Earlier this year, CES 2024 unveiled some groundbreaking new features for the next generation of the best robot vacuums. While the category has matured steadily over the past 20 years, its features rarely feel anything new. Improved suction power and 2-in-1 models that double as robot mops are great on paper, but they lack oomph.
Self-emptying and self-cleaning base stations are arguably the latest and greatest thing in robot vacuums. They demonstrate how useful these robots are when they can run autonomously for weeks on end. However, they still add new tasks to your plate, like cleaning debris bags and replacing water tanks for 2-in-1 robot vacuums.
That’s all about to change thanks to a mix of AI advancements that adjust cleaning power to the level of your dirt and innovative design changes. Read on to find out how these upgrades will save you time, improve cleaning performance, and set new standards for the future of the industry.
Advanced AI
AI will help our robot vacuums work better by making them more aware of the mess in their environment. For example, they can detect stains and adjust their cleaning power to apply real elbow grease to thicker substances like gravy. Over time, deeper learning algorithms can predict which areas need a deeper clean and scrub harder.
This was demonstrated most clearly by Samsung’s new Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ at CES 2024. In addition to intelligent mapping and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, this model searches for stains. Once it finds one, it returns to its docking station to heat the cleaning pads with water hot enough to create steam. It can then apply pressure at a rotation speed of 170 RPM to remove the problematic stain from the face of the earth.
In addition to automatically selecting the most optimal cleaning settings, AI helps robot vacuums “see” more. Refined object recognition powered by this AI and a mix of sensors helps these robots identify and avoid obstacles like cords, socks, toys, and pet poop to clean without making an extra mess. This higher level of understanding and on-the-fly adjustments allow you to go about your business knowing that the job will be done right without any effort on your part.
Self-cleaning brooms with direct plumbing connections
Automatic dustbin-emptying stations are relatively common, but hybrid robot vacuum models face a challenge. 2-in-1 models are forced to deal with wet mops that need to be cleaned after each job. Even Roomba's flagship J9+ combo requires you to change its pad by hand when it finishes its session. Feature-forward companies like Roborock have added automatic mop pad washing and drying features to their base stations, so you only have to swap out the clean and dirty water tanks.
New 2-in-1 robot vacuums feature plumbing connection kits built into their design to connect directly to your water line. This eliminates the need to fill and monitor a clean water tank. Plus, if you have a drainage system, you don’t have to worry about collecting dirty water either. This gives you months of fully autonomous vacuuming and mopping functionality, as you only need to remove the vacuum’s debris bag once it’s full.
Monitoring the condition of parts
Robot vacuums will be able to diagnose problems and monitor the health of parts. You'll receive notifications when it's time to replace individual parts, like a rotating brush, and you'll even get a walkthrough of the process. This will reduce the time spent troubleshooting and ensure your vacuum is operating at peak performance at all times.