Can Robot Vacuums Avoid Dog Poop (And How To Choose The Best One)?

Let's imagine a scenario. You've got your spick and span smart vacuum, perfect for handling your daily debris. You tell it to run a cleaning cycle, until it runs into a pile-up — and not the highway kind. Surprise poops and throw-up are the bane of pet parents' lives, and if you're investing in a robotic vacuum, you need to know that it won't be ruined by sucking up and spreading around a big mess left behind by your pet. And of course, pet owners are also on the lookout for the best robot vacuums for pet hairs, another common challenge of life with pets. 

Can a Robot Vacuum Avoid Dog Poop?

Yes, many robot vacuums can now avoid dog poop and pet waste, thanks to advanced sensors that detect and steer clear of small obstacles. In pet-friendly homes, the last thing you want is a vacuum spreading pet waste around the house – robot vacuums with obstacle avoidance can recognise and avoid tiny obstacles, keeping floors clean of dog and cat litter, spills, and other messes. To completely block the machine from entering the messy area, many models allow you to set “no-go zones” or virtual barriers simply through the mobile app.

How Do Robot Vacuums Avoid Poop?

Robot vacuums avoid poop by using a number of sensors and cameras to recognize different objects, while their AI-powered algorithms decide how to navigate around and steer clear of obstacles like pet droppings.

Obstacle Recognition Sensors

A combination of training and technological features helps smart vacuums to steer clear of objects like poop and other pet waste. To begin with, they are trained with image sets of objects commonly found in households so they can easily recognise things like shoes, cables, fabrics, socks and chair legs.
Secondly, smart vacuums don’t have dedicated ‘poop sensors’, but they use cameras and sensors to identity objects including poops in its path. For instance, in our DEEBOT, AIVI 3D technology and an astronomy-grade RGB camera work cohesively to identify objects; then, AI-based algorithms help them decide, in real time, how to deal with obstacles they haven’t encountered before.

Mapping And Navigation Abilities

Most robotic vacuum cleaners with mapping features are able to create 2D maps of home layouts. Some can even create 3D maps showing the exact locations and dimensions of furniture and walkways.
Let’s take our TrueMapping technology as an example, which combines LiDAR with a DToF laser to plot the most efficient cleaning route through your home. This is the same technology that helps the device ‘see’ the height and depths of objects, even in the dark, and find the best way to avoid the mess.

Cameras And App Control

Many automatic vacuum cleaners also have cameras that show the robot’s P.O.V. from the companion app. In the ECOVACS HOME APP, for instance, users can use the Home Monitoring function to check live video feeds or do two-way voice calls to talk to their pet.
In case you see your pup has soiled a room, you can immediately set virtual boundaries to block it remotely from entering that area.

Best DEEBOT Robot Vacuum With Poop Avoidance

DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI

DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI is an excellent robot vacuum and mop for pet-friendly households. Equipped with AINA 2.0 Intelligent Navigation and AIVI 3D 2.0 technology, this vacuum model uses deep learning to familiarise itself with your home's surroundings, accurately identifying objects like pet messes and “learning” to avoid them. Its reinforcement learning technology enables real-time path planning, allowing it to respond swiftly to scenarios such as unexpected pet waste. Moreover, the 12,800Pa suction power¹ and ZeroTangle technology make it highly effective at picking up pet hair without clogging or tangling.

DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI

Designed with pet owners in mind, The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI can accurately detect and avoid pet waste, keeping floors clean and tidy. Powered by the AIVI 3D 3.0 Omni-Approach Technology driven by a Visual Language Model (VLM), it uses deep-learning neural network architectures trained billions of times to achieve precise object recognition and rapid contour extraction.

How To Choose A Robot Vacuum For Pet Waste

Poop Detection & Object Avoidance

Object avoidance is just one part of what makes an auto vacuum good for pet households. Take DEEBOT as an example, the premium X series promote AINA 2.0 Intelligent Navigation, an AI-powered model that integrates deep learning and reinforcement learning into its navigation and object avoidance systems. Over time, the smart device will progressively improve its accuracy in navigating around pet waste and messes in your home.

No-go Zones

Most models of auto vacuums offer the advantage to set no-go zones, whether through physical boundary tape or virtual boundaries. This personalisation feature makes it easy for the user to signal the robotic vacuum cleaner to stay away from ad-hoc pet messes for optimal pet droppings avoidance or permanent zones like a pup’s bed or cat’s litter box, if desired.

Compatibility With Pet Hair

Next, the auto vacuum should have adequate cleaning power to remove hair, dirt and food crumbs left behind by dogs or cats. Look for good suction power and check for any specialised tools included. Preferably, the brushes and other parts should be anti-tangle for easier maintenance.

Dustbin Capacity And Self-cleaning Mechanisms

The dustbin should be large enough to store debris for an extended period without needing manual emptying. On top of that, a self-emptying robotic vacuum is not only convenient but also reduces exposure to allergens like pet dander. The dust bag typically seals automatically to prevent particles from being released. Plus, if the automatic vacuum mops over pet waste, don’t worry, the self-cleaning docking station can thoroughly wash and dry its mop pads without a hitch.

Quiet Operation

Another characteristic to look for in a floor vacuum robot compatible with pets is noise level. It’s quite common for dogs and cats to get scared by the loud and disruptive vacuuming noise. A quiet automatic vacuum cleaner usually operate between 65 and 69 decibels, which is about as loud as a normal conversation and thus less likely to scare pets.

Maintenance And Durability

Auto vacuums cohabiting with pets may have to endure some abuse, such as being stepped on by a stray paw, being bumped or coming in contact with a wet mane. Check what kind of materials the machine is made from and how protected the inner components are from the elements to ensure they can handle daily wear-and-tear. Regular cleaning and repairing any damaged parts can also help extend its lifespan.

Sensors & Camera

A robot vacuum for pet waste should be equipped with the right sensors and cameras. Infrared and camera-based sensors are essential for detecting and avoiding pet messes, while additional sensors like dirt detection, cliff sensors and ultrasonic sensors help the machine navigate smoothly and clean effectively. With multi-sensor working together, the robot vacuum is capable of avoiding pet waste without running over it. Remember to keep the sensors clean to keep them function at peak accuracy.

How To Clean Robot Vacuums That Run Over Poop

To clean a robot vacuum that’s run over poop, you can first power it off and remove the battery. Wipe it with a damp cloth, particularly the suction, filters and brushes, and let everything dry before reassembling.

Follow these steps to clean it up by yourself:

• Power Off: Put on gloves and switch the power off as quick as possible. If possible, remove the battery to prevent any electrical hazards.
• Initial Cleanup: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and empty the dustbin.
• Clear the Suction Area: Check if solid waste has entered the suction area. Carefully remove as much as possible, then wipe it down with a damp cloth.
• Wash Components: For washable filters and brushes, clean them with warm, soapy water to remove any residue. Avoid using abrasive materials.
• Dry and Reassemble: Let all parts dry completely before reassembling the vacuum.
• Power On and Check: Power it back on and check the mobile app if all parts are functioning properly.

FAQ

Can you vacuum cat litter safely?

Yes, many robotic vacuums can clean cat litter. For the best results, select one with strong suction, rubber brushes and anti-tangle brush rolls to handle tough debris without damage. Avoid wet litter, as it may jam the internal parts.