Robot vacuum cleaners are extremely complex household appliances. In our test room, which was specially built for the cleaning helpers, the test center records over 130 data points per model, which are distributed across the following categories with different weightings:
Navigation (25 percent): We consider navigation to be an essential feature of a good vacuum robot. To verify a thorough trip, we create a software-based coverage map in a 30 m² room. We also check how well the robot can climb. He also has to survive an obstacle course with toys, socks, cables and more. We also count corner cleaning as part of the navigation rating.
Performance (25 percent): For this test, we spread 150 grams of quartz sand on easily accessible surfaces: 100 grams on a deep-pile runner, 50 grams on hard floors. We carry out these measurements at both the lowest and highest power levels. In addition, we insert shredded wool fluff into the carpet, which is intended to simulate hair. To evaluate the mopping function, we dried two small espresso stains and two large cappuccino stains on two types of hard floors. We then subjectively evaluate the quality of the wiping process in a standardized photo comparison.
Functionality (25 percent): We record a total of 60 data points here. Thanks to current mapping methods and smart apps, you can plan the cleaning of your apartment down to the smallest detail with pioneers in this category. In this rating, we pay attention to the various types of exclusion zones, combinations of vacuuming and wiping modes, the cleaning order of rooms and whether the robot even creates sensible maps. We also check for many other extras.
Equipment (20 percent): The physical characteristics of the robot vacuum cleaner are included in the equipment category. Here we look at the height of the robot and the size of dust and water containers, both on the robot itself and in an existing station. The latter makes up the majority of this rating.
Loudness (5 percent): The final category is loudness. Using a sensitive directional microphone, we measure the noise development on hard floors at head height, both in minimum and maximum performance mode.
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