bins every few sessions.
Scheduled Cleaning
If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, find a robot vacuum that can schedule cleaning sessions. That way, you won’t have to constantly operate the smart robot to start the cleaning. Also, by setting a schedule, you can expect the robot to start cleaning while you’re in bed or at work.
FAQs
1. How long does an automated cleaning robot clean a room?
A robot floor vacuum can take 30-40 minutes to tidy and clean up a medium-sized room. However, note that this time will vary depending on the size of the room, the type of flooring, the level of clutter, and the suction power. Essentially, the smaller and simpler a room is, the faster a floor vacuum can work.
2. What are the disadvantages of automated cleaning robots?
Cleaning robots also have several flaws. A few of their main disadvantages include long cleaning times, short battery life, frequent dustbin changing, and expensive upfront costs. These robots also have a high risk of getting flipped and stuck.
3. Can I use automated cleaning robots on stairs?
It takes a specific cleaning robot to clean the stairs. Some models and brands boast about climbing and cleaning stairs, like sTreto and the Ascender. Note that unless specified, please assume that the robot vacuum cannot clean stairs.
4. Are there potential ethical issues and concerns with automated cleaning robots?
Among the main ethical concerns with automated cleaning robots, especially those used in public spaces, is their ability to replace human workers. A high-quality and advanced cleaning service robot can perform human cleaning activities. That robs some cleaning employees and personnel of limited job opportunities.
5. How does a cleaning robot handle being stuck during cleaning?
Depending on the model and brand, the robot vacuum stays stuck until you manually reposition it or the device maneuvers itself. However, this is less likely for cleaning robots with advanced mapping and obstacle recognition technology. With those features, a cleaning robot can avoid getting stuck during a cleaning session.
Final Thoughts
Many of today’s smart robot vacuums are great for thoroughly cleaning every corner and room of a home without needing to lift a hand. Unfortunately, with the popularity of the automated cleaning robot, there are now countless options available.
Hopefully, our recommendations above helped you choose the best robot vacuum for your needs and home. While there is no perfect robot vacuum that fits every use, most of the ones above are good enough to satisfy everyone.