Features and Technology
Robot vacuums feature a range of different technologies to meet your cleaning needs. Here are a few things to consider as you choose which vacuum is best for you.
Navigation
Some robot vacuums create the most efficient cleaning path by using a navigation system to map the room, maximizing cleaning time. A room-by-room navigation feature will send the vacuum into multiple rooms without interruption, so you can set it and forget it.
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Most robot vacuums can pause in their mapped cleaning path when they need to recharge. The vacuum will travel to the docking station, recharge, then return to the place it left off to continue cleaning.
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Scheduling System
Available on some models of robot vacuums, a preset scheduling system allows you to set when your vacuum cleans, so that you can make sure it's the most convenient time for your family and pets.
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Transitioning
Most robot vacuums feature transitioning technology that detects carpet and hard floor surfaces like tile, hardwood and laminate, and adapts to clean each one by adjusting both its route and its suction.
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Obstacle Detection and Avoidance
Since most people won't empty their rooms before vacuuming, many robot vacuums will sense and avoid objects. Each brand's technology may carry its own name like "Laser Smart" or "FullView sensor," "iAdapt" and more, but they all enable the vacuum to sense its environment and avoid tricky areas like stairs and large pieces of furniture.
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App-Controlled
Some robot vacuum models are Wi-Fi–enabled, so you can control them with an app that you install on a compatible mobile device. Then you can use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control for your vacuum, choosing the rooms you want to clean. You can start, stop, pause, schedule and even receive notifications from your robot vacuum when you're away from home.
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