What Makes a Robotic Vacuum Work in the Dark?
If you’re asking if a robotic vacuum can clean even in dim light or completely dark room, the safe answer is “it depends.” While most models work in complete darkness, some still depend on the light so that their cameras can see the path.
The ability to map the room even without light is carried out by the machine’s navigational technology. This software determines where the robot goes based on how it interprets the images it sees from the camera.
High-end models are using the latest navigational technologies to detect bumps and walls, which make them work longer without human intervention. However, as expected, a machine that works exceptionally well in the dark comes with a price.
Before you start looking for robotic vacuum cleaners, determine your budget. Then, start searching online for the models that you want. Always read the reviews from other users so that you will have an idea if the machine is a good fit. You can also go to tech review websites to read useful recommendations and answers to all questions of various robotic vacuum cleaners.
Types of Robotic Vacuum that Works in the Dark
If you need a robot that cleans in the dark, choose a model that is equipped with the laser-based navigation system. Here are a few recommendations:
Dyson 360 Heurist
With Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology, Dyson 360 controls its position and orientation through optical sensors that measure distances every 20 seconds.
This model also has a 360-degree camera mounted on top, which is guided by a ring of eight LED lights, to allow the machine to locate its way around dark rooms. It also has eight infrared sensors to make it “see” a four-meter diameter around it. These features allow it to avoid obstructions for continuous cleaning.
iRobot Roomba s9+
iRobot Roomba s9+ uses LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology, which makes it an excellent choice for cleaning dark rooms. Its enhanced sensors regularly scan ahead at a rate of 25 times per second to detect obstacles in the cleaning path. It has an intelligent map recognition and remembers previous tracks so that it will not go back and forth. Also, its Keep Out Zones feature lets you set the virtual wall to keep the machine inside the controlled areas. Learn more about these features through FAQ from the iRobot page.
Roborock S5 has a working capacity of up to 150 minutes, thanks to its powerful motor that delivers a 2,000 Pa of suction power. Just like iRobot Roomba s9+, this model also uses LIDAR technology to scan the cleaning area accurately. Also, it has a SLAM algorithm that helps create a map of the floor and develops an efficient way to clean on its own. These features allow it to identify carpet flooring, as well as climbing a 20 mm obstacle, which is suitable for vacuuming thicker carpets.
Can a Robotic Vacuum Clean Dark Floors?
In most cases, yes, a robotic vacuum can clean dark floors without an issue. This is because the sensors don’t look at the floor; they focus on the walls or any other vertical objects to avoid bumpers. This process allows the machine to clean the floor continuously as long as its spatial sensors are working correctly. The color of the floor doesn’t matter at all.
However, some users complain about specific models not working on a black carpet. For instance, some Roomba robot vacuums (specifically Roomba 570) refuse to run on black or dark-colored surfaces. The cliff sensor on some models mistakenly identifies dark colors as an edge and therefore will not clean it. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t have a permanent fix for this problem yet.
A robot vacuum can be a worthy investment, especially if you don’t have the time to clean manually. However, please take note that some robot vacuums can be costly because of the technology they use. The machines that work even in the dark are more expensive than other models because they are equipped with an advanced navigational system.
Finding the right robotic vacuum with a reliable technology that allows it to work in the dark is essential. If you badly need a robot vacuum that is designed to work in a dark room, choose from any of our recommended brands above. These models have the latest innovations that allow them to clean longer and cover bigger areas even in the dark.