How We Test: Robot Vacuum Cleaners

A detailed explainer on how we test robot vacuum and mopping cleaners, in order to deliver our comprehensive reviews.

In the world of smart home technology, robot vacuum cleaners have evolved into indispensable allies for maintaining pristine living spaces.

These automated devices boast advanced capabilities, including navigation algorithms, obstacle detection, smart mapping, mopping functionalities, and docking stations.

Rigorous testing processes are paramount to ensure the reliability, functionality, and efficiency of these cleaning marvels.

Here on The Ambient our commitment to being the absolute authority on the smart home extends to our comprehensive testing and insightful reviews of all of the latest, greatest (and, sometimes, no so-greatest) robo cleaners.

Read on to find out how we comprehensively test the various aspects of robot vacuum cleaners in order to help you make that all-important purchase decision.

Cleaning Performance on Different Surfaces

A core function of robot vacuum cleaners is cleaning diverse floor types. Our expert reviewers methodically assess the device’s cleaning performance on an array of surfaces – hardwood, carpet, tile, rugs and more at our dedicated testing lab.

This meticulous scrutiny ensures the robot efficiently picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair across a broad spectrum of flooring materials.

In the lab we employ controlled environments with test dirt, liquids, and common household debris to evaluate the robot’s cleaning capabilities across various challenges.

Edge and Corner Cleaning

Thorough cleaning encompasses reaching every nook and cranny.

Our experts rigorously evaluate the robot’s aptitude for cleaning along walls and maneuvering around furniture legs, obsticles and more.

Navigation and Mapping

The testing journey includes a meticulous evaluation of a robot vacuum’s navigation and mapping prowess.

Our reviewers delve into the efficiency of onboard sensors, laser mapping, LiDAR and SLAM technology.

This guarantees that we’ve fully analyzed the robot’s ability to intelligently navigate intricate room layouts, recognize obstacles, and create precise maps to facilitate efficient cleaning routes.

Obstacle Detection and Avoidance

The ability to adeptly detect and circumvent obstacles is integral as to whether a robo cleaner will be suitable for your home.

Our testers orchestrate real-world scenarios at our testing lab (and in our their own homes) with furniture, cords, and other potential obstructions to ascertain the robot’s capacity to avoid collisions and execute cleaning tasks seamlessly.

We even put a pile of fake pet poop down to see whether a robot can detect and avoid it.

Mopping Functionalities

Many robot vacuum cleaners come equipped with mopping functionalities now – in fact, sometimes the mopping tech on board is even more of a selling point than its suction skills.

Our expert review team examine the effectiveness of the mopping feature, assessing the device’s ability to dampen and clean various surfaces while maintaining consistent pressure and avoiding excess moisture, carpet wetting and more.

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

A robot cleaner’s power source is pivotal. Testers methodically analyze battery life and charging efficiency, ensuring the robot can execute full cleaning cycles without interruptions due to power depletion.

This rigorous examination safeguards against incomplete cleaning tasks and helps us to provide run-time metrics that will help you understand whether the robot on test is suitable for your home.

Docking Stations and Smart Home Integration

After cleaning, a robot must return to its docking station. Testers ensure that the robot can autonomously dock and recharge.

Often now, especially with high-end cleaners, this dock offers an array of extra features such as self cleaning, drying and more.

We put all of the manufacturer’s promises to the test to make sure the complete package of your potential purchase really lives up to its billing.

We also validate compatibility with smart home ecosystems, to ensure whether there is smooth integration with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Remote Control and App Integration

Seamless remote control is pivotal. Testers delve into mobile app functionality, gauging the ease of scheduling cleaning sessions, customizing cleaning modes, and tracking the robot’s progress.

App integration ensures users can manage cleaning tasks from afar so it’s key we fully test a brand’s native apps.

The final word

At The Ambient our dedication to being the ultimate smart home authority extends to our unmatched testing and reviewing of robot cleaners.

Our team of expert editors are committed to ensuring the highest standards of performance, navigation, obstacle detection, cleaning performance, mopping functionalities, battery life, remote control, docking stations, smart home integration and much more.

As robot vacuum cleaners revolutionize modern housekeeping, thorough testing assures homeowners of the reliability, functionality, and performance of these devices.

Of course, we also compare any robo cleaners on test to alternatives that are already available and consider that all important price-point before delivering our verdict.