How Do Vacuum Robots with Mapping Navigate?

When we talk about revolutionary home cleaning devices, we will surely think of robot vacuums, arguably the most popular smart home device on the market. How does a robot vacuum know where to go and navigate through the obstacles? These intelligent devices combine advanced sensors, mapping algorithms, and artificial intelligence that can detect and map your house strategically. Unlike their traditional counterparts, which move randomly or follow preset patterns, robot vacuums with mapping capabilities take a systematic approach to efficiently clean the space without missing spots.

The concept behind mapping is to create a digital map of the environment they are cleaning. Using sensors such as cameras, lasers or infrared, they can scan the surroundings and detect walls, furniture, as well as other objects in real-time. They then process this data and generate a map that outlines the layout of the space. This map will serve as a reference for the robot vacuum to plan its cleaning path efficiently.

Why Choose a Robot Vacuum with Mapping?

Back in the days, the first generation of robot vacuums were not yet smart enough to clean odd corners, or often bump into objects. Although it was still an impressive innovation, constant intervention was required and the cleaning performance was not perfect.

Nowadays, thanks to technology advancement, many robot vacuums are equipped with high-tech mapping system, with some premier models even have the same navigation features as self-driving cars. Why should you choose a robot vacuum with mapping? How does it enhance the cleaning performance of a robot vacuum?

First, let’s talk about the way mapping enhances the robot vacuum’s navigation capabilities. Unlike random or pattern-based vacuum cleaners, mapping-enabled robot vacuums create a digital map of the area. This allows them to navigate in a systematic and efficient manner, ensuring that no spot is missed. For example, when the robot vacuum is running low energy in the midst of cleaning, they can navigate from any spot in the house back to the docking station to charge. After finishing the charge, they can return to where they were and continue cleaning.

Sometimes we may spill something on the floor and cause a mess. Instead of initiating the whole cleaning process, simple pick the area you want to clean on your phone, and the robot vacuum will guide itself to the selected area and start cleaning, freeing your hands and making your life easier.

Another reason why you need robot vacuums with mapping technology is their ability in avoiding obstacles. With their sophisticated sensors and mapping algorithms, they can detect and go around furniture, walls and other objects in real time, minimizing the risk of collisions. In the past, without the mapping ability, robot vacuums often bump into wall and furniture, causing damage to the skirting board, sofa legs, etc. Mapping is now a must-have technology to protect both the robot and the furniture, and prevent damage to valuable items.

Furthermore, the mapping technology is also important in avoiding being lost as well as repeated cleaning. Mapping-enabled robot vacuums are capable of remembering and adapting to the cleaning environment. By creating and storing digital maps, these robots can identify previously cleaned areas and avoid redundant cleaning. This not only saves time, but it also optimizes battery usage, reducing the need for recharging.

Besides, robot vacuums with mapping typically offer advanced features such as virtual boundaries and zone cleaning. Using the compatible app on mobile phones or tablets, users can set up virtual walls or no-go zones to restrict the robot's access to specific areas. This is particularly useful for protecting delicate objects such as expensive rugs, or preventing the robot vacuum from entering off-limits spaces, for instance, the nursery when the baby is sleeping. On the other hand, zone cleaning allows users to designate specific areas for specific cleaning demands, such as powerful cleaning for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. By controlling and monitoring its activities remotely, floor cleaning becomes a hands-free experience.

Best DEEBOT robot vacuums with mapping technology

With the rapid innovation of robot vacuum with mapping technology, DEEBOT constantly upgrades its mapping and navigation system. Advanced mapping technology not only greatly improves the cleaning efficiency, but also saves more time for people to relax, stay together with families, and enjoy life. Here’s three best DEEBOT that features Truemapping and AIVI 3D technology.

DEEBOT X2 OMNI

The most recent flagship model of the DEEBOT series, the DEEBOT X2 OMNI is equipped with powerful features. Integrated with AI technology, the industry-leading TrueMapping 3.0 navigation system is anchored by dual laser LiDAR sensor and provides a 210° super large field of view that offers intelligent navigation with accurate obstacle avoidance and path-mapping, when combined with AIVI 3D 2.0, the machine learning algorithms that enhances cleaning efficiency.

For those who are looking for an efficient cleaning solution, this robot vacuum comes with an upgraded wind tunnel and suction power up to 8,000Pa¹, much higher than the market average of 2,000-3,000Pa, ensuring even stubborn and stuck debris can be easily picked up. The longer roller brush allows longer, wider reach, while the brand-new square and compact design can fit into narrow space, such as under low-height sofas and cabinets, as well as odd edges and corners. If you have pets at home, this model includes a pet-friendly AI mode that identifies pets at home and can recommend the best cleaning solution.

DEEBOT T20 OMNI

The all-in-one DEEBOT T20 OMNI employs TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D system, enabling it to perform even in the dark. During mapping, it automatically identifies the carpets and rugs in your home and displays them on a 3D map. By simply tapping on the 3D map, you can instruct the robot to specifically clean the carpet with an automatic boost. Thanks to its auto lift-mopping function, the robot vacuum to adjust to different floor surfaces in one clean. When carpet is detected, it can recognize it and lift the mop heads accordingly, keeping your carpet and rug dry. The mop heads will be put down when return to hard floor surfaces.

Furthermore, the YIKO voice assistant is integrated with the 3D maps, allowing users to use natural speech commands to guide the robot vacuum to different areas of the house, for example, under the sofa in the living room or in the bedroom. YIKO combines precise voice positioning with natural language understanding (NLU), allowing the smart device to accurately locate and move to your desired location for cleaning with just one sentence.

DEEBOT T10 PLUS

If you’re looking for a cost-effective robot vacuum that is designed for pet households or allergy sufferers, DEEBOT T10 PLUS would be your new cleaning partner. Featuring the same advanced mapping and navigation system, this model highlights a three-layer filtration system that removes 99% ² of microscopic dust and allergens. Most allergic reaction happened in a pet household is triggered by the allergens trapped in pet hair. By setting regular cleaning schedules and eliminate allergens from the environment, you can breathe easier and live in a cleaner home. It is also worth mentioning that the DEEBOT T10 PLUS includes an air freshener, leaving your home looking and smelling fresh and clean.

How Does Mapping Technology Work?

Mapping technology is crucial in making robot vacuums “smart”, allowing them to navigate and clean efficiently. So how does it work, and what makes them smart?

Take our ECOVACS DEEBOT as an example. As a leading robot vacuum manufacturer, ECOVACS keep enhancing the technology employed in these intelligent devices, in order to provide a hassle-free cleaning experience for customers.

DEEBOT employs TrueMapping 2.0 mapping and navigation system, which could be the most advanced navigation system currently available on the market. By combining dToF sensors with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)technology, DEEBOT scans the surrounding and plan the most efficient cleaning paths, ensuring no spot is missed.

Originally being used in the aerospace industry and now widely used in self-driving cars, LiDAR technology is a remote sensing technology that uses laser to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of an environment. In aerospace, this technology was employed to measure the distance of objects in space from Earth. When it comes to robot vacuums, LiDAR works by sending laser beams which bounce off surfaces in the room and return to the sensor. By measuring the time it takesfor the laser to return, the system then translates it into accurate distance measurements for mapping.

In terms of object avoidance technology, ECOVACS uses AIVI 3D in their DEEBOT, which combines advanced AI with 3D structured light sensors to automatically identify, recognize and avoid obstacles. It also includes HDR dynamic range imaging technology and can accurately capture environmental images and semantic information.

Since the above-mentioned technology are not relied on ambient light, DEEBOT can equally perform well even in a dark environment. That means you will not have to keep the lights on during the clean, and you can even set your DEEBOT to clean while you’re asleep at night.

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