How Do Robot Vacuums Clean Corners and Edges?

When you’re ready to relax after your robot vacuum finishes a cleaning session, nothing is more frustrating than finding dust and crumbs still sitting in corners or along the baseboards. Dirt naturally builds up in these areas because of poor air circulation and moisture.

While robot vacuums are well-equipped with features like spinning side brushes and advanced mapping systems, you may still wonder: are they good enough? Can a robot vacuum really clean corners? To find out, you need to understand which features make the most difference and how they work.

Do Robot Vacuums Clean Corners?

Yes, robot vacuums can clean corners, but their effectiveness depends on design and features. At first glance, the round shape of most models may seem to struggle with sharp corner angles, while baseboards and wall edges also collect dust in spots that standard brushes may not fully reach. Those living in small apartments like to maximize space and push furniture like sofas and bookcases into corners, further limiting the maneuverability.

Thanks to new technologies such as slimmer designs, extendable brushes, and advanced navigation systems, today, smart vacuums are far better equipped to capture dust and debris along walls and in corners.

Best DEEBOT Robot Vacuums for Corner Cleaning

DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI

For 100% corner coverage¹, DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI features TruEdge 2.0 technology and a 3D Edge Sensor that dynamically extends the roller mop to adapt to different edges and turns, while ensuring the side brush stays extended to reach blind spots.

To help pet owners battle hair in living room corners, the ZeroTangle 3.0 system combines the ARClean Anti-Tangle Side Brush and Cyclone-Directed Anti-Tangle Main Brush with a golden spiral design and inward-curved bristles to prevent tangling while vacuuming pet hair in tight spaces.

DEEBOT T80 OMNI

With TruEdge 2.0 Adaptive Edge Cleaning, the extended side brush of the DEEBOT T80 OMNI achieves up to 99% coverage² in internal and external corners, while the 3D Edge Sensor smartly adjusts the brush for recessed edges.

The continuously variable mop anticipates the closest secure mop position during corner turns, hugging edges at a minimum distance of just 0.35 inches. At the same time, the constant roller extension and its algorithm maintain edge adhesion. Plus, the slim smart vacuum body of 3.86 inches fits under most low furniture, easily vacuuming up pine needles and other debris beneath a sofa.

DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI

DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI offers precise edge cleaning with its TruEdge Adaptive Edge Mopping, where a hovering mechanical arm adjusts dynamically to reach as close as 0.039 inches from edges for 98% coverage³. When pet hair and crumbs gather in the corner, you can trust the TrueMapping 2.0 navigation to accurately map rooms and ZeroTangle 2.0’s triple V-shaped brush designs to save you from removing hair from the roller after cleaning.

How Robot Vacuums Tackle Corners and Edges?

Robot vacuums clean corners using spinning side brushes to sweep debris into the central suction path and a primary brush roll to agitate and lift dirt. Advanced models even feature extendable brushes or mop pads, and smart sensors that detect corners and automatically adjust brush speed or reach for a more thorough clean.

The corner cleaning performance most likely depends on these robot vacuum key features:

Side Brushes

Side brushes are among the most recognizable tools for cleaning corners and edges. They spin outward to sweep debris into the suction path, compensating for the round body shape. For instance, the side brush of the DEEBOT T80 OMNI is constantly extended on a solid structure to reach blind spots in corners.

For pet owners, the ZeroTangle 3.0 system features the ARClean Anti-Tangle Side Brush, and Its single-prong spiral design with dual clusters prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, guiding hair along a specific trajectory.

Extendable Mop Pads

High-end robot vacuum and mops, such as the DEEBOT T80 OMNI, go beyond standard side brushes with extendable mop pads that activate automatically when corners are detected. Its continuously variable mop, supported by an enhanced sensory algorithm and the new TruEdge 3D Edge Sensor, hugs edges and turns within 0.35 inches; this close contact allows it to remove dirt or spills in the nooks while protecting surrounding baseboard, skirting and furniture.

Shape and Design

The overall shape of a robot vacuum cleaner has a noticeable impact on how well it reaches corners. The most common designs are round and square smart vacuum cleaners.

Round models, like most DEEBOT models, rely heavily on side brushes to sweep debris inward, while square designs, such as the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, naturally align with walls, with the edge detection sensors bringing mop pads within 1.18 inches of corners. The flat front also improves alignment along straight walls.

Smart Navigation and Mapping

Corner cleaning technologies won’t be in use if the navigation misses the corners. Intelligent technologies like LiDAR and AIVI 3D allow DEEBOT models to detect wall and corner geometry with millimeter precision.

Robot vacuums with mapping, like the DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI, use AIVI 3D 3.0 Omni-Approach Technology to navigate safely around obstacles. The front structured light and TruEdge 3D Edge Sensor work together to keep the robot close to objects, such as a plant pot in a corner, while cleaning along edges. Even if a vase were to break suddenly, the real-time algorithms can react immediately and steer the robot away from the hazard.

Suction, Intake, and Airflow Systems

By positioning intakes closer to the edge, vacuums can pick up debris that settles along walls.

Furthermore, DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI features BLAST Technology that optimizes airflow with an industry-first EV-Grade Pouch Battery and aerodynamic design, which produces a 16.3 L/s airflow rate and 16,600 Pa suction power. With this system, it generates 49% greater airflow than conventional systems, improving dust removal and achieving a 100% pickup rate for large, cereal-sized particles, even in corners and crevices.

Tips to Maximize Corner and Edge Cleaning

The best tips to maximize corner cleaning begin with choosing the right robot vacuum model, ideally one equipped with extendable brushes and edge sensors. Use built-in features such as no-go zones to refine navigation, and clear clutter like toy cars that may block access to corners. Finally, maintain and clean your device to keep its performance strong.

• Choose the right model: Pick a robot vacuum and mop with features designed for corners, such as extendable side brushes and edge sensors. These ensure the vacuum can clean tight corners effectively while protecting your walls and furniture.
• Use the built-in features: Leverage built-in functions like no-go zones and virtual barriers to keep the vacuum away from delicate areas, such as near valuable antiques, while using spot cleaning to target specific corners.
• Pre-cleaning: Prepare the cleaning area by clearing toys, pet beds, and clutter that could block access. Lift lightweight curtains or drapes so they do not interfere with sensors.
• Maintenance: Empty the dustbin frequently, and wipe sensors and brushes to maintain accuracy. Clean your smart vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup from affecting suction or brush movement.

Disclaimer(s):

1. 100% Cleaning Coverage: This refers to the sweeping function of ECOVACS DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI products can achieve 99% sweeping coverage at outer corners and inner corners in the experimental scenario. The data is from the ECOVACS laboratory. Specific results are subject to actual home use.
2. 99% Cleaning Coverage: This refers to the sweeping function of ECOVACS DEEBOT T80 OMNI products can achieve 99% sweeping coverage at outer corners and inner corners in the experimental scenario. The data is from the ECOVACS laboratory. Specific results are subject to actual home use.
3. 98% coverage: The result is based on internal laboratory tests, and may not fully represent the exact performance of DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI in all scenarios. It is essential to recognize that real-world performance can be influenced by various external factors, such as environmental conditions, usage patterns, etc. Consumers are encouraged to consider these variables and make informed decisions based on their specific needs.