Review of Xiaomi robotic vacuum cleaners

Cleaning and tidying up the house has always taken a lot of effort. To make this easier, you can use automatic vacuum cleaners. But not everything is so simple - such a technique must be properly dealt with.

The Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner can hardly be called a novelty on the market. The Chinese company, however, is not going to rest on its laurels. And its 2nd generation products are markedly improved over the original products. Devices from this manufacturer are distinguished by decent suction power and long-term operation on a single charge. They can be used for both normal and wet cleaning. Xiaomi vacuum cleaners really live up to the name of smart machines. Special laser emitters send out low intensity pulses about 1800 times per second. Therefore, the speed of response to a changing situation will be very high.

Whatever happens around the circle directly next to the vacuum cleaner, it will respond appropriately. Including when you need to turn off the washing mode and go to normal cleaning. The surface to be removed will be recognized automatically, no action is required. But the filter can be washed, which prolongs its service life. The company, taking care of consumers, translated the instructions into good English, so there is no need to solve intricate hieroglyphs.

The fixings in Xiaomi robotic vacuum cleaners are done quite thoughtfully and well, the same can be said about the assembly. Although the pace of work of a robotic vacuum cleaner is invariably lower than that of a "hand-held" counterpart, it is much more practical.... After all, time is spent only on periodic cleaning, initial configuration and issuing commands. The rest of the automatic device will do without human assistance.

Maintaining cleanliness in a house where everything is already in order - that's what a robotic vacuum cleaner is for. It is naive to expect something more from him, even if these are first-class products from Xiaomi.

Now that it is clear what a robotic vacuum cleaner is, you can disassemble its main varieties.

Mijia Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner entered the market relatively recently. But he has already managed to become one of the best in terms of the balance of cost and quality. The model weighs only 3.8 kg. The robot will be able to form a map of the room in which it works. Therefore, the risk of falling or hitting various objects is minimized.

But along with safety, this option also provides an improved cleaning quality. Important: the room is cleaned strictly in dry mode. The Mijia Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner is capable of working as efficiently as large hand-held vacuum cleaners. And you don't have to spend time preparing for use at all.

Sensor signals are processed by 3 processors. Such a combination is extremely rare in this price range. To operate the vacuum cleaner, you do not have to touch it at all, but use the program for your smartphone. The unit is equipped with a 5200 mAh battery.According to the manufacturer, this is enough for about 120 minutes of continuous cleaning, that is, you can safely put things in order in a three-room apartment.

Xiaowa Roborock E352-00 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Lite also gives good cleaning results. This model replaces the older RoboRock Sweep One Vacuum Cleaner. The device copes equally well with a wide variety of flooring types. It can be used to remove debris of various sizes. The designers were able to implement control from a smartphone. Along with this hi-tech option, they have of course also taken care of the proper suction power.

The standard delivery set contains:

• charging block;
• replaceable filter (1 piece);
• adapter for connecting to the network;
• block for wet cleaning (plus a couple of wipes);
• a brush for cleaning the vacuum cleaner;
• the necessary documentation.

It should be noted that the delivery does not include the restriction tape and the remote control. Like all models of the concern, this robot vacuum cleaner is made in the shape of a circle. To improve its appearance, it was painted in an attractive dark gray tone. As a result, both scratches and stains are equally hard to see. It would have been impossible to achieve this either with a black or a white case. Since the firm, which values ​​its reputation, used materials of impeccable quality, the service life will be as long as possible.

The electric capacity of the battery is 5200 mAh. Battery life varies from 150 to 180 minutes. Recharging interrupts the robot's activity for 120 minutes (if the charge is only enough to return to the base). But even during the usual travel time around the room, the machine will remove up to 150 sq. m. Air suction occurs with a force of 42 W. The dust drawn into the interior of the vacuum cleaner is sent to the cyclone filter. It is relatively small (only 0.64 liters in volume). The dry weight of the product is 3.2 kg. When cleaning the floor, it emits a sound of up to 70 dB.

The positive aspects of this model are also:

• built-in timer;
• work on schedule;
• the presence of optical and infrared sensors;
• the ability to cope with wool, hair;
• the presence of a miniature water tank.

The return to the charger occurs when the charge drops to 20% of the maximum battery capacity. As soon as it returns to the 80% level, the robot will continue cleaning from the previously left place. The low height helps the device to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas of rooms. And thanks to reliable and well-tuned sensors, it effectively avoids both collisions with obstacles and falls. But it must be borne in mind that the vacuum cleaner is not Russified. If this circumstance is not important, you can safely buy it.

It is still useful to remember about the Roborock Sweep One, because this model received instant recognition at one time, and even won reputable international awards. Compared to the previous version, this modification is indeed much better. Like any other product of the company, the vacuum cleaner is sold in packaging of a minimalist design. It was on this model that the promising bionic technology was tested for the first time.

If we compare the vacuum cleaner with the first generation of robots in this series, then we should immediately emphasize the increased identification space. The increase in the number of sensors forced to make the mechanism larger in size. The lidar and pressure meter are placed on top, and a special algorithm allows you to effectively build a map of the room to be cleaned. The distance measurement method used has errors of less than 0.5 cm.

The Roborock Sweep One's advanced wheels allow it to overcome thresholds and other obstacles up to 2cm in height. The motion sensors are fine-tuned to prevent falling off the table in 20 minutes. A full charge takes less than 3 hours.But the range of Xiaomi is not limited to this model.

The Roidmi F8 Handheld Wireless Vacuum Cleaner quickly became popular, and the demand for this vacuum cleaner is still not decreasing. A well-thought-out wireless unit has a high suction power (in comparison with analogs). And it is precisely this property that most consumers need no less than high-tech sensors or long-term operation on a single battery charge. Air is drawn in at 115 watts, with a total current consumption of only 415 watts. The built-in battery will allow the vacuum cleaner to work for 55 minutes, however, in turbo mode, this time will be reduced to 10 minutes.

The designers have equipped their product with a four-level HEPA filter. LED lighting is also provided - it greatly facilitates cleaning at dusk and in hard-to-reach places. The standard delivery set includes a wall mount and a pair of nozzles. Other accessories can be purchased separately. Even with the most common ones, the Roidmi F8's price is less than that of the most affordable Dyson vacuum cleaners. And the difference in technical capabilities further shows which model should be preferred. But we must compare with robotic vacuum cleaners another wireless version from Xiaomi - Jimmy JV51.

This modification is not for nothing given to the sub-brand - for its promotion on the market, an extremely powerful and very cheap vacuum cleaner is very important. By paying a very small amount, in addition to the device itself, the buyer will receive:

• extension red tube with contacts for turbo brushes;
• a couple of turbo brushes themselves for cleaning upholstered furniture and for the floor;
• a pair of crevice nozzles;
• a station for vertical fastening of the vacuum cleaner;
• battery;
• power adapter with electric cable;
• warranty passport.

But here it is necessary to interrupt and point out that even this vacuum cleaner - one of the best "manual" models of the company - is clearly inferior in convenience to robotic structures. It is quite difficult to manage it. If the vertical version of this kind does not suit you, you can consider another automatic version - SKV4022GL. When designing this vacuum cleaner, the task was to provide a good dry cleaning of rooms with a variety of floor coverings.

The disc is only 9.6 cm high and can easily find its way into the most difficult-to-reach areas of the room. It will not be difficult for him to put things in order under a sofa, wardrobe or other furniture. The design concept is very appealing, and the robot does not distract much from daily activities. The control button located on the cover is responsible for:

• putting the device into operation;
• enabling and disabling it;
• choice of partial or complete cleaning;
• return to emergency recharge.

Along with laser and infrared, ultrasonic sensors are used here. The rotating side brush is equipped with a single blade and therefore perfectly removes dirt in the far corners, around cabinets and baseboards. 4 special sensors help prevent falls on a slope. The carefully thought-out center brush virtually eliminates the scattering of debris - from 98 to 100% is guided precisely into the absorption hole.

Judging by the test results, the lidar provides the determination of distances up to 6 m. The systematic measurement error in such a radius is only 2%. Three processors, tuned to the state-of-the-art SLSM algorithm, provide highly detailed virtual mapping. For each of the sections into which these maps are divided, the most rational route is immediately projected.

However, one must keep in mind the weaknesses of this model. So, she:

• equipped with only one side brush;
• does not provide for the use of the remote control;
• does not include a virtual wall in the basic package;
• designed for coarse cleaning only.

Some functional limitation is fully justified by both the price and the high reliability of the device. He can really work for a long time. It takes only 2 hours to charge the battery from 20 to 100%. Built-in electronics ensure cleaning scheduling 24 hours in advance.

Instead of Xiaowa Robot Vacuum Cleaner Lite, the firm is offering Xiaomi Xiaowa Small-Wall Sweeper Robot Planning Edition. This model has sensors of increased accuracy. They are able to determine the required trajectory of movement with an error of no more than 0.1 cm. The good thing is that the device can operate in both dry and wet modes. The carefully engineered dual gyroscope greatly enhances its stability.

The software and processor base is so perfect that no obstacles will prevent you from putting things in order along the entire planned trajectory. Unless there are such obstacles that a person cannot overcome. The optical system is of great benefit. She monitors the situation in real time and, as it changes, corrects the work program.

The suction energy is sufficient to remove even hair, animal hair and other light objects. The skillful combination of dry and wet cleaning allows you to achieve a sparkling floor with cleanliness. And the turbine is designed to clean even carpets and rugs with ease. The liquid that is placed in a special compartment is enough to moisten the floor for at least 60 minutes. At the same time, the automation reliably controls the process and will not allow water to overflow.

Another attractive point is the ability to remove the trash can without turning the vacuum cleaner over. A special microfiber mop removes dirt without leaving the slightest trace visible to the eye.

For automatic operation of the device, there are 13 sensors with various functions. These include:

• determinant of purity;
• stabilizing gyroscope;
• collision prevention system;
• distance meter;
• infrared tracking system;
• moving object indicator.

Everything is designed in such a way that even a sudden obstacle will be recognized and bypassed. But the sensors were also thought out with the expectation of recognizing the type of barrier. Therefore, curtains, a hanging blanket or a cape for a chair (chair) will not become an insurmountable wall in the path of the robot. The ability to overcome height differences up to 2 cm allows you to easily drive onto carpets, cross thresholds.

Automation helps to avoid places where the robot can get stuck. The suction power can be flexibly adjusted depending on the type of floor covering. Engineers have taken care of preventing hair and thread from winding around the moving parts of the vacuum cleaner. The capacity of the dust collector (0.64 l) allows, at least not every day, to throw out the collected dirt. Now that it is quite clear what the second generation Xiaomi robotic vacuum cleaners are, you can compare them with another one - Roborock S50. And this comparison will clearly be in favor of newer stand-alone versions.

The newest versions really allow you to put things in order. A person will only need to periodically empty the bin. Sometimes you still need to resolve problem situations for which the robot is not intelligent enough, but that's all. That said, that doesn't mean the S50 can be discounted. This model is also capable of a lot.It is designed only for dry cleaning, however, it cannot be concluded from this fact that Small-Wall is definitely more functional. They just have slightly different concepts. In addition, the sensors and work scheduling system of the S50 are at a very decent level.

There are lidars and a preliminary data acquisition complex. Importantly, all Xiaomi vacuum cleaners, if they cannot solve this or that problem themselves, will calmly wait for human help. But regardless of the version of the device, you will definitely need firmware with the addition of language packs. Whether to put the firmware and the "speaking" program together or separately depends only on personal preference.

To install the firmware, in any case, you will need to know how to use Debian or Ubuntu. You will have to work in root mode. It is useful to take into account that you can only flash a fully charged robot installed on a docking station. It is advisable to download software packages only from the official site. Otherwise, the company is not responsible for the results of using the vacuum cleaner.

But when a robot is selected, and even stitched, this is only half the battle. It is necessary to take into account the manufacturer's requirements for its use. Xiaomi warns that for all the resistance of its products to foreign objects, this ability has a limit. So, it is very dangerous to leave wires, fragile objects on the floor. All areas where the robot vacuum cleaner can get stuck must be indicated to it using the settings or a virtual wall. Where there are large differences in elevation, you will have to use protective screens.

Then the self-learning algorithm will work efficiently, and subsequently there will be much less problems. Before starting work, be sure to connect Wi-Fi. To do this, use a special application, lift the lid of the device, and follow the instructions of the program.

The established connection will be reported to the consumer by a continuously lit signal lamp. When the robot is waiting for a connection, it blinks slowly. During the connection itself, the blinking accelerates.

The vacuum cleaner notifies of serious problems while driving:

• flashing red light;
• voice signals;
• sending messages to phones.

The output from it occurs when any button is pressed. But when the "sleep" is delayed for 12 minutes or more, the vacuum cleaner is completely turned off. To minimize the danger to the robot, virtual barriers should be used as widely as possible.

Usually they are put on:

• places with a significant difference in height;
• staircase exits;
• approaches to the stairs;
• very tight spaces;
• areas where the vacuum cleaner is exposed to other hazards (ingress of water, corrosive liquids, overheating, etc.).

If it is not possible to control the robot via Wi-Fi, you will have to manually reset this setting. It is useful to consider that Xiaomi products have a Do Not Disturb mode. Factory settings provide for its action from 22 to 8 o'clock local time. If necessary, reprogramming of the mode is done through a mobile application.

So that the base can effectively supply the vacuum cleaner with current, it is placed on a flat wall. There must be at least 1 m of free space in front of this base. On all other sides, leave 0.5 m or more. We must not forget that the base must be located in the area of ​​high-quality Wi-Fi pulses reception.Also take into account that recharging is unacceptable where direct sunlight can fall, and also in hard-to-reach places. Even when the house as a whole is kept clean and tidy, it is advisable to clean the vacuum cleaner itself at least once a week. Also, Xiaomi strongly recommends replacing the main brush once or twice a year. The filter screens must not be washed with water. Otherwise, they will become clogged with dust and cleaning will become impossible. The mesh is simply changed 4 times a year, without waiting for it to fail.

Failure to do so will result in excessive loss of charge. Once every 30 days, a clean, dry cloth should be used to clean the contacts of the base. When updating the software, the battery must be at least 20% charged.

When the device stops responding to button presses or does not turn off, you should try to restart it. If it is impossible to do this, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Remote control of the device is possible both through androids and through Apple gadgets. However, in the latter case, if an iPhone is used, sometimes there are problems with recognizing the receiving module. In such a situation, it is necessary to change the region to "India" or "China". The same method sometimes helps when a technician complains about an alleged lack of connectivity.

With all the reliability of Xiaomi robotic vacuum cleaners, the extension of their service life largely depends on the consumer. In any case, it is recommended that before starting operation or doing something for the first time, read the instructions. But there are also basic recommendations for all robot vacuum cleaners, which are also useful to follow. The very first battery charge is always 100%. It is better to test the device in practice a little later than to face problems later.

The robotic vacuum cleaner is oriented in space using special sensors and optical systems. Therefore, you must always keep them clean and tidy. It is also recommended to regularly clean the contacts of the current receiver and base.

Normally, the robot should crawl on the floor smoothly, without jerking. Any unjustified movements, uncontrolled movement is a reason for contacting a service center. It is unlikely that you can do anything on your own in such a situation. Avoid getting water and other liquids, foreign substances and objects into the vacuum cleaner. If this nevertheless happened, you can use the device again only after it has been inspected by specialists.

The company is not responsible for the use of a vacuum cleaner in which the insulation is broken, as well as for connecting it through damaged cables and faulty sockets. It is strictly forbidden to turn on the robot without installing all the standard components in it. This threatens to breakdown. Also, do not place the wires of the charging stations in the path of the vacuum cleaner. Automation will not be able to respond correctly to such a situation, and problems will be inevitable.

You can only wipe the surface with a moderately damp cloth. The main dirt is cleaned with medium-hard brushes. Filters should be changed earlier than usual only if the vacuum cleaner starts to remove dirt poorly. Once every 6 months it is necessary to clean the device inside, and if you have the slightest doubts about your competence, it is better to turn to professionals.

A study of consumer reviews shows that Xiaomi vacuum cleaners really do the main task - they provide cleanliness as consistently as possible. They do not notice any special shortcomings. However, there are some peculiarities that must be taken into account. Thus, it is not always easy to "make friends" between a device and a special mobile application.

Sometimes you have to look for the necessary options by brute force. In some models, the radar head rests on low sofas and gets stuck there. The solution will be to install thin felt circles under the furniture legs. Consumers note that automatic vacuum cleaners of the Chinese brand make exactly the noise that is indispensable in a particular operating mode. The schedule works flawlessly, and the capacity of the dust collectors makes cleaning much easier.

Indoor maps are built by Xiaomi products almost flawlessly. But we must remember that some types of plastic can be scratched when moving in a narrow space. You can avoid this by using special stickers. Brushes, filters wear out very slowly. Thick rugs and chargers should be removed from the floor - the concern's vacuum cleaners are not too “friendly” with bulky objects.

But when she draws the map properly, the situation will improve. The main thing is that there are no objects on the floor that are too difficult to handle. Users speak positively about the cleaning algorithms and about the reaction to obstacles encountered. Importantly, the battery power is consumed economically.

For an overview and tips for operating the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum robot vacuum cleaner, see the video below.