AI-equipped robot vacuum cleaners and hybrid types with mops are also available!
Many people may think of "Roomba" when it comes to robot vacuum cleaners, but recently, various models from various manufacturers have appeared.
As a result of verification by Wirecutter, there are a series of robot vacuum cleaners that are worrisome, such as convenient ones that automatically dispose of garbage, and playful ones that recognize human feet as pet excrement. Which one did you care about most?
A robot vacuum cleaner that silently cleans up pet hair and breadcrumbs. Basically, all you have to do is press the switch, but you can also get into the habit of cleaning up things on the floor in advance, making it easier to keep things tidy than usual.
After trying dozens of different robot vacuums, Wirecutter rated the most recommended as the simple and well-established iRobot Roomba 600 series.
Recommended Robot Vacuum Cleaner # 1: Reliable iRobot Roomba 614
A robot vacuum that is reliable, repairable, and good at cleaning carpets. Compared to similar robot vacuum cleaners from other manufacturers, it is more durable and can be repaired. Also suitable for cleaning rugs. The most effective way is to clean 3-4 rooms at a time. It is light and almost never gets stuck.
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner (same line) 1st place: iRobot Roomba 675 that you can rely on after all
A reliable, repairable, connectable robot vacuum. It is basically the same as Roomba 614, but by connecting to Wi-Fi, remote control from a smartphone app, schedule management, cooperation with a smart home voice assistant, etc. are possible.
It collects trash that is usually overlooked, and is better at cleaning carpets than other robots. It is a durable and repairable home appliance that can be used for a long time. Semi-random movements are already common in low-priced robots, but they work perfectly within about 90 square meters. However, some people may be concerned about this randomness, and there is a possibility that stable effects will not be obtained in a wider space. In these cases, it might be a good idea to consider a slightly more expensive robot vacuum.
The iRobot Roomba 600 series is louder than robots in the same price range, and has a rough touch on furniture. There are several types of 600 series, but the only important difference is whether you can connect to Wi-Fi (remote control and schedule setting can be done with the smartphone app).
Recommended Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2nd: Affordable and Quiet Eufy RoboVac 11S
A quiet, light and affordable robot vacuum cleaner.
The quietest I've tested this time. Suitable for use in tight spaces, it went under more furniture and cleaned it. It almost never stumbles and gets stuck on the way, and it works well on flooring and short-haired carpets, but it's not as durable as Roomba.
The "Eufy RoboVac 11S" is a robot vacuum cleaner that is easy to get used to in the interior. This basic and affordable robot vacuum is more like a desk fan than a vacuum cleaner, and you won't notice it running quietly. It's thinner than other robot vacuums, so it can get under more furniture and pick up hidden debris. The big drawback is that you can't expect durability for more than 2 years on average. Also, it does not have enough suction power to handle soft and thick carpets. Like the Roomba 600 series and other affordable robot vacuums, it has semi-random movements and is suitable for use in tight spaces.
Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S (Robot Vacuum Cleaner) [Boost IQ Equipped / Ultra Thin / Strong Suction / Quiet Design / Automatic Charging / Fall Prevention / Collision Prevention] (Black)18,800 yen
In addition, Eufy has more than 12 types of robot vacuum cleaners equipped with advanced functions such as Wi-Fi support and more powerful suction power (* Some models are not sold in Japan). For example, many brands such as "Goovi" and "Coresy" have functionally the same copy products. I've tried two of them with Wirecutter and they're basically the same, including the beep (although I'm not sure if other brands of customer service are as responsive as Eufy).
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner 3rd place: Smart and elegantly moving Roborock S4 Max
A super smart robot vacuum cleaner at a conscientious price. You can move quickly and gracefully in a large space, and you can also use the smartphone app to clean specific rooms and zones (ignore other rooms). It has a robust and flexible system.
The "Roborock S4 Max" can thoroughly clean most spaces regardless of the size of the house. It is also possible to learn the layout of the house with one cleaning and specify to clean only a specific room. You can even set off-limits areas such as pet drinking fountains and near delicate furniture. These actions can be set using the interactive map of the smartphone app.
It excels at avoiding obstacles and can cover large floor areas quickly and thoroughly along the path (without random bumps or flying in certain spaces). However, it is not as sturdy as Roomba, and depending on the type of carpet, it is difficult to fight compared to other companies' models. It may not be suitable for people who want to keep the operation as simple as possible or who do not want to connect to Wi-Fi.
The "Roborock S4 Max" is a new model that usually sells for $ 430. This is a reasonable price, but it can go down to $ 320, according to certain sources. We do not recommend high-end models such as the "Roborock S5" and "Roborock S6" series because they are not functions that will incur additional charges. As of the second half of 2020, there are many robots that have almost the same functions as "Roborock S4 Max" but are significantly cheaper, but we do not recommend it with Wirecutter.
Recommended Robot Vacuum Cleaner 4th: Smart and thorough cleaning iRobot Roomba i3
An excellent and smart robot vacuum cleaner. Excellent for removing pet hair entangled in carpet. It cleans lightly, stably and thoroughly even in a large space, but sometimes you feel that advanced functions are not enough. Durability is perfect like other rumba.
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner (same row) 4th place: iRobot Roomba i3 + with automatic garbage dump
A robot vacuum cleaner that allows you to dispose of garbage yourself.
Roomba i3 combined with a charging dock. It is the most convenient robot vacuum cleaner because it automatically disposes of dust after cleaning.
Cleaning speed, smartness, and controllability are slower than Roborock, but the simpler and more durable iRobot Roomba i3 is suitable for cleaning many types of carpets and has the ability to clean large homes. There is also.
Roomba i3 iRobot Robot Vacuum Cleaner Dust Box that can be washed with water wifi Compatible Mapping Automatic Charging / Resuming Operation Suction Power Carpet Tatami i315060 [Alexa Compatible]69,800 yen
Based on the sturdy and durable base unique to Roomba, the cleaning power is improved with more powerful suction power and a brush that is hard to get entangled. In addition, sensors and processing functions have been added to ensure that large spaces (or narrow spaces) are cleaned with orderly movement. "Roomba i3 +" is another great option, and it is convenient to automatically put the collected garbage in the charging dock.
Roomba i3 + iRobot Robot Vacuum Cleaner Automatic garbage collection Dust box that can be washed with water wifi compatible Mapping Automatic charging / restarting operation Suction power Carpet tatami i355060 [Alexa compatible]99,800 yen
iRobot sells several similar models, such as the older Roomba 900 Series and the high-end Roomba i7, all of which are worth considering. Recently, "Roomba i3" (also sold as "Roomba i4" at Costco) has become the most affordable.
Who needs a robot vacuum?
Some people who haven't used a robot vacuum yet may be wondering if it really cleans it. The bottom line is that it will probably take more time to clean than a human would run a vacuum cleaner.
Robot vacuums are suitable for most types of floors, floor plans, and general household waste, especially for those who have pets, who are busy with time, and who are not good at vacuuming. It will be easier to use. If you run it daily or several times a week, you can avoid crumbs and pet hair from accumulating on the floor.
Many robot vacuums just push the start button. After cleaning, it will automatically return to the charging dock (usually safely). You can set the operation schedule and turn it on with the app or voice assistant. Some of them will dispose of the garbage you pick up.
A good robot vacuum is compatible with most types of flooring, floor plans and common household waste. Some people only need one robot vacuum, but many robot vacuum users seem to use it in conjunction with regular vacuum cleaners (such as cleaning thick carpets).
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a robot vacuum. For example, the suction power is much weaker than that of a normal vacuum cleaner, and it is not possible to sufficiently pick up dust and hair that have entered the carpet.
It does not support going up and down stairs, but it can be lifted and moved. Robot vacuums can get caught on things on the floor, such as power cords, lightweight floor mats, and laundry. It is also dangerous if the dog's excrement is on the floor.
All of the robot vacuums that Wirecutter tested this time were witnessed occasionally getting stuck or stumbling. Also, it wasn't always possible to get back to the dock after cleaning. This depends on the floor plan, the position of the dock, and how the robot vacuum moves.
Some homes aren't suitable for robot vacuums, and even high-end models with advanced navigation and smart features may not clean well. Adjusting the space so that the robot vacuum can move smoothly will clean it more reliably.
If you can give only one piece of advice, it's a good idea not to follow the movement of the robot vacuum. Even if you turn in a strange direction, make a mistake in the place, or struggle to escape from obstacles, leave it alone. That way, you only have to clean the trash can once in a while and then gently look at the clean floor. If you're in the mood for something, it might be a good idea to check the detailed return guarantee before making a purchase.
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner 1st place: After all reliable "iRobot Roomba 614" / "Roomba 675"
There are many affordable robot vacuums, but the Roomba 600 series is the one we recommend. It is a robot vacuum cleaner that is durable and repairable, can clean various types of carpets, and is good at sucking hair. It's great for cleaning small spaces, but it has some quirks in the navigation system, such as semi-random movements. It is one that does the job properly at a reasonable price.
There are several variations in the 600 series. This time, we are introducing "Roomba 675" as a representative, but basically the same can be said if the model number is Roomba starting with 6. If there is a difference, is there a Wi-Fi function? "Roomba 675" is Wi-Fi compatible and can be operated with an app or voice assistant, while "Roomba 614" is not Wi-Fi compatible and you cannot set a cleaning schedule. The same applies to older models such as the "Roomba 630", "Roomba 650" (without Wi-Fi), and the "Roomba 690" (with Wi-Fi).
The durable 600 series isn't often said to be "broken in a few years," so if you need to replace one of your main wheels or the entire vacuum cleaner transmission, order the parts directly from iRobot. You can repair it at home with a drill or screwdriver. iRobot has all the parts in stock, including the first Roomba released in 2002 and all models released after that, including brushes, batteries, wheels, and trash cans. If you can't repair it at home, you can also use iRobot's services.
Compared to the "Eufy 11S" and "Ecovacs N79S" introduced as the second recommended robot vacuum cleaner, the "Roomba 675" is a little more expensive, but it is worth it because it lasts a long time. My family has been using the "Roomba 650" for 4 years and it has held up very well. Wirecutter has several other staff members who own the Roomba 600 series, but it is popular because it is sturdy and reliable.
While other affordable robots have one brush, the Roomba 675 has two counter-rotating brush rolls attached to the suspension system. This seems to be able to absorb hair that seems to be hidden in a particularly thick carpet. iRobot has not released data on suction power and air volume, but when measured, both "Roomba 614" and "Roomba 675" are relatively weak. It is thought that this brush makes up for that.
Also, the dust detection system is in the "Roomba 675", which is not found in other inexpensive robots. If it senses that there is a lot of dust at the passing point, it will stop and make several round trips, sucking up as much dust as possible.
Another strength is that it is hard to get caught on the way. When it gets caught in an obstacle, it seems to recognize the nature of the obstacle and move in a special pattern to try to overcome it. If you get stuck in the threshold, it will shake back and forth and try to get out, or if something gets stuck in the brush roll, you will move away from the place. Many robot vacuums now have this feature, and Roomba is just as good.
The Wi-Fi compatible "Roomba 675" can be used to check power on / off, cleaning schedule settings, filter replacement time, sensor cleaning time, etc., as well as operation with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Is also possible. Voice commands can tell you to look for start, stop, and bass, but that's all for now. Some people may find it useful, but others will not use it at all.
What I was interested in "Roomba 675"
Basically, the Roomba 675 moves around semi-randomly until the battery runs out, trying to return to the dock (but not always) before the battery runs out completely. With 90 minutes of battery life, effective brush design, dirt detection sensor and other smart features, you can be sure to clean within about 90 square meters. If you want a smarter robot, "Roborock S4 Max" may be a better match.
Compared to other cheap robot vacuums, the Roomba 675 is a bit rough. It slows down, but doesn't stop when it hits an obstacle. If you're worried about making a pompon or worrying about dropping the vase from the side table, avoid obstacles like a gentle robot like Eufy or Roborock. Consider a robot that travels with you.
The current Roomba 600 series does not have a barrier system, but it can be linked with iRobot's virtual wall (sold separately). This creates an invisible "wall that must not be crossed", which can be switched, such as blocking the doorway or keeping the robot away from the pet's bowl. It should look better than the magnetic strips used in cheaper robots (such as some Eufy models) and easier to handle than the software-based barriers used in high-end robots. However, purchasing from iRobot is expensive, so you have the option of upgrading to a robot vacuum that has a smart mapping feature, such as the Roborock S4.
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner 2nd place: Affordable and quiet "Eufy RoboVac 11S"
With semi-random navigation, the Eufy RoboVac 11S is a reliable and affordable robot vacuum. The same is true for other "Eufy" models that start with a number (rather than an alphabet). It works especially well in tight spaces, but basically it should be useful in any home. The basic model "Eufy" (including the 11 series) is the quietest and thinnest robot vacuum cleaner Wirecutter has ever tested.
Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S (Robot Vacuum Cleaner) [Boost IQ Equipped / Ultra Thin / Strong Suction / Quiet Design / Automatic Charging / Fall Prevention / Collision Prevention] (Black)18,800 yen
It has sufficient cleaning ability for flooring and carpets with short legs, and can be purchased at a much lower price than the Roomba 600 series at the time of sale. In fact, until about two years ago, the "RoboVac 11S" was the number one recommendation, but it wasn't expected to be as durable as Roomba, and it wasn't made on the premise of repairs, so it was ranked number two.
It's so quiet that you can't tell it's moving during operation. Conventional vacuum cleaners have strong suction power and often produce sounds of 70 dBc or more, but even at the strongest setting, it is 57 dBc, which is 5 dBc more than "Roomba 675". The normal setting is 53 dBc, which sounds more like a fan than a vacuum cleaner.
In addition, it can drive around most obstacles and does not generate much impact noise that hits furniture like the rough "Roomba 675". Other Eufy basic models have a slightly stronger suction and may be a little louder, but they are still quieter than most competitors.
Another surprising advantage is that it is thinner than other companies' models and easily enters the gaps in furniture. The body is about 7 cm, 2.5 cm thinner than the "Roomba 675", and I was surprised when I saw it go under the bed for the first time, but by the time it came out, the amount of cat hair wrapped around the brush roll I was even more surprised because it was unusual.
Eufy's robot vacuum also features a manual control mode, a feature not found in Roomba. This is useful when you want a partial quick cleaning, like a handheld vacuum cleaner.
The brush roll is small, but the cleaning ability of "RoboVac 11S" is high enough. If you want to suck in more hair entwined in the carpet, you may want to consider a robot vacuum that has a strong suction force, such as Roomba, which has a good brush movement, and many other robots.
The biggest drawback of the "RoboVac" series is durability. It doesn't last as long as Roomba, and even if it breaks, it cannot be repaired. About a year after the "RoboVac 11S" was released, I started seeing complaints that it was "completely unusable." I tried dismantling the old "Eufy RoboVac 30", but it turned out that major repairs were not possible without demolishing the robot parts.
If your robot breaks down within a year, there is a warranty, and if the robot breaks down outside the warranty period, you can purchase a new robot vacuum cleaner at a discount. Parts such as filters, brush rollers, side brushes, brush guards, and batteries are sold by Amazon, but there is no service like iRobot that will replace the parts if you send the main body.
Perhaps in many cases Eufy's robots can be used for several years. However, it may be better to know that it will not last as long as Roomba.
I've also seen some Eufy copycats. It is a generic robot vacuum cleaner such as Coredy, Goovi, Onson, Tesvor, Amarey, and the size is almost the same as "Eufy RoboVac 11S". At Wirecutter, I bought one of the Goovi models as a trial, but found that the features, parts, beeps and beeps were the same as the Eufy RoboVac 11S (the content is constantly changing). So I will refrain from linking).
If you see a RoboVac 11S or any other Eufy model with the same specifications, it will probably work the same. It might be a good idea to buy it if it's cheaper, but the caveat is that Eufy has a good reputation for customer service, while few brands on the web have similar products, which is a problem. Even if it occurs, it may not be possible to respond promptly.
In Wirecutter, what are standard Eufy such as "Ecovacs Deebot N79S" (similar to the model of Yeedi, a sub-brand of Ecovacs), "iLife A4s" (similar to the model of Noisz, a sub-brand of iLife), and "Eureka Groove"? I also tried a slightly different type of robot vacuum. It's basically fine, but it turns out to be unmatched by Eufy's agility and rumba's durability.
Recommended robot vacuum cleaner 3rd place: "Roborock S4 Max" that moves smartly and gracefully
The Roborock S4 Max is the smartest and most controllable navigation robot vacuum. The smart map feature (available with the included smartphone app and Wi-Fi connection) is the best Wirecutter has ever used, allowing you to easily specify cleaning of specific areas and set avoidance areas. ..
However, there are drawbacks in basic aspects such as carpet cleaning performance and durability. Also, although the price is reasonable, it is not always profitable when compared with many clone products that appeared in the latter half of 2020. However, these copy products are not clearly superior, and Roborock's "S4 Max", which has been steadily evaluated in the last few years, is a robot vacuum cleaner that I can recommend with confidence.
Of particular note is the smart map function. With the laser range finder (LiDAR) and bump sensor, you can learn the floor plan with one cleaning and create an interactive map with the app. With this map, you can take advantage of useful features such as cleaning the room and setting off-limits areas. There is no need to manually move the robot or set a physical barrier like other robots.
"S4 Max" is not the only robot with smart map function, and it does not always work perfectly. However, with the most robust and flexible system, the "S4 Max" can be said to be one that can do anything that current robot vacuum cleaners can do.
Featuring laser navigation, the S4 Max allows you to avoid obvious obstacles such as furniture legs or stop by a wall. You rarely miss accessible locations throughout your house, and you don't have to struggle with cleaning in the dark like a camera-based robot vacuum. Also, even if you overlook something that LiDAR could not detect, it will correct the trajectory faster and more accurately than other robots.
By accumulating these small optimizations, you can clean in an overwhelmingly short time compared to other robot vacuum cleaners. If it is about 55 square meters, cleaning will be completed in 30 minutes. This is about 15 minutes shorter than the "Roomba i7" (a few minutes faster than the "Roomba i3") and at about the same pace as other high-speed laser navigation robots. The larger the house, the more useful this cleaning speed will be.
Thanks to the large capacity battery, even if the suction power is set to the strongest state, it can clean at least about 6,000 square meters on one charge. Other popular robot vacuums need to be interrupted and recharged for a while when cleaning the same space.
The downside of the S4 Max is that if you want to clean the targeted room or take advantage of other smart map features, it will take some getting used to (as with many similar robot vacuums). Connect your robot to Wi-Fi (using only the 2.4GHz frequency of your router) and pair it with your app (either Xiaomi Home or Roborock's own app, with slightly different features, but the latter is simpler). It will take some time to get used to the icons and submenus.
Also, because the border drawing tool is incomplete, it can be a bit of trial and error if you want to clean each zone well. Some may prefer a simple robot vacuum that just starts cleaning when switched on and continues cleaning until the battery runs out (or there is no other place to clean).
The cleaning performance is good, but not astonishing. When the "S4 Max" is set to the strongest suction power, it exerts sufficient power to suck up most of the dust from the flooring. Brushes can also pick up dust on the surface from most types of carpets, but they can't dig up buried hair like Roomba with dual brushes.
Older models such as the "Roborock S4" struggled because they couldn't reach the top of the carpet or the brushes couldn't move if there was a step of 0.5 cm or more. It seems that he is good at climbing even in tall places.
Basically, there was no brush clogging when cleaning thick carpets, which is difficult not only with robot vacuum cleaners but also with ordinary vacuum cleaners, but when using a side brush, a pile of several cm may get entangled and stop (side brush). It worked better if I removed it). However, it still tends to move slowly on the carpet, giving the impression that it is harder to pick up trash than other companies' products. At the time of writing, there are few reviews of the "S4 Max", so we have not yet gathered information on how difficult it will be with a carpet of general thickness like the old model (the "S5 Max" can work without problems. I already know).
In conclusion, if you want to clean thick carpets, it may be safe to consider another model.カーペットの毛が短く、たとえばその上を歩いてもパイルに沈んだり足跡がついたりしないような長さであれば、｢S4 Max｣で十分でしょう。
信頼性や寿命については平均的で、ルンバと大きな差はありません。Roborock社はスペアブラシやフィルターなどの消耗品の在庫を確保していないため、交換には手間がかかるかもしれません。同社に長期的な製品サポート戦略について尋ねたところ、明確な回答は得られませんでした。
Amazonのユーザーレビューはあまり信頼できず、Roborockについては数名のユーザーが批判的なレビューを改善または削除するためにギフトカードを提供されたという声もあがっています。
｢Roborock S4 Max｣の代替案
｢S4 Max｣が在庫切れだったり、価格が高かったりする場合には、似たようなモデルを選ぶのも手です。旧型の｢Ozmo 920｣と新型の｢Ozmo T5｣など｢Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo｣シリーズは｢S4 Max｣よりも厚手のカーペットに対応し、高い敷居を越えるのを得意としています。このシリーズの欠点としては、安定したネット接続を維持するのに苦労すること。スマートマップを搭載したロボット掃除機ではアプリが重要なためイライラすることも。
｢Proscenic M7 Pro｣や｢Kyvol Cybovac S31｣は｢S4 Max｣よりも安価で手に入るため、実績のないブランドでも問題ないという人は試してみる価値があるかもしれません。ただ、アプリやマニュアルの翻訳、ボットのナレーションなど細部の作り込みが甘いところもあります。レビューによれば、Proscenicの主な不満点はアプリの不具合や不安定さ、カスタマーサービスの対応などがあげられています。Kyvolはレビューが少なく現段階で決定的な情報は得られなさそうです。両モデルとも自動でゴミ箱を空にするドックと連携することができ、Wirecutterがテストしたかぎりでは期待通りに機能しています。ただ、目詰まりの起こしやすさや予備のバッグの入手しやすさについては確証を得ていません。
同様の機能でさらに安価なロボット掃除機には｢Tesvor S6｣があります。Wirecutterが信頼を置くスマートプラグや室内用セキュリティカメラを手がけるメーカーWyzeからは、同様のモデルが発売されています。
｢Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid｣は見た目も機能も似ていますが現時点では割高で、マップ機能が不便（たとえばキッチンの掃除には、手動でゾーンを描き、境界線を引く必要があるなど）です。
この分野のブランドでおそらく唯一避けたいのが360。Wirecutterが試した｢360 S9｣は問題なく動作し、安価な｢S5｣や｢S7｣も同様に良いのかもしれませんが、親会社であるQihoo 360は｢米国の国家安全保障や外交政策の利益に反する行為を行っていると米国政府が判断した｣ことを意味するEntity Listに掲載されています。
よりハイエンドな｢Roborock S5 Max｣、｢S6 Pure｣、｢S6 MaxV｣、｢Ecovacs Ozmo 950｣、｢Ozmo T8｣、｢Ozmo T8 AIVI｣はどれも基本的には良く（お買い得な場合もあり、購入を避けるべきとは言い切れませんが）追加機能はそれほど便利ではないためコスパの高さは期待できません。｢S6 Pure｣、｢Ozmo 950｣、｢Ozmo T8｣は、バッテリー駆動時間や吸引力が若干上回りますが、それ以外では価格を正当化するような利点が見当たらないかもしれません。｢Roborock S5 Max｣、｢S6 MaxV｣、｢T8 AIVI｣はモップ機能が充実していますが、それでもSwifferには及びません。｢T8 AIVI｣や｢S6 MaxV｣は障害物検知AIが搭載されていますが、靴下に引っかかったり犬の排泄物を確実に避けられるとは限りません。
おすすめロボット掃除機4位：スマートで徹底的に掃除する｢ルンバ i3 ｣、｢ルンバ i3+｣
賢さは3位の｢Roborock S4 Max｣に負けますが、｢iRobot ルンバi3｣は家のフロア全体を（ほぼ）予測可能な動きで確実に掃除できます。本体は頑丈で、強力なクリーナーが搭載されています。
ルンバ i3 アイロボット ロボット掃除機 水洗いできるダストボックス wifi対応 マッピング 自動充電・運転再開 吸引力 カーペット 畳 i315060 【Alexa対応】69,799 yen
｢ルンバi3｣は2020年秋に登場した新しい製品。｢ルンバ600｣と同様に高い耐久性が評価できます。ゴム製の逆回転式抽出ロールのおかげで、特に柔らかいカーペットについたペットの毛を取るのが得意。ルンバ600シリーズや｢Roborock S4 Max｣が掃除を終えた直後に｢ルンバi3｣を走らせると、｢ルンバi3｣は髪の毛や大きめのゴミなどゴミ箱が半分埋まった状態で戻ってきたことも。
一方（ほとんどのロボット掃除機と同様に）フローリングから砂のようなゴミを吸い取る作業は完璧ではありません。また、毛足の長いカーペットでは、強力なブラシが詰まって苦戦することもあるかもしれません。とはいえ、多くの家庭の床で、同価格帯のほかの優れたロボット掃除機よりも安定してゴミを吸い取ることができると考えられます。定量的な吸引力のスペックは公表されていませんが、iRobot社によると｢ルンバi3｣はルンバ600の10倍の吸引力があるとのこと。
｢ルンバi3｣はほかのロボットと比べるとナビシステムが充実していないにもかかわらず、広い空間を徹底的に掃除することができます。他のルンバロボットと同じように掃除途中で引っかかることが少なく、LiDARを利用した賢いナビゲーターにより家具の下や壁近くの掃除もこなしてくれます。
現時点でルンバのなかで新しく最も手頃なモデルでもあります。家中を整然と動きまわり、同じ場所を掃除し直すのに時間を費やしたり特定の場所を見逃したりすることがなく、確実にドックに戻ってきます。
1回の充電で使用できるのは最大75分で、これは掃除終了時のエッジクリーニングを含めて約92平方メートル（小さな部屋ごとに分かれている場合はもう少し短め）の広さに対応できることになります。同価格帯の他のロボットと比較すると稼働時間は短めですが（マッピング対応の他のロボットと同様に）途中で充電（90分間）したあとに中断したところから再開することができます。
｢ルンバi3｣のナビゲーションシステムは（｢ルンバi7｣や900シリーズのようにカメラで位置を追跡するのではなく）ジャイロスコープ、センサー、マッピング技術を利用。時折ランダムに数部屋先にあるドックに戻ったり、角に突っ込んだりすることもあるようで、iRobot社の担当者によるとこれは自分の位置を地図上で確認するためのプロセスの一部であるとのこと。カメラ付きのルンバは天井を見て位置を判断しますが、｢ルンバi3｣は掃除の途中で30cm以上動かしても掃除を続けますが、無駄な動きをするようになったり再ドッキングがうまくいかなかったりすることもあります。
iRobotのクリーンベースに対応しているバージョンは｢Roomba i3+｣として200ドル（約2万2000円）追加で販売されています。他メーカーのセルフエンプティシステムに比べて目詰まりしにくくて修理もしやすいと評価されています。iRobot社公式の交換用バッグは3個入りで2000円以上と高価で、非公式の8個入りで15ドル（約1,600円）の製品を使っていますが今のところ問題ありません。
｢ルンバi3｣最大の欠点はスマートマップ機能がないこと。毎回ゼロからセッションを開始し、可能な限り空いている場所をすべて掃除することを目指します。立ち入り禁止区域を設定したり、特定の部屋だけ掃除するように指示したりすることはできません。代わりにiRobot社のバーチャルウォール（赤外線の見えない壁をつくる）を使用するか、物理的にロボットの通り道を塞ぐことで対処します。
｢ルンバi3｣はWi-Fiに接続できて、必要に応じてiRobotアプリで操作（起動、停止、清掃スケジュールの設定など）もできます。また、AlexaやGoogleの音声アシスタントにも対応しています。
同じくiRobot社から販売されている同様のモデルはいくつかあり、コストコで販売されている｢ルンバi4 ｣は｢ルンバi3｣と同じです。｢ルンバ i7｣は、スマートマップ機能を備えたカメラベースのナビゲーターで、特定の部屋やゾーンだけ掃除するように設定することができます。｢ルンバi3｣や900シリーズよりも効率的な経路をたどるためより早く作業を終えることができ、大容量のバッテリーを搭載しているのも魅力です。｢ルンバi7+｣は｢ルンバi3+｣と同様でクリーンベースの付属版となっています。コストコでは｢ルンバi8+｣、アマゾンでは｢ルンバi6+｣が販売されていますが、機能的には｢ルンバi7+｣と同じなので一番安いものを選ぶと良さそうです。
今後注目すべき最新のロボット掃除機
2021年初頭、いくつかのハイエンドなロボット掃除機が発表されました。
最も注目すべきは掃除機とモップのハイブリッドである｢Roborock S7｣。カーペットを感知するとモップを収納できるというもので、これがうまく機能すれば従来のようにスマホアプリで禁止ゾーンを手動で描く必要がなくなることになります。モップは振動するとのことですが｢EcoVacs T8 Power Mop｣のように音が気になる場合もあるかもしれません。ロボットとは別売りですが、バッグ不要の自動ゴミ処理に対応しています。
｢LG CordZero R9｣、｢Samsung Jetbot 90 AI+｣はハイエンドなコードレス掃除機に搭載されているハードウェアを使用しているため、ロボット掃除機のなかでは最も強力と期待できます。さらに現在の最上位機種に期待されるスマートマッピングや接続機能をすべて備えています。これらのロボット掃除機が一般家庭の床の微妙なニュアンスにどれほど対応できるかはまだ検証する必要があります。
Eufyからは｢RoboVac L80｣｢L80 Hybrid｣が発表されました。スタンダードなRoborockのクローンと考えられますが、価格はそれぞれ550ドル（約6万円）、600ドル（約6万6000円）と高め。ダストボックスのデザインを一新し、2つの気流タービンを搭載することで、清掃性能を向上させているのがポイントです。
その他スマートマップ対応のロボット掃除機をテストした結果
スマートマップ対応のロボット掃除機として｢Shark IQ RV1001｣シリーズがあります。同じような価格の｢Roborock S4 Max｣（およびその後継機）や、｢ルンバi7｣（同様のカメラベースのナビゲーションシステムを採用）と比べると、迅速さや正確さ、制御性に欠けている印象です。ほとんどの場面では強力な掃除能力を発揮してくれますが、カーペットに関してはルンバの方が有利。フローリングでは、まるで芝刈り機が遠くで動いているかのような音がします。
Neato社のロボット掃除機｢Botvac｣は、強力な吸引力で大きくてパワフルなブラシを装備。D型のボディを採用しているため、丸いボディに比べて角の掃除をわずかに得意としています。同社は他のブランドよりもずっと長くロボット掃除機を作ってきて、2010年から2015年くらいまではルンバの唯一のライバルでした。また、現在のスマートマップ機能のようなものを最初に搭載した会社でもあります。しかし、床からラグへの昇降がうまくいかないことやドアの敷居を越えるのが難しいことなど、根本的な弱点があります。Wi-Fiの接続性が安定せず（LiDARを使用しているにもかかわらず）D4、D6、D7では｢Roborock S4 Max｣などと比べてもナビゲーションが遅く精度も低く、スマートマッピング機能が不便です。
基本的にルンバは優秀なロボット掃除機ですが、例外となるのがiRobot ルンバs9（自動ゴミ処理ドックつきの場合ルンバs9+）です。ルンバとしては初のD型デザイン（角を掃除しやすいように）を採用していて、明らかに収まりきらないスペースに不器用ながらも頑なに押し入ろうとして家具に当たるのが難点。同社によるとソフトウェアアップデートにより動きの問題を修正するとのことですが、最近のレビューを見てもパフォーマンスの一貫性がないと指摘されています。きちんと動作しているときは｢ルンバi7｣同様の優れたスマートマッピングシステムを備えた、最も強力な製品です（ただし、音はかなり大きい）。
中価格帯のロボット掃除機はどうなの？
スマートマップ機能非対応ながら、カメラやジャイロスコープベースのナビゲーションシステムによりS字型の動きで確実に掃除してくれるロボット掃除機は多数あります。｢ルンバi3｣や旧型の900シリーズなどはその良い例です。それ以外の場合は、基本的な部分で欠けているモデルが目立ちます。
たとえば｢Trifo Max｣はWirecutterのテストでは問題なく機能していましたが、ユーザーレビューでは｢すぐに迷子になる｣｢耐久性に欠ける｣｢カスタマーサービスが悪い｣といった声も。サムスンの｢Powerbot R7｣シリーズは、特に最上位機種では高い掃除能力を発揮しますが、カーペットの切り替えやテーブル下の散らかったスペースなど、単純な障害物の周りでは停止しがちです。
ミーレ社は多くの素晴らしい家電製品を製造していますが｢Scout RX2｣に関しては不具合が多く、混乱しやすいとか。Eufyの｢RoboVac G30 Edge｣は｢RoboVac 11S｣のように静かで薄く軽快な一方、狭い場所を見逃しがちで割高です。｢Roborock E4｣や｢Ecovacs Deebot 601｣も同様のことがいえます。｢Electrolux Pure i9｣は独自の3Dマッピングシステムにより障害物を避けるのには優れていた一方で、バッテリーの寿命が短くて無駄な動きをする傾向があるため、狭い部屋でも効率性が悪く確実に掃除をすることができませんでした。ロボットとハンディタイプのハイブリッド機｢Coral One｣は最もうるさくてWi-Fiやバリアシステムがなく、手持ち型なのに重たいなどの理由からおすすめできません。
AI対応ロボット掃除機は、まだまだ不器用？
優れたロボット掃除機は一般的な障害物を避けることには長けていますが、靴やおもちゃ、洗濯物や軽量のフロアマットなど床にある簡単なものはあらかじめ拾っておくユーザーが多数います。
高度な人工知能によってこうした障害物を回避できるロボット掃除機も登場しましたが、実際は確実に避けられるとは限りません。ロボット掃除機が動けなくなるのを防いだり、少なくとも立ち往生した場所から抜け出す時間を短縮したりすることはできるといった具合です。そのため、現時点ではこの機能に多額の費用を割く必要はないといえます。
｢Roborock S6 MaxV｣や｢Ecovacs T8 AIVI｣は（2020年8月下旬の時点で）最新のファームウェアにアップデートした後でも、犬の排泄物（ピーナッツバター、ヌテラ、レーズンを混ぜて模したもの）を避けるテストに数度失敗。｢Roborock S6 MaxV｣はリアルタイムマップ上では最初は糞と認識したものの、なぜか認識を解除してそのまま踏み込んでいきました。さらには私の足もなぜか排泄物と認識していたのが印象的です。ランプの台座や靴などの障害物を避けることはできることもありますが、｢Roborock｣モデルは認識したりしなかったり安定せず。｢Roborock｣も｢Ecovacs｣も、靴を認識したのに突っ込んでいく姿を見せていました。
家のなかでロボット掃除機がいつも引っかかる場所があってどうしようもない場合には、物理的なバリアを設置するか、スマートマップ機能で立ち入り禁止区域を設定するのが、シンプルで手頃な方法だといえそうです（ただし、これでも完全に正確な結果が得られるとはかぎりません）。
モップとのハイブリット型ロボット掃除機の効果は薄めか
LiDARを利用したハイエンドなロボット掃除機の多くは、モップ（正確にはフロアワイパー）として機能します。吸気口後部に水タンク（洗浄液は不可）とマイクロファイバーパッドを取り付けるだけで、掃除機をかけながら床を水拭きすることが可能です。
いくつか試してみた結果、床をまったく拭かないよりは断然良いですが、通常の水拭き掃除や洗浄スプレーを使ったモップがけには及ばない印象を受けました。｢Ecovacs T8 AIVI｣や｢Roborock S5 Max｣、｢S6 MaxV｣など追加機能を備えたモデルでも、お金をかけるほど価値のある効果は実感できませんでした。
例外としては2020年後半に発売された｢Bissell SpinWave｣があります。洗浄液の使用を想定していて、回転するモップパッドで汚れをしっかりと落とすことができます。ホームオートメーションに興味がある場合、選択肢のひとつとして検討してみるのも良いかもしれません。
©2021 WIRECUTTER, INC. A NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY.
