Varieties of robot vacuum cleaners Irobot
Robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming more and more popular. But it is all the more important to choose the right version correctly. Let's see what the products of the American concern iRobot are capable of.
Peculiarities
The pace of life of the last century was already considered turbulent. But now it is only growing more and more. And therefore, robot vacuum cleaners from iRobot are becoming popular. They greatly simplify and speed up one of the most complex household chores, which is outwardly imperceptible, but absorbs a lot of time. The concern's products are divided into two lines - Scooba and Roomba. A characteristic feature of the devices is their compactness, which fits well into the requirements of modern life.
What is not less important, robotic vacuum cleaners of the American company were developed in the past by order of the Pentagon. So the thoroughness of design and execution is beyond doubt, as is the sophistication of the technology. Despite their small size, iRobot products effectively remove all kinds of dirt. The range includes both round and square versions. The colors also vary significantly, which allows you to choose the perfect solution for a particular interior.
The designers worked closely with the engineers. The result is a structure that easily overcomes the main part of the obstacles. Driving under low furniture or cleaning hard-to-reach areas is straightforward. To increase the reliability of the devices, their developers have carefully selected the strongest plastic. All iRobot vacuum cleaners are equipped with infrared sensors.
The maneuverability of this household appliance is quite satisfactory. Engineers were able to ensure that the robots were deployed in one place, and also provided the ability to overcome thresholds up to 1.9 cm high. The bumper is designed for maximum flotation. Be aware, however, that iRobot vacuum cleaners cannot operate on wet surfaces. Penetration of water into the housing threatens to damage the unit. For the same reason, you cannot wet clean any parts, even those located outside.
The undoubted advantage of American-made robotic vacuum cleaners is a more efficient carpet cleaning than conventional models. Depending on the specified settings, the vending machines can either clear the entire territory, or put things in order in a strictly defined area. Sending commands is possible using special applications on smartphones, in the same way the task schedule is set and adjusted.
Models
Roomba 616
It is appropriate to start disassembling iRobot vacuum cleaner robots with the Roomba 616 modification. To start the device, you just need to press a button. When the battery is fully charged, cleaning is 60 sq. m in one pass is provided. But, of course, you can specify a smaller area in the settings. The redesigned bin not only holds more trash, but also contains a small, separate compartment for collecting dust. This solution allows you to work more efficiently and tidy up with less noise.
The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery. Its capacity is 2200 mAh. A relatively compact charger is used to connect to the mains. Like other modifications in the Roomba family, this model operates in the following three stages:
- First, the paddle brush removes dirt along the baseboard and at all corners;
- brushes rotating in mutually opposite directions rake debris inside;
- residual dirt collects through the hole.
The developers have successfully applied the latest innovations in robotics and space navigation. The 616 also uses the most modern approaches to vacuum suction. The result is a vacuum cleaner that cleans up dissimilar floor coverings very well. It should be noted that This product is only suitable for short pile carpets. If there is a lot of fluff, the cleaning quality will decrease.
The brushes rotate very quickly, which increases the cleaning efficiency. They can be easily removed if necessary. Equipping with fine filters is provided. The special system is also very useful, which eliminates entanglement in cables, fringes or curtains.
When creating a vacuum cleaner, height difference sensors were used. The remote control is purchased separately.
Roomba 980
Now you should look at the Irobot 980. According to the manufacturer, this model can go a longer distance on 1 charge than previous versions. It is equipped with an advanced navigation system. The cleaning pattern is built much more clearly thanks to the expanded set of sensors. Even a big mess in the room will not interfere with orientation.
Improving the software made it possible to exclude premature departure from the intended trajectory. As befits a decent robotic vacuum cleaner, it is supported to return to cleaning from where the Roomba went to charge. The automation detects the type of surface and, if necessary, increases or decreases the suction. On old carpets, the motor becomes 10 times more intense. The rotation of a pair of rollers towards each other is a completely original development that increases the cleaning efficiency.
You can set such different modes as:
- cleaning in two cycles;
- especially thorough cleaning of the space along the walls;
- cleaning carpets.
In some cases, a program to detour carpet and only clean hard flooring is useful. The sensors used help to avoid going onto stairs and other places dangerous for the robot. Like the previous model, Irobot 980 uses a three-stage cleaning technology, so the collection of both hair (wool) and coarse debris is very efficient. A special rubber protector allows you to clean absolutely all types of coatings from dirt without fear of damage or breakage of the vacuum cleaner itself.
Roomba 606
Roomba 606 is also quite popular. As expected, this device will be equipped with a top-notch navigation system. You can clean up to 60 sq. m. The container, as in other versions of the 600 series, is equipped with an auxiliary compartment for dust accumulation. The lithium-ion battery contains up to 1800mAh.
Roomba 896
The Roomba 896 can deliver decent results. Like other 800 Series models, this unit is manufactured using the advanced AeroForce dirt collection method. This technique allows you to improve the cleaning process, while spending less energy. The lithium-ion battery has a high capacity and a long service life. Compared to batteries of older versions of robotic vacuum cleaners, guaranteed twice the interval between charges.
The bin is equipped with a HEPA filter, so even small particles of dust will be retained. Protection from plant pollen is also provided. A special application allows you to carry out the initial setting and adjust the parameters in the future. Most importantly, the scope of delivery includes an infrared device that restricts movement. The beam can draw a circle both around the vacuum cleaner and around a selected point in space. This kind of equipment is likely to appeal to those who keep pets.
One set of batteries is included in the package. It also includes a HEPA filter. The capacity of the lithium-ion battery reaches 1800mAh. Like other iRobot products, the Roomba 896 comes with an integrated charger. The designers have taken care of the use of a high-quality cleaning system AeroForce.The set of rubber rollers has special scrapers. Provides reliable protection against confusion. The maintenance of the rollers is quite simple.
Increased suction intensity is achieved by forcing an air stream moving between the waste container and a special channel. In addition, a high cleaning efficiency is guaranteed. The vacuum pumping channel perfectly collects plant pollen and just fine litter, various allergic substances. Compared to other models of vacuum cleaners that consume the same current, productivity is increased by 50%.
Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 is another excellent performance variant of the American robotic vacuum cleaner. The system can clean all rooms located on the same floor 100% autonomously. Navigation is configured and adjusted promptly. The map is complemented by recognized ladders and other dangerous obstacles. With a fully charged 1800 mAh battery, the vacuum cleaner can safely ride for 70-75 minutes. It was this model that was first equipped with a visual orientation and mapping system, patented vSLAM. Thanks to the latest developments in this area, it is possible to exclude unauthorized deviation from the intended path.
Roomba 676
Continuing the review, you can turn your attention to Roomba 676. The manufacturer characterizes such a robotic vacuum cleaner as an easy-to-use and technically advanced device. Automation allows you to program cleaning for 7 days in advance. The vacuum cleaner can work without recharging the battery for 60 minutes. Of course, control from a mobile application is also provided. The charging base is installed on the floor. Dry cleaning of various floor coverings and surfaces is possible. With a diameter of 34 cm and a height of 9.2 cm, this vacuum cleaner weighs 3 kg.
Braava 390T
Both dry and wash modes are available for the Braava 390T. The vacuum cleaner, moving in a zigzag manner, will collect dust without any problems, without even resorting to humidification. To carry out wet cleaning, a special Pro-Clean panel is provided. This panel has a detergent mixture dispenser to keep the cleaning cloth wet at all times. Importantly, when choosing a washing mode, the robot will follow the same trajectory as the manual mop.
The efficiency of work increases many times over. In one cleaning cycle (until the charge is depleted), the robot cleans up to 90–93 square meters. m. To consistently put things in order in several rooms, you will have to use additional navigation nodes. Regardless of their availability, ease of use and minimal requirements for working conditions are guaranteed... User actions are reduced mainly to pinning the napkin. In wet mode, you will also have to pour the cleaning mixture into the container.
The brand description indicates that this model is also very quiet. When the Braava is collecting dust or wiping the floor, you can relax without any problems, read a book, or have a quiet conversation on the phone. It is also not necessary to turn up the volume on the TV at night. The navigation complex "Severnaya Zvezda" provides cleaning of a large area, including in different adjacent rooms in one session.
Another technological innovation helps to effectively clean the floor near a wall or baseboard. Special sensors are tuned for timely detection of elevation differences, so the fall of the vacuum cleaner from a ladder or other ledge is practically impossible. Most importantly, the Braava is equipped with a soft bumper. Decorative wall coverings, furniture facades, and even fragile items are guaranteed to be protected from deformation.
The quick cleaning mode is sometimes very useful. The vacuum cleaner, when selected, will go around the boundaries of all obstacles. Cleaning is carried out strictly in open areas. The Turbo Charge Cradle's smart charger allows you to recharge in 2 hours. The base is also designed with the expectation of the convenience of storing the robot in the intervals between cleanings.The compact device allows you to restore order even in the most difficult-to-reach corners.
Don't think the Braava 390T is exceptionally complex. In fact, this vacuum cleaner is designed quite simply... Therefore, there is no need to buy expensive containers, filters, brushes and other modules. The only required accessories are spare microfiber cloths. And these napkins can be selected from the assortment of any manufacturer. They have been used for a long time, which also helps to save money.
Roomba 681
The Roomba 681 also deserves attention of consumers. This model belongs to the middle price group and has relatively good functionality. The advantages of the earlier version from the same 600 series are completely preserved, but the design has been updated - now it corresponds to the techno style. The vacuum cleaner weighs 3.6 kg. A 2130 mAh battery is used as an energy source. Cleaning is carried out only in dry mode, both in the whole room and locally. The dust container has a capacity of 0.5 liters.
Work on a full charge - 3 hours; the same amount of time is required to replenish the charge. In 180 minutes, the robot will have time to clean up to 80 sq. m. The sound volume during cleaning is 65 dB, which does not create any problems. Like other robotic vacuums, the Roomba 681 is only able to tidy up on moderately shaggy rugs. He also cleans tiles, linoleum and all types of parquet well.
The designers used the already well-proven three-level cleaning system. Prevention of entanglement of the vacuum cleaner is provided. It has all the functionality you need to filter out pollen and fine dust particles. Roomba 681 is equipped with cyclone filters. The dimensions of the vacuum cleaner are 33.5x33.5x9.3 cm.
Scooba 450
It is appropriate to complete the review on the Scooba 450 model. This washing vacuum cleaner, according to the manufacturer's information, is capable of eliminating up to 99% of dangerous microorganisms that inhabit the floor of the room. To power the robot weighing 3.8 kg, a nickel-cadmium battery with an electric capacity of 3000 mAh is used. The floor is cleaned in sessions of 22 and 45 minutes. To replenish the wasted charge, the vacuum cleaner spends up to 180 minutes. During the session, 28 sq. m.
The sound volume during operation is relatively low (60 dB). It means that the noise will not be louder than in the office, where there is a lot of work. You can talk completely calmly. The robot will clean up any hard, water-resistant surface. The vacuum cleaner operates according to the same system, with a breakdown of cleaning into three stages.
Please note that the Scooba 450 can only function normally on smooth surfaces. The rug, carpet, hanging curtains will become an insurmountable obstacle for him. But thanks to optical sensors, the robot will accurately detect all obstacles. You can restrict its movement at your discretion using virtual walls. It should be borne in mind that the vacuum cleaner cannot be turned on without filling the tank with a detergent composition.
Tips for selection and operation
The main recommendation that should be taken into account is that a robot vacuum cleaner is not a toy. And it's not just about its cost. Among the large number of intelligent devices for cleaning, it is necessary to select only those that are impeccably suitable in all respects. If you approach at least the smallest detail is inconsequential, problems in use will be inevitable.
The area to be cleaned is of paramount importance. Ideally, a full charge should be enough to clean your entire home. This parameter is usually indicated in the accompanying documentation, but it is better to check with the sellers. Attention should be paid to the type of battery. Nickel-metal hydride batteries, although used in a number of iRobot models, can hardly be considered a justified choice. Lithium-ion batteries are noticeably more practical and more perfect.
In any case, the capacity of the battery must also be taken into account. There is no point in buying a vacuum cleaner that has less than 2500 mAh. However, just with this moment, the products of the American company are all right. But no matter how good and capacious the energy storage device is, it is worth remembering about the waste bin. In a one-room apartment and in some two-room apartments, a container with a capacity of 0.3 liters is also sufficient. For housing with an area of 50-80 sq. m the minimum indicator is 0.5 liters. These figures should be increased by 10-15%, then, even after cleaning a heavily contaminated home, you will not have to immediately throw out garbage.
Having estimated the required capacity of the container, you can deal with the volume level. In good robotic vacuum cleaners, it does not rise above 60 dB. To justify buying a noisier product, you need to know for sure that it cleans the floor better than others. Ideally, you should still prefer models that emit a sound no louder than 50 dB. Almost all modern versions are capable of this. But you need to remember about the suction power: the higher it is, the louder the vacuum cleaner will be.
Although the robot drives itself, its weight and dimensions are quite important. The severity of the structure determines how comfortable it is to handle. But the dimensions make it possible to judge where the device will be able to work, and where not. Sometimes, due to being too large, the vacuum cleaner cannot clean up under the cupboard or sofa. The optimum thickness of the device is 7.5 to 9 cm.
When all these parameters have been studied, you still need to familiarize yourself with the complete set of the robot. In addition to himself, the set should include the following elements:
- base;
- charging adapter;
- replaceable brushes;
- napkins;
- air filter.
It is useful to pay attention to the optional components. A remote control, virtual wall or magnetic tape included in the delivery set is encouraged. All the basic functions are definitely present in both expensive and cheap models, so the main thing is to clearly define what auxiliary options are actually needed. It is advisable that the robot vacuum cleaner has a timer, since without it it is impossible to program the device for a specific work schedule. The more sensors the better. Each of them only increases the safety of the vacuum cleaner and makes it more efficient.
An extremely useful option is the presence of a rubber bumper. Experienced robot users note that the height of the thresholds that these devices are able to overcome cannot be ignored. If the thresholds in the house are too high for a vacuum cleaner, then its autonomy will be conditional. An important circumstance is the suitability for wet and dry cleaning. Vacuum cleaners are only mistakenly considered the ideal choice. Anyway, water treatment for laminate, parquet and stone tiles is unacceptable. Carpets can be cleaned with combined or dry cleaning machines.
Important! Among robotic vacuum cleaners, the best ones are those equipped with HEPA filters.
To get the most out of a slot machine, it is not enough to choose the right one. Be sure to also read the instructions. But since all the basic requirements and prohibitions that are set out in the instructions are typical for any vacuum cleaner, you can describe them in general terms. It is strictly forbidden to do the following:
- use a vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning in damp rooms;
- carry out dry cleaning without water;
- use any mixtures for washing, except those recommended by the manufacturer;
- use a robot vacuum cleaner to clean ash, ash, cement, flour;
- connect it to a network with inappropriate characteristics;
- place the charging base where direct sunlight will fall on it;
- allow children and pets to play with the vacuum cleaner;
- use it to remove vegetable oil, fuel, varnishes and paints, solvents, caustic and toxic liquids.
While automated assistants are capable of recognizing obstacles, this ability should not be overestimated. It is very important to remove as many foreign objects as possible from the floor. You should especially beware of ropes, cords, threads and wires. It is worth remembering that iRobot is not a panacea.Even with proper handling, it can only simplify floor care, but it is impossible to completely abandon washing and using conventional vacuum cleaners.
Reviews
All iRobot robotic vacuum cleaners are evaluated with reliable, long-lasting batteries. All other components are also at the proper level. For example, the Roomba 896, while not cheap, is of excellent quality. Automation and software allow it to move in the most rational way. According to consumers, this version should be compared with other branded models, and not with budget products. Faster operation and convenient, well-functioning control are detected very quickly.
Braava 390T models also give positive ratings. Using this floor polisher is easy and simple. Cleaning is done no worse than with your own hands. It is noted that the iRobot technique skillfully avoids obstacles. She will not bump or press on them, but touches various objects in the most gentle way. Chaotic smearing of dust on the floor is excluded. All the dirt that robots can do is removed. The general conclusion is that this is indeed a device worthy of attention.
For information on how to choose the Irobot robot vacuum cleaner, see the next video.
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