Robotic Vacuum or Smart Vacuum
What's the Difference?
Not all robotic vacuums are smart. Some types are not connected to the internet, or any smart devices. They rely on a simple navigation system just to avoid obstacles. In contrast, smart vacuums are equipped with an operating system and can be connected and controlled via smart devices, whether with an app or voice commands. The smart vacuum notifies you if it encounters problems, like a full container, changing the filter, or getting tangled in wires, on your phone to keep track of its operation.
Navigation System in the Smart Vacuum
Navigation systems in smart vacuums serve various purposes. They help avoid obstacles, map their path in the room during cleaning, and head to the charging station after finishing. There are advanced navigation systems that allow you to define obstacle areas in advance for the vacuum, so it avoids the area.
Here are the most popular navigation systems in robotic and smart vacuums
Random Navigation:
A system based on trial and error, the vacuum changes its direction if it collides with something until it completes its task and finds the charging station.
LiDAR:
Emits invisible rays to capture the space of the place and detect obstacles. You will notice the vacuum moving in relatively straight lines.
Camera (VSLAM):
Performs visual monitoring through a ceiling-directed camera and detects the dimensions of the room and large furniture to map it out.
Noise & Suction Power
Relatively, the higher the suction power, the louder the vacuum. You may find some options that break this rule and use advanced, high-tech noise-canceling techniques, but you must sort down your priorities. Do you plan to set the vacuum to work at night? Or during the children's nap time? Or is the ideal time for vacuuming when everyone is out for work and school? In any case, the average maximum noise level in robotic vacuums is 60 decibels, find this diagram to know more about how noisy this number can be for you or your family.
The Size of the Smart Vacuum
The floor area is a good starting point to determine the size of the robotic vacuum. However, you need to consider these additional factors:
- House size.
- Number of individuals, and the presence of children or pets.
- Outdoor conditions such as dust waves and sandstorms.
Each of these factors increases your need for a smart vacuum with a large container and a long battery life. True, some vacuums are programmed to checkmark their progress, return to the charging station, and resume afterward. But you might aim for a vacuum that finishes its job in a single round if you are lacking time. Fortunately, robotic vacuums today overcome this problem with the feature of filling and emptying containers, where they add to the charging station a water tank for the integrated smart mop, and a container for emptying the dust, which is an excellent step to ease your interference and extend the periodic care period for it.
Quick Guide for Smart Vacuum’s Specs.
It will be easy for you to buy a robotic vacuum when you learn how to measure each specification. Here is an explanation for each one:
