Robotic vacuum cleaner. A robotic vacuum cleaner, sometimes called a robovac or a roomba as a generic trademark, is an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner which has a limited vacuum floor cleaning system combined with sensors and robotic drives with programmable controllers and cleaning routines. Early designs included manual operation via remote control and a "self-drive" mode which allowed the machine to clean autonomously. 

Marketing materials for robotic vacuums frequently cite low noise, ease of use, and autonomous cleaning as main advantages. The perception that these devices are set-and-forget solutions is widespread but not always correct. Robotic vacuums are usually smaller than traditional upright vacuums, and weigh significantly less than even the lightest canister models. However, a downside to a robotic vacuum cleaner is that it takes an extended amount of time to vacuum an area due to its size. They are also relatively expensive, and replacement parts and batteries can contribute significantly to their operating cost.

History

In 1956, the American science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein described the concept of a robotic vacuum cleaner with a recharging dock in his novel The Door into Summer: "Basically it was just a better vacuum cleaner .... It went quietly looking for dirt all day long, in search curves that could miss nothing .... Around dinner time it would go to its stall and soak up a quick charge." The following year engineer Donald Moore filed a patent for robotic appliances, including a sweeper, that could follow a track laid below the floor. Whirlpool demonstrated the concept at the 1959 American National Exhibition but did not bring it to market.

In 1969 on 2 April an episode of The Avengers was broadcast in which the character Inge Tilson played by Dora Reisser says "...I saw a demonstration once. A robot vacuum cleaner. It swept around the house, went back into its cupboard, automatically plugged in and recharged itself...". The teleplay for this episode which was entitled "Thingumajig" was written by Terry Nation. It was episode 27 of Season 7.

In 1985, Tomy released the Dustbot as a part of their Omnibot line of toys. Dustbot was the first robot to feature a built in vacuum, and was able to turn when it sensed an edge or ran into something. Dustbot would carry a mini broom and dustpan for decoration.

In 1990, three roboticists, Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, and Rodney Brooks, founded iRobot. It was originally dedicated to making robots for military and domestic use. It launched the Roomba in 2002, which was able to change direction when it encountered an obstacle, detect dirty spots on the floor, and identify steep drops to keep it from falling down stairs. The Roomba proved to be the first commercially successful robot vacuum. In 2005, iRobot introduced the Scooba, which scrubbed hard floors.

In 1996, Electrolux introduced the first robotic vacuum cleaner, the Electrolux Trilobite. It worked well but had frequent problems with colliding with objects and stopping short of walls and other objects, as well as leaving small areas not cleaned. As a result, it failed in the market and was discontinued. In 1997, one of Electrolux's first versions of the Trilobite vacuum was featured on the BBC's science program, Tomorrow's World.

In 2001, Dyson built and demonstrated a robot vacuum known as the DC06. However, due to its high price, it was never released to the market. Electrolux released the Trilobite robotic vacuum cleaner. The Robotic vacuum cleaner launched at a price of $1,800.00. There were two models: the ZA1 and the ZA2.

In 2010, the Neato Robotics XV-11 robotic vacuum introduced laser-based mapping, allowing navigation in straight lines rather than the traditional random navigation.

In 2015, Dyson and iRobot both introduced camera-based mapping.

In 2016, iRobot CEO claimed that 20% of vacuum cleaners sales worldwide were robots.

As of 2018, obstacles such as dog feces, cables and shoes remain very difficult for robots to navigate around.

In 2022, ECOVACS launched DEEBOT-X1 Family featuring YIKO Voice Assistant, which was the industry's first natural language for home robots with Al voice interaction and control technologies.

In 2023, SwitchBot introduced the K10 Plus, claiming it as the world's smallest robot vacuum.

Main features

Cleaning modes

Robotic vacuums have different types of cleaning modes, enabling the robot target specific areas or work more generally, and to function either under direct human control or automatically.

Wet mopping 

Some models can also mop for wet cleaning, autonomously vacuuming and wet-mopping a floor in one pass (sweep and mop combo).

The mop is either manually wet before attachment to the bottom of the robot or the robot may be able to automatically spray water on to the floor before running over it. 

Some advanced robot vacuum cleaners have a sensor that detects and avoids mopping in carpeted areas. However, if there is no sensor, most of the robot vacuum cleaner manufacturers add a no-mop zone feature in the app to make robot vacuums to avoid certain areas to clean. These robot vacuums are also capable to mop about  in one go.

Others

Anti-drop Most robots include anti-drop and anti-bump IR sensors.
Connected app Some models allow control of the unit using an app over a WiFi connection from the user's smartphone or connected home automation device, e.g. Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
Software upgrades Some units are able to receive over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.
HEPA filters HEPA air filters are industry-standard now for robot vacuum cleaners. These remove dust and pollen from the air.
Video camera, speakers, microphone Some units can be used to record and monitor their surroundings as a mobile, internet connected security camera. Make voice or video calls, act as alarms and have voice command functionality.
Self cleaning Some units have dustbin self emptying via another vacuum in the charging station. Mop self wash, scrub, auto clean water refill and dirty water sucked into grey water tank. No user interaction needed for weeks or months at a time.
Names some units can be named and will respond to said name.

List of robotic vacuum cleaners 

 Electrolux Trilobite – 1996. Named for its appearance, basic functionality and mild functional success. Introduced the public to the concept. Discontinued.
 LG Roboking – launched in 2001
 Dyson DC06 – 2001. Deemed too expensive; not released.
 iRobot Roomba – 2002. Basic features on this early iRobot model succeeded in defining the retail category in America. 
 Kärcher RC3000 and RC4000 – sold from 2002 to 2015
 Friendly Vac RV400 – 2004, from Hoover and Friendly Robotics (Robomow); discontinued
 Koolvac – all U.S. models destroyed in 2005 due to a successful patent infringement lawsuit by iRobot
 Ecovacs Robotics Deebot series – introduced in 2007
 Dustbot – prototype for street cleanup, 2010
 Neato Robotics XV-11 – 2010. The Neato had average specifications for its time but implemented a laser mapping system.
 iRobot Roomba 980 – 2015. iRobot implemented camera mapping, a WiFi module, and a smartphone app.
 Dyson 360Eye – 2015. Marketed as Dyson's first robotic vacuum, this model included camera-based obstacle detection and room mapping.
 iRobot Roomba i7 Plus with Clean Base – 2018. The iRobot consumer lineup now self-empties, docks, and charges, enabling continuous cleaning.
 Blaupunkt Bluebot xvac
 SharkNinja AI, IQ, and ION Robot Vacuums.
 Roborock S7+ MaxV Ultra 
 Dreame X20 Pro Plus

Open-source designs
These are open-source designs that can be built using off-the-shelf components and 3D printed parts.
 CleanBOT by MosfetN (wood, scrap electronics, 2014)

 Open Autonomous Domestic Robots by Keith Elliott (3D printing, scrap electronics, 2016)

 DIY Vacuum Robot by CesNieto (3D printing, Arduino Uno, 2017)

 Wolley by Jack Johansson (3D printing, ARM Cortex-M0, 2018)

 MARK II by Twan (3D printing, Arduino Nano, 2019)

 Self-driving vacuum cleaner by Manu Vandendriessche (3D printing, Raspberry Pi 4, 2024)

See also

 Automated pool cleaner
 Comparison of domestic robots
 Domestic robots
 List of vacuum cleaners
 Mobile robot
 Open-source robotics
 Robotic mapping
 Wireless sensor network

References

External links

Cleaning
Home automation