The idea of robots helping out around the home might seem like a sci-fi concept, but it’s in fact already a reality. There are several robots that you can already buy to help with chores around the house. This post details these different types of robots and their uses, as well explaining some of the top things to look for when purchasing a robot for your home.
Table of Contents
Types of robots for your home
Robot vacuum cleaners
These are probably the most well-known and popular household robots. They automatically roam around the floor of your home sucking up any crumbs, dirt or hair. This is a great way to keep your home’s floors clean without having to manually vacuum.
Some robot vacuum cleaners are designed purely for hard floors, while others are capable of cleaning carpets and rugs. It’s worth researching the suction power and also checking if a robot vacuum has a HEPA filter if you want it to remove the smallest particles.
Robot vacuum cleaners cannot climb stairs and some may have to be programmed to avoid stairs to stop them falling down them. Most robot vacuum cleaners have to be manually emptied, but others are self-emptying. Features vary depending on the brand and model. Popular robot vacuum brands include Roomba and RoboVac.
Robots lawnmowers
Fed up having to mow the lawn? Instead of hiring someone to mow the lawn, you could consider investing in a robot lawn mower.
These mowers automatically navigate your lawn – using sensors to avoid objects and detect the perimeter. Some have additional features including self-leveling cutting and weather adaptability that can be useful for adjusting to different grass lengths and climates. There are also mowers capable of dealing with slopes and others that are narrow for getting into small spaces.
As with robot vacuum cleaners, robot lawn mowers cannot deal with stairs, but many have built-in sensors to avoid them. Most robot lawn mowers have to be manually emptied, but there are some that are self emptying and that will automatically return to their charging station when finished.
Robot pool cleaners
Cleaning the surface of a pool can be a grueling job. By splashing out on a robot pool cleaner, you don’t have to worry about manually carrying out this task again.
Such robots are able to clean the floor and walls of your pool, using suction to climb the walls and remove dirt at the same time. Some have filter systems to capture large and small debris, as well as different settings for different levels of cleaning.
While robot pool cleaners can clean pool stairs, it depends very much on how large the steps are. All automated pool cleaners have to be emptied manually – usually after each use.
Robot window cleaners
You can also use robots to clean your windows. Such robots use suction to stick to the glass and automatically navigate their way around the window pane, using a microfiber pad and water jets to get rid of marks.
These robots are best used for large panes of glass like glass sliding doors and large windows. They cannot clean windows with grilles as each pane of glass is usually too small. The microfiber pad should be replaced after each use.
Things to consider when choosing a robot
The features to consider when choosing a robot vary depending on the type of robot. Some of the individual features to look out for have already been discussed above. However, there are certain universal features that are also worth considering when buying any type of robot. These include:
Battery life
Robots typically run on a rechargeable battery. Some have a longer-lasting battery than others. A long-lasting battery could be essential if you want a robot mower for a large lawn or a robot vacuum cleaner for a large pool. A charging cable or charging station should come with the robot. Check how long it takes the battery to fully charge.
Size/weight
Some robots are smaller, which allows them to get into tight spaces – although such robots can come with a smaller waste compartment. This is something to consider when selecting a robot. Weight can also vary and may affect how easy a robot is to retrieve if it gets stuck, as well as helping to reduce injuries when lifting.
Navigation
Robots use different types of mapping to automatically navigate themselves around – including camera-based mapping, gyroscoping navigation and laser-based navigation. Those with LiDAR technology are some of the most advanced and are least likely to get stuck in places or venture into places they shouldn’t be. Good navigation is ultimately important for making sure the job is done efficiently and preventing accidents.
Connectivity
Some robots can be connected to your phone via an app. This allows you to remotely track things like battery life and their route. With some robots, you may be able to map out perimeters and areas to avoid. Others even have a remote control function, allowing a level of manual control.
Brand reputation
Some brands are more well-known than others. The important thing to focus on is how well established a brand is and how positive the reviews are. It could be risky to trust a new robot brand because there’s no way of gauging long-term reliability, plus customer reviews may be limited. A long-running company with lots of positive reviews is a much safer bet.
Cost
You need to carefully consider your budget when buying a robot. The cost of household robots can vary – in the case of robot vacuum cleaners, some can cost as little as $100, while others can cost well over $1,500. Cost will affect the performance and durability of the robot – cheaper robots will likely do a more basic job and may not last as long. You can buy some robots on finance.
Conclusion
Robots can help with various household tasks including vacuuming the floor, mowing the lawn, cleaning swimming pools and cleaning windows. Before buying a robot, make sure to consider the features you need in order to help you buy the right model. Remember that robots have their limitations and may not be appropriate in all cases.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
