This review is updated regularly with new models
Last updated: 26 September , 2019
Introduction
The robot vacuums segment has been successfully developing for two decades. Of course, the first models were expensive. Besides, they provided only partial automation, requiring control and human intervention due to poor overcoming the obstacles, short runtime, fast dustbin filling, etc. Therefore, initially many people perceived robotic vacuums as a fun toy.
But fierce competition radically changed the situation. Companies significantly reduced prices and successfully solved most of the technical problems. Today this device costs several hundred dollars and really provides a high level of automation with sufficiently high-quality cleaning. As a result, modern market offers a huge number of robot vacuums, the price and functionality of which varies in a very wide range.
Of course, this factor pleases consumers, but sometimes it complicates the choice. Various TOP-lists greatly simplifies this task. This review offers the most innovative robotic vacuums of 2019, including:
– Xiaomi Roborock S6;
– iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550);
– iLife A9 and iLife A9s;
– iClebo Omega O5 (YCR-M07-20W).
Xiaomi Roborock S6
Of course, the Chinese giant Xiaomi Corporation does not require the introduction. Today, this company ranks sixth in the world in terms of smartphone production. But besides smartphones, the company develops and manufactures wonderful robot vacuums. In 2019, the company introduced the new Xiaomi Roborock S6 model.
Today, this novelty can reasonably claim the status of one of the most innovative robots. And considering the low price for this class at $ 650 and excellent specs, it may well be on the list of Best Sellers.
Innovations:
– Upgraded Rock Navigation Path Planning uses the principle of long edge priority and proximity, reducing cleaning time by 20% due to route optimization;
– Selective Room Cleaning provides selection and scheduled cleans for single and multiple rooms, or for entire home;
– Advanced Noise Reduction reduces noise by 50% vs Roborock S5 and does not exceed 40 dB.
In addition, the robot creates virtual no-go zone and barriers with the help of advanced Map Management 3.0.
The company significantly improved the lidar for expansion of smart options. New model uses three CPU, including Texas Instruments, MCU, and STMicroelectronics, and data from 14 sensors.
In addition, the S6 automatically adjusts the intensity of the water supply from the nozzle-tank, optimizing the Mopping mode.
Besides, the robot uses a new advanced turbo brush.
Moreover, the model supports APP & Alexa Voice Control, provides good cross (0.8in climbing), 2000Pa of suction power, which is enough to clean even deep inside carpet fibres, and runtime up to 3 hours in Quiet mode.
iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550)
Of course, the segment leader also did not stand aside in 2019, introducing the new Roomba i7+ model. The company focused on a radical expansion of functionality by developing Clean Base with the innovative Automatic Dirt Disposal option. Otherwise, the new product does not differ from the iRobot 980, including an almost identical design.
Besides, a list of their differences includes several aspects. Firstly, the i7+ is lighter than the previous model (7.4 vs 8.7 pounds) and smaller in diameter (13.3 x 13.3 x 3.6 inches vs 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.6 inches). Secondly, now its dustbin is washable.
But the height of new Clean Base reaches 19 inches. Moreover, it additionally requires 5 inches of free space to open the top lid, limiting its placement, for example, under a shelf. New Clean Base uses its own vacuum, which suctions out debris from dustbin into a sealable bag with a capacity of about 30-bins worth of dirt.
Today, the company sells Clean Base separately for $ 300, enabling iRobot 980 owners to expand its functionality to i7+.
During testing, the i7+ picked up 10 grams of dirt per run and cleaned a surface of about 5000 sq ft without collisions.
Model uses a simple app to start, stop and cleaning schedules. Moreover, innovative Smart Maps provides mapping the area for defining cleaning zones in the future. Finally, connecting to Alexa or Google Home provides voice control. In fact, the Automatic Dirt Disposal option extends the level of cleaning automation by eliminating the unpleasant function of regular dustbin emptying manually.
Today its price does not exceed $ 1,000, which is acceptable for an innovative model from a recognized brand.
iLife A9 and iLife A9s
At CES 2019, iLife also introduced a new series that includes A9 and A9s models.
Traditionally, the series uses a set of innovative solutions, including Gen 2 PanoView Navigation Technology, 2-in-1 self-adjustable floating roller brush, Electrowall Technology for creating virtual barriers, i-Voice Assistant, Cellular Dustbin, etc. At the same time, Cellular Dustbin may well claim the status of new technology.
Electrowall Technology traditionally uses a separate unit that generates a limiting infrared beam.
The improved PanoView Navigation algorithm (CV-SLAM) in combination with the built-in camera provides a panoramic view and the creating the optimal moving route. In addition, combined with 14 traditional sensors, it provides excellent robot overcoming obstacles.
A low profile of only 3 inches ensures cleaning even under low furniture. The battery provides a runtime of about 2 hours with a recharge time of about 5 hours. Company indicates suction power 500Pa / 1000Pa. Today, the iLife A9 costs about $ 280.
iLifeA9s differs from iLife A9 in support of Mopping mode. The robot uses an innovative 300 ml module with vibrating wipe and auto water supple for this purpose.
Robot its uses instead of a dustbin in a Mopping mode. A micropump at regular intervals supplies water to microfiber (setting – 3 levels), and its vibration increases the efficiency of floor cleaning. Of course, in this mode, the robot turns off the suction fan using only the side and main brushes. Of course, many are skeptical about the quality of such a wet cleaning, but it is great for moisturizing.
Unfortunately, only iLife A9 is available in America today.
iClebo Omega O5 (YCR-M07-20W)
As known, for more than 10 years, Korean Yujin Robot. Co., Ltd has been developing and manufacturing various robots, including the iClebo series of cleaning robots. Today, many experts position iClebo as the main competitor of the famous iRobot. At a lower price, they provide a commensurate functionality, innovative level, and cleaning quality.
The company regularly expands the range of its robots, which today includes iClebo Omega, Arte, Pop, etc. In 2018 the company introduced its latest iClebo Omega O5 model with Smart Camera Mapping, Adjustable Suction, Wi-Fi Connection, and Alexa & Google Assistant support.
iClebo O5 uses a powerful brushless motor, the suction power of which is comparable to many traditional hand-held vacuums. As a consequence, the robot successfully cleans even carpets with a pile length of up to 3 centimeters. Moreover, iClebo Omega O5 uses innovative 5-step cleaning.
As a result, iClebo O5 delivers superb performance that reaches 95% by the IEC Standards. The model supports auto, point, turbo and Mopping modes.
Unfortunately, the robot does not have a water tank. Therefore, microfiber requires manual wetting. The model can operate in Silent mode with noise level up to 44 dB at minimum suction power.
The 5200 mAh battery provides a runtime of 70 min in Turbo and 120 min in Silent modes.
Additionally, the robot uses the Smart App Editor, Camera Capturing Technology and Advance Mapping System.
Overall, the list of its pros includes relatively low price, high quality cleaning, exelent suction power, long runtime, low noise in Silent mode, cleaning schedule, SLAM navigation, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, Wi-Fi connection, and an excellent company reputation. Today, this model can be purchased for less than $ 500.
Conclusions
1. This review covers only the new models. But it does not contain Best Sellers, a list of which mainly depends on price, consumer reviews and the advertising persuasiveness, and the best robotic vacuums in the TOP-lists from the experts.
2. As usual, this year companies offered many innovative models in all price segments with good prospects in the consumer market.
For example, iLife A9 for less than $ 300 uses an almost complete set of modern technologies.
The powerful iClebo Omega O5, costing less than $ 500, provides quality cleaning at the level of hand-held vacuums.
Xiaomi Roborock S6 for $ 650 leads in terms of smart capabilities and the number of innovative solutions.
Finally, iRobot Roomba i7+ for $ 1,000 radically expands its automation level, providing Automatic Dirt Disposal with the help of innovative Clean Base.
But, of course, the choice of the optimal robot vacuum depends on personal preferences and budget.
We sincerely wish you the Right Solution!
This video demonstrates testing on carpet of Xiaomi Roborock S6 vs Roborock S5 vs 360 S6.