STACK #258 April 2026

TECH FEATURE

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FLOOR CARE

Robot vacs can vacuum – and mop - your whole home, so you don’t have to! These clever little cleaners quietly patrol your floors while you relax, and while they might all look similar, the tech inside can vary considerably. So, if you’re thinking about adding one to your home, here’s what you need to know. Words Bec Summer ROBOT VACUUMS Things to know before you buy

walls and detecting stairs, but many modern models can navigate the everyday obstacles around your home by using AI-powered cameras and sensors that can identify objects like cables, toys, shoes, or pet bowls and automatically steer around them. This means fewer interruptions and less chance of the robot getting

Navigation – from random roaming to precision mapping Entry-level robot vacuums keep things simple. They move forward until they hit an obstacle, change direction, and continue cleaning until the battery runs low. Over time they’ll cover most of the floor, but the clean isn’t always the most efficient. More advanced models take a much smarter approach with laser or 3D mapping technology. These robots scan your home and create a virtual floor plan, allowing them to clean in organised patterns. Mapping also allows you to set virtual boundaries, create

stuck halfway through its cleaning run. Some premium models even feature retractable wheels or lifting mechanisms that help them glide over raised thresholds, rugs, or uneven surfaces, allowing them to move more easily between rooms. Vacuuming and mopping in one Robot vacuums aren’t just about picking up dust anymore. Many new models now combine vacuuming and mopping in a single machine to tackle both dry debris and sticky messes. Instead of simply dragging a damp cloth behind the vacuum, the latest designs can include

hard floors for a more thorough clean. These systems distribute water evenly to reduce streaking while lifting stubborn marks from tiles and timber f loors. Worried about your carpets getting wet? Most combo models can detect the difference between hard floors and soft surfaces, automatically lifting the mop pads or avoiding carpeted areas altogether. One of the biggest advantages of robot vacuums is convenience, and newer models are designed to reduce maintenance as much as possible. Many now feature auto-empty docking stations that transfer the robot’s dustbin into a larger bag when it returns to recharge. You may only need to empty the station every few weeks instead of after every clean. Mopping robot vacs can also include self-cleaning systems that rinse the Self-cleaning and low-maintenance

room-specific cleaning zones, and avoid areas you’d prefer the robot vac to avoid – all from an app. Smarter obstacle avoidance Early robot vacuums were good at avoiding

rotating mop pads or roller systems that actively scrub

18 APRIL 2026

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