Vacuum robots, or robovacs, are autonomous devices designed to clean floors with minimal human intervention. These compact machines use advanced navigation systems, such as LiDAR or 360-degree vision, to map homes, avoid obstacles, and clean efficiently across various floor types including carpets and hard floors. They are typically controlled via smartphone apps, voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and can be scheduled for routine cleaning.
Modern vacuum robots offer a range of features, including self-emptying docks that transfer debris into a larger bin or bag, reducing the need for manual emptying and minimizing dust exposure—particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. Some models, like the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni and Dreame X30 Ultra, also include self-washing and drying mop pads, allowing them to function as both vacuum and mop in a single run. These hybrid models are ideal for homes with mixed flooring, as they can automatically retract the mop when encountering carpets to prevent water damage.
