Robot vacuums are becoming common household features for owners of smart homes. Two common vacuum cleaners that operate automatically, without human direction, are the Electrolux Trilobite and the iRobot Roomba. These two robotic vacuum cleaners have several features in common, as well as a variety of unique characteristics.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaners – What Do They Have In Common?
These two types of robot vacuums have several similar features. The design of a robot vacuum hinges on several factors, which must exist for the vacuum to be effective:
- Stair sensors – Both types of automated vacuum cleaners are able to sense stairs and drop-offs. Since neither is equipped to navigate stairs, this feature prevents damage to the vacuum unit.
- Low-profile design – The automatic vacuum cleaner must be able to clean under furniture, so both the Roomba and the Trilobite have a low profile.
- Self-charging – Homeowners don’t need to worry about charging these vacuums; both robots automatically return to the charger and charge their batteries when power runs low.
- Programmable Schedule – Although the Trilobite calls it a “Programmable Timer” and Roomba calls it a “Schedule,” both vacuums have the capacity to vacuum based on a pre-set schedule, even when no one is home.
Electrolux Trilobite Robotic Vacuum Features
The Electrolux Trilobite is a robotic vacuum that uses ultrasonic sensors to find dirt and other objects. It operates via a programmed schedule, or can simply be let loose to clean a room, and works using three cleaning levels:
- Normal Cleaning – The normal cleaning method is to clean around the edge of the room, which gives the Trilobite the dimensions of the room, and then to clean the interior of the room.
- Quick Cleaning – The “Quick” cleaning level simply cleans the room rather than vacuuming around the edge first.
- Spot Cleaning – The Trilobite can be set for spot-cleaning if there is just a small mess to clean up, and it will vacuum the designated area twice.
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Features
In addition to the Roomba robot vacuum, iRobot manufactures a variety of other automated cleaning appliances, including a shop vacuum Called Dirt Dog, an automated mop called Scooba, and even an automated gutter cleaner named Looj. In addition to catchy names, the iRobot line offers some unique features in its automatic vacuum cleaner.
- Remote control – Homeowners can steer the Roomba by remote control to navigate around objects or just for fun.
- Virtual Wall – These items can be placed in a doorway to prevent the Roomba from leaving the room until it is fully cleaned.
Automated Vacuum Cleaners
Automated robot vacuums like the Electrolux Trilobite and the iRobot Roomba are a great addition to a smart home. For more information about the iRobot Roomba, check out the iRobot website and details about the Electrolux Trilobite 2.0 can be found in the owner’s manual on the Electrolux website.
