Robot vacuum cleaners are an innovative technology with artificial intelligence, which is gradually replacing the usual vacuum cleaners for cleaning. Robots allow high-quality cleaning without human intervention, thanks to the improved characteristics of modern models and their small dimensions, robots will thoroughly clean dust.
The design of the robot vacuum cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner movement chamber.
- Container for dust and debris.
- Filter.
- Powerful mechanism.
- Control sensors on the bumper.
- Wheels for mobility.
- Li-Ion battery.
- Cleaning brushes.
- Grooves for a floor polisher.
Vacuum cleaner chamber
The camera is necessary so that the robot vacuum cleaner can navigate the room. The camera allows you to create a map where the robot has already cleaned, but has not yet reached where. Since the robot vacuum cleaner cannot go without charging for a long time, use the camera to find a short way from the cleaning place to receiving a charge.
dust collector
The dust collector in this technique is usually small, it does not have dust bags or mechanical parts. It is removed after pressing a special button on the bumper.
Cleaning filters
All debris and dirt that the vacuum cleaner draws in passes through a special filter. The filter is located on the rear surface of the housing, it is necessary in order to release only clean air from the vacuum cleaner, without letting dust out of the housing. The filter and dust collector can be washed under the tap.
Powerful suction mechanism
The suction mechanism in robot vacuum cleaners provides high-quality cleaning, while it has a low noise level. Located inside the body.
Control sensors
The robot vacuum cleaner is a smart home technology with built-in artificial intelligence. Typically, sensors are located on the bumper for better controllability of vehicles. With the help of IR-type sensors, the robot detects obstacles and does not touch them. They are installed along the bumper area, but not on the entire body, so if the vacuum cleaner runs into an obstacle at an angle, the robot can touch its surface, but immediately drive off. Then the mechanical shock sensor will work. Depending on the movement algorithm after the impact, the vacuum cleaner will change its direction. Some models also have another sensor located on the top of the bumper. It is necessary so that the robot can pass under the furniture and not get stuck.
Wheels for movement
There are 2 side wheels on the body that set the movement. Ahead there is another, small wheel, it has no drive and is auxiliary. There is always a special sensor on the axis of the small wheel, which will provide a measurement of the distance traveled by the robot. The movement is provided by transferring momentum to one of the side wheels.
Li-Ion battery
Under the cover is a lithium battery of a certain capacity. Its average value is 200 mAh. Battery life depends on capacity.
Cleaning brushes
Typically, a robot vacuum cleaner has two side brushes for cleaning. They allow you to provide better disposal of dust in one movement of the equipment. By walking across the floor, the robot provides a large clean swath. Two side brushes send all the dust and dirt to the main turbo brush. The turbo brush transfers all debris to the dust collector. A suction module was used for transfer.
The design of the robot will provide high-quality cleaning even in hard-to-reach places. One side brush is needed to reach the skirting board. But so far, no model of an intelligent vacuum cleaner can reach the corners.
For large debris there is a special scraper, it picks up dirt from the floor and sends it to the dust collector.
A great option is the Panda X600 Pet Series robot. This model has good power, efficient operation and is easy to navigate in space. An additional advantage of the model is a UV lamp for disinfection.
Grooves for polisher
In models that have slots for the floor polisher, the function of polishing the floor is provided. The base of the mop is attached to the bottom of the robot, that is, the technique simultaneously sucks up dust and wipes the floor surface. A microfiber cloth is put on the base of the mop. It should be moistened before starting, since it will not work to wet the napkin during operation, the robot will reset the compiled motion map when it is torn off the floor. A soft cloth napkin will allow you to collect the smallest dust and dirt, but will not be able to replace a full-fledged floor washing.
Another model of a vacuum cleaner robot that is of high quality, efficiency and versatility is the Panda X900 Wet Clean. This model is capable of performing a full-fledged wet cleaning, which not all robot vacuum cleaners can boast of.
Of the relatively inexpensive models, you can pay attention to iBoto Optic. This robot vacuum cleaner does not perform wet cleaning at the same level as the model described above, but at the same time it perfectly copes with its main task - that is, dusting. At the same time, a special camera is installed in it, which allows it to perfectly navigate in space.
Diagram of a robot vacuum cleaner
The main elements of the robot vacuum cleaner circuit are:
- 6 electric drives.
- microcontroller.
- Connection sensor.
- IR receiver.
- Height difference sensors.
- Screen LEDs.
- Gyroscope for turns.
Six electric drives are responsible for the side brushes, turbo brush, suction module, as well as for the movement of the side wheels.
The motherboard has a camera module, a display, a control module for all drives, as well as a special adapter that charges the battery through the charging base for the robot. The battery itself powers all other elements of the circuit.
The motherboard also has a special battery.
The device and principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner
The principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner is aimed at providing a mechanical effect of the brush on the floor. They have a fully automated system and excellent suction power.
The principle of operation is based on a navigation system, driving mechanisms, a battery and a cleaning module.
The navigation system allows you to ensure the movement of the robot in space, avoid obstacles and clean only the place that has not yet been cleaned. Sensor navigation is dynamic. There's also sensor navigation and laser view, the newest type of robotic vacuum cleaner.
How to use the robot vacuum cleaner
The device is automated, it can be controlled using the display and the sensor panel. One of three possible cleaning programs is selected - normal, local and fast. Local cleaning implies the need to set the area for the operation of the equipment. All the necessary buttons are located on the bumper of the device. Also, modern robotic vacuum cleaners allow you to clean automatically, the equipment will turn on at the specified time. This is especially convenient when the owners need cleanliness when they arrive home.
Modern robotic vacuum cleaners are also equipped with a remote control, which allows you to configure them from a distance.
Do I need a robot vacuum cleaner at home and is it worth replacing conventional equipment with it?
The advantages of a robot vacuum cleaner are obvious - having such an assistant in the house, you do not have to waste time cleaning. Besides:
- The vacuum cleaner is compact and takes up little space.
- Consumes a small amount of electricity.
- Provides high-quality cleaning on a flat and smooth surface.
- They can be controlled remotely.
- Has several modes of operation.
All these features of robotic vacuum cleaners make cleaning much easier and save a lot of time, due to which such devices are becoming more common.
The iRobot Roomba 980 features a wide range of convenient features and a robust design. Also, this model is very productive and at the same time has low power consumption and has a good value for money.
Do you need an electric brush?
An electric brush for such a vacuum cleaner is needed, since it is she who sends all the collected garbage to the dust collector. In addition, the brush provides better productivity of the technique. The turbo brush is always included with the vacuum cleaner.
Robot vacuum cleaners are an innovative technology with artificial intelligence, which is gradually replacing the usual vacuum cleaners for cleaning. Robots allow high-quality cleaning without human intervention, thanks to the improved characteristics of modern models and their small dimensions, robots will thoroughly clean dust.
The design of the robot vacuum cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner movement chamber.
- Container for dust and debris.
- Filter.
- Powerful mechanism.
- Control sensors on the bumper.
- Wheels for mobility.
- Li-Ion battery.
- Cleaning brushes.
- Grooves for a floor polisher.
Vacuum cleaner chamber
The camera is necessary so that the robot vacuum cleaner can navigate the room. The camera allows you to create a map where the robot has already cleaned, but has not yet reached where. Since the robot vacuum cleaner cannot go without charging for a long time, use the camera to find a short way from the cleaning place to receiving a charge.
dust collector
The dust collector in this technique is usually small, it does not have dust bags or mechanical parts. It is removed after pressing a special button on the bumper.
Cleaning filters
All debris and dirt that the vacuum cleaner draws in passes through a special filter. The filter is located on the rear surface of the housing, it is necessary in order to release only clean air from the vacuum cleaner, without letting dust out of the housing. The filter and dust collector can be washed under the tap.
Powerful suction mechanism
The suction mechanism in robot vacuum cleaners provides high-quality cleaning, while it has a low noise level. Located inside the body.
Control sensors
The robot vacuum cleaner is a smart home technology with built-in artificial intelligence. Typically, sensors are located on the bumper for better controllability of vehicles. With the help of IR-type sensors, the robot detects obstacles and does not touch them. They are installed along the bumper area, but not on the entire body, so if the vacuum cleaner runs into an obstacle at an angle, the robot can touch its surface, but immediately drive off. Then the mechanical shock sensor will work. Depending on the movement algorithm after the impact, the vacuum cleaner will change its direction. Some models also have another sensor located on the top of the bumper. It is necessary so that the robot can pass under the furniture and not get stuck.
Wheels for movement
There are 2 side wheels on the body that set the movement. Ahead there is another, small wheel, it has no drive and is auxiliary. There is always a special sensor on the axis of the small wheel, which will provide a measurement of the distance traveled by the robot. The movement is provided by transferring momentum to one of the side wheels.
Li-Ion battery
Under the cover is a lithium battery of a certain capacity. Its average value is 200 mAh. Battery life depends on capacity.
Cleaning brushes
Typically, a robot vacuum cleaner has two side brushes for cleaning. They allow you to provide better disposal of dust in one movement of the equipment. By walking across the floor, the robot provides a large clean swath. Two side brushes send all the dust and dirt to the main turbo brush. The turbo brush transfers all debris to the dust collector. A suction module was used for transfer.
The design of the robot will provide high-quality cleaning even in hard-to-reach places. One side brush is needed to reach the skirting board. But so far, no model of an intelligent vacuum cleaner can reach the corners.
For large debris there is a special scraper, it picks up dirt from the floor and sends it to the dust collector.
A great option is the Panda X600 Pet Series robot. This model has good power, efficient operation and is easy to navigate in space. An additional advantage of the model is a UV lamp for disinfection.
Grooves for polisher
In models that have slots for the floor polisher, the function of polishing the floor is provided. The base of the mop is attached to the bottom of the robot, that is, the technique simultaneously sucks up dust and wipes the floor surface. A microfiber cloth is put on the base of the mop. It should be moistened before starting, since it will not work to wet the napkin during operation, the robot will reset the compiled motion map when it is torn off the floor. A soft cloth napkin will allow you to collect the smallest dust and dirt, but will not be able to replace a full-fledged floor washing.
Another model of a vacuum cleaner robot that is of high quality, efficiency and versatility is the Panda X900 Wet Clean. This model is capable of performing a full-fledged wet cleaning, which not all robot vacuum cleaners can boast of.
Of the relatively inexpensive models, you can pay attention to iBoto Optic. This robot vacuum cleaner does not perform wet cleaning at the same level as the model described above, but at the same time it perfectly copes with its main task - that is, dusting. At the same time, a special camera is installed in it, which allows it to perfectly navigate in space.
Diagram of a robot vacuum cleaner
The main elements of the robot vacuum cleaner circuit are:
- 6 electric drives.
- microcontroller.
- Connection sensor.
- IR receiver.
- Height difference sensors.
- Screen LEDs.
- Gyroscope for turns.
Six electric drives are responsible for the side brushes, turbo brush, suction module, as well as for the movement of the side wheels.
The motherboard has a camera module, a display, a control module for all drives, as well as a special adapter that charges the battery through the charging base for the robot. The battery itself powers all other elements of the circuit.
The motherboard also has a special battery.
The device and principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner
The principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner is aimed at providing a mechanical effect of the brush on the floor. They have a fully automated system and excellent suction power.
The principle of operation is based on a navigation system, driving mechanisms, a battery and a cleaning module.
The navigation system allows you to ensure the movement of the robot in space, avoid obstacles and clean only the place that has not yet been cleaned. Sensor navigation is dynamic. There's also sensor navigation and laser view, the newest type of robotic vacuum cleaner.
How to use the robot vacuum cleaner
The device is automated, it can be controlled using the display and the sensor panel. One of three possible cleaning programs is selected - normal, local and fast. Local cleaning implies the need to set the area for the operation of the equipment. All the necessary buttons are located on the bumper of the device. Also, modern robotic vacuum cleaners allow you to clean automatically, the equipment will turn on at the specified time. This is especially convenient when the owners need cleanliness when they arrive home.
Modern robotic vacuum cleaners are also equipped with a remote control, which allows you to configure them from a distance.
Do I need a robot vacuum cleaner at home and is it worth replacing conventional equipment with it?
The advantages of a robot vacuum cleaner are obvious - having such an assistant in the house, you do not have to waste time cleaning. Besides:
- The vacuum cleaner is compact and takes up little space.
- Consumes a small amount of electricity.
- Provides high-quality cleaning on a flat and smooth surface.
- They can be controlled remotely.
- Has several modes of operation.
All these features of robotic vacuum cleaners make cleaning much easier and save a lot of time, due to which such devices are becoming more common.
The iRobot Roomba 980 features a wide range of convenient features and a robust design. Also, this model is very productive and at the same time has low power consumption and has a good value for money.
Do you need an electric brush?
An electric brush for such a vacuum cleaner is needed, since it is she who sends all the collected garbage to the dust collector. In addition, the brush provides better productivity of the technique. The turbo brush is always included with the vacuum cleaner.
A feature of the robot vacuum cleaner is independent cleaning without human intervention. It is enough for the device to set a schedule and it will do all the work, after which it will return to the base. However, human intervention is still required for the timely cleaning of the dust collector. To learn how to use the technique, you need to know how the robot vacuum cleaner works and what types of cleaning it performs.
Features of the smart device device
To understand the principle of the robot, you need to know its device. All vacuum cleaners are equipped with a battery that is recharged at the base. Each unit is equipped with the main mechanisms:
- Two main brushes are responsible for collecting debris from a flat surface. Rotation occurs simultaneously on each other. The rubber brush is the first and cleans off the stubborn dirt. The second is a roller with tufted bristles. It picks up debris from under the rubber brush, directing it to the suction port.
- An additional side brush during rotation sweeps dust from skirting boards and other vertical surfaces adjacent to the floor.
- The suction opening is located behind the main brushes and is connected by a channel to the dust collector.
- The fine filter prevents the release of dust into the room. With daily cleaning, cleaning is carried out every two days.
- To sterilize the floor covering, the unit is equipped with a UV lamp. The rays destroy bacteria carried by pets.
- The dust collector is made in the form of a container without a fabric bag. The compartment is easily disconnected by pressing a button, and after throwing out the debris, it is put back into place.
- The driving side wheels are equipped with electric motors. In front there is an auxiliary roller without a drive. A sensor is installed on the axis that measures the distance traveled by the vacuum cleaner. The direction of movement is changed by turning the side drive wheels.
- Infrared and laser sensors determine the location of obstacles on the way. The device draws up a motion map for itself, so as not to hit objects.
- The vacuum cleaner is equipped with one of two types of control panel. The infrared model allows you to give a signal if the robot is in the field of view. More convenient is the remote control, which can be controlled even from the next room through the wall.
- The body of the smart device is equipped with video cameras that record the degree of surface contamination. The unit independently determines a short path to the harvested area.
- The display includes a number of touch buttons that allow you to set operating modes. All data is displayed on the screen.
In addition to the main mechanisms, models of different companies have additional functions:
- The virtual wall sensor creates a constraint where cleaning is not required.
- The task scheduler allows you to independently set a cleaning plan, and not trust it to a robot.
- Pet owners will need a special brush for collecting hair and wool.
- The charging module with a beacon programs the robot to automatically recharge a discharged battery.
Knowing the main working units, one can judge the principle of operation of the unit.
The principle of operation of a smart vacuum cleaner
A smart vacuum cleaner allows you to carry out several types of cleaning.
Dry cleaning
The process of dry cleaning is carried out by rotating all the working brushes. The robot moves independently on the surface. The brushes collect dust and feed it to the suction port. The debris that gets into the dust collector is compressed by the air stream. From the motor, the air is directed into the room through a fine filter.
Wet cleaning
The work of the washing robot begins with dry cleaning. After suction of dust from the tank, water is sprayed. The rotating brush rubs the dirt, and the scraper directs it to the suction port. Manufacturers do not recommend using a washing robot for cleaning carpets, laminate, and parquet.
The robot vacuum cleaner is oriented in space thanks to numerous sensors, using complex algorithms, making the cleaning process as efficient as possible. It can be programmed for any convenient time, the robot does the work on its own and returns to the base for recharging. Due to its compact size, the vacuum cleaner cleans in hard-to-reach places, the side brush helps to collect rubbish in the corners and near the baseboards.
In our technological age, when every minute counts, a lot of smart technology has appeared that helps housewives cope with everyday affairs much more efficiently. The robot vacuum cleaner is one such assistant. Below we will take a closer look: how the robot vacuum cleaner works, the device, the main characteristics and the benefits that it can bring to the home.
What are robotic vacuum cleaners.
Depending on the functions, all models are divided into three categories: conventional (for dry cleaning of premises), washing (for wet cleaning with a washing solution), robot polisher (for wet and dry cleaning, which is done with microfiber cloths).
Most often, the robot has the shape of a disk with a diameter of about 30 cm, a height of 10 cm. On the top panel there are buttons for switching modes and programming. Due to its compact size, the robot cleans where it is inconvenient for a person: under sofas, bathrooms or bedside tables. The robot moves on three small wheels that rotate thanks to an electric motor powered by a battery. The charge lasts for 2-3 hours of continuous operation, depending on the type of flooring. When the charge is exhausted, the vacuum cleaner returns to the base for recharging.
Programming and orientation in space.
The vacuum cleaner robot has artificial intelligence, each time it encounters an obstacle, pollution or a changed coating on its way, it decides what to do based on the programs that the developers have invested in it. Its movements seem chaotic, but in fact they are dictated by complex algorithms that allow the robot to cope with its functions as efficiently as possible.
In the photo, where the route of the vacuum cleaner is marked, spirals and arcs are clearly visible, and it is also noticeable that the machine pays special attention to the space along the walls.
The robot is oriented in space using sensors:
- Infrared sensors protect the device from falling from a height;
- Contact sensors detect hits against vertical obstacles and give a signal to change the movement, expensive vacuum cleaners make a map of space and use it in the future to avoid hits and calculate the most effective trajectories;
- Virtual wall - the principle of operation is based on infrared sensors, the wall allows you to limit the space in which the vacuum cleaner operates, for example, it can block the doorway;
- Laser rangefinders allow the device to scan space and make a map;
- Rangefinders are ultrasonic, use the principle of echo-location, for more accurate orientation relative to objects;
- Sensors that determine the type of surface and the dirtiest areas to give them the most attention (not all models have).
You can program the vacuum cleaner to clean at a certain time or set a task for the days of the week. It is convenient while you are at work or on vacation. When you return, you will see the cleanliness and can save a huge amount of time.
The device is simply indispensable for people with disabilities, for those who keep pets (the vacuum cleaner does a good job with wool), for busy people or just for those who value their time.
If allergy sufferers and asthmatics live in the house, then you should give your preference .Of course, he will not be able to clean on his own like a robot vacuum cleaner, but it will significantly reduce the amount of dust and allergens, and at the same time humidify dry air.
Of course, sometimes you will have to clean manually, because there are still certain places in the house where the vacuum cleaner is not able to reach. In any case, it will free you from the main part of daily cleaning. Some models are equipped with a remote control, so you can direct the robot to the places of the greatest pollution.
The device during operation makes a sound similar to the sound of a hair dryer, if you like silence, program it to clean in your absence. Due to the fact that the device is battery operated, there are no extra wires on the floor.
The machine cleans parquet floors, carpets, laminate and any other type of flooring, and the cleaning method will vary, for example: when working on a carpet, the robot will lift the pile in order to better cope with the task. In 3-4 hours, the robot manages to clean a room with an area of 120 m².
Some of the most popular robotic vacuum cleaner companies are: Philips, iRobot, Neato, XRobot, Asus, Samsung, Smart Cleaner, LG, DeeBot. The price of such an assistant, depending on the manufacturer and model, ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.
Anastasia , 6 April 2016 .Robot vacuum cleaner is a household appliance with intelligence, a trend of the 21st century. Modern people are loaded with various problems. For this, a robot vacuum cleaner was created, the independence of which is provided by a special program in the built-in mini-computer.
Externally, the device usually has the shape of a disk (although there are units in the form of a square, for example Neato VX-21), the diameter ranges from 250 to 350 mm, and the height does not exceed 130 mm.
Any robot vacuum cleaner consists of several structural elements. Their functioning ensures the quality of the final result of its work. The robot is designed as follows:
- power supply or battery;
- drive mechanisms that ensure the movement of the brushes and the rotation of the wheels;
- navigation system;
- cleaning module.
The cleaning module consists of:
- Main brushes: fluffy, collecting small dirt and wool; rubber, removing larger fractions of debris, such as crumbs or sand.
- Side brushes. The main purpose is cleaning in the immediate vicinity of the walls of the room.
- Filters (simple or multi-layer type "Hepa").
- Container with a volume of 0.4–1.0 liters.
- Electric motor (N=0.40–0.65 kW).
Principle of operation
Not a single, even the most “advanced” model of a robotic vacuum cleaner, can replace putting things in order in the room. Therefore, the robot vacuum cleaner, the principle of which is given below, is only a means of maintaining cleanliness.
In the process of moving along the programmed route, the unit with the help of brushes collects garbage and dust in a special container. Previously, the garbage is passed through several stages of the filtration system. Models with the function of a washing vacuum cleaner spray a solution of detergent, followed by its collection with a special napkin (brush).
Navigation system
The orientation of the device in space is the most important characteristic that determines not only the quality of the work performed, but also the possibility of its implementation in principle.
Manufacturers use the following navigation systems in the operation of the vacuum cleaner.
Internal sensors
Dynamic navigation through the sensors installed in the robot vacuum cleaner. These are collision sensors, infrared drop and touch sensors, ultrasonic or echolocation sensors, pollution sensors that ensure the optimal harvesting process, laser sensors-scanners, etc. The effectiveness of this navigation system is determined both by the number and types of installed sensors, and the speed of processing by the processor of the signals coming from them.
External sensors
Dynamic navigation using two types of external sensors that provide zonal division of space: sensors-beacons (coordinators of movement) that allow for fast and high-quality cleaning and motion-limiting sensors (virtual walls) that limit the cleaning area.
External sensors are a plastic container that generates an infrared beam that is safe for health and invisible to the human eye.
Beacon sensors additionally generate two beams, which provide orientation of the robot in the zone. When capturing a beam generated by a virtual wall, the robot simply changes direction.
Laser
This system is positioned as the most modern and provides the formation of a map of the room in the computer memory by measuring the distances to selected objects using laser rangefinders installed on the vacuum cleaner.
Camera
The camera is installed at the highest point of the device, which gives it the opportunity to "look" around and allows you to read readings from walls or ceilings. The workflow is carried out exclusively in straight lines.
cleaning process
The classic scheme of the cleaning process is quite simple:
- Moving along a predetermined route, the side brush sweeps the dirt that gets in the way into the area of \u200b\u200bthe main brush.
- Due to the fluffy structure, the central brush throws up dirt (dust, dirt, wool, hair, etc.), which ensures that they are picked up by the air flow.
- Further, the air flow, having passed through the filtration system, enters the outside, and the dirt (dust) settles and is pressed in the waste container.
Return to base for recharging
In ensuring the continuity of the cleaning process, an important role is played by the control of the battery charge. If the charge level drops to the minimum, the device starts searching for the base signal using a special sensor. Having detected a signal, the robot vacuum cleaner goes to the base and docks. It may take 3-12 hours to fully charge the battery, depending on the instrument model. Units that navigate through laser systems or video cameras are able to memorize and map the location of the base, which greatly facilitates the path to it.
Some models of robotic vacuum cleaners include an AC adapter. It makes it possible to charge the device from a 220 W network and ensure operation in the absence or malfunction of the base.
Video of the robot vacuum cleaner
Let's make a conclusion about the device and the principle of operation of modern robotic vacuum cleaners. With all the variety of designs, configuration options and availability of options, the main criteria that affect the popularity of models is the ratio of price and quality.
