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Let’s have a look at these clever navigational aids in more detail.
How do robovacs navigate?
iRobot bots use
These are reflected from objects in its vicinity.
LiDAR is far and away the fastest and most reliable form of navigation.
There are a couple of other downsides to using LiDAR for navigation.
iRobot bots use
That means it won’t punch through bed and sofa valances.
Lift and tuck any valances before the robot goes out.
vSLAM
Some robot vac manufacturers use vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology for navigation.
iRobot bots use
The most notable brand to continue to use vSLAM is iRobot and its Roomba range.
The machine then uses these points to triangulate its 3D position and create a map of your home."
In contrast, LiDAR models normally clean in a logical up-and-down pattern.
Modern premium robovacs have advanced object recognition and avoidance
Moreover, vSLAM performance can degrade in low-light conditions or in environments with few distinguishable visual features.
How do robot vacuum cleaners avoid obstacles?
When the robot’sfront cameraspots something, the botshouldskirt around the object.
Eufy S1 Omni Pro uses a ‘3D MatrixEye’ for obstacle avoidance
For example, theRoborock Qrevo Curv(above) uses a Reactive AI navigation system.
If you’re dealing with lots of dust and debris, pick a model with a dock that can empty the bot’s onboard bin
