How Does a Roomba Work?
A Roomba Uses Its Piezoelectric Sensor as a Dirt Detector. When Bits of Dirt Hit the Sensor, the Roomba Receives Tiny Electric Impulses. Enough Impulses Will...
A Roomba uses its piezoelectric sensor as a dirt detector. When bits of dirt hit the sensor, the Roomba receives tiny electric impulses. Enough impulses will prompt Roomba's dirt detect to kick into gear – a second, more thorough cleaning of the area.
How does Roomba know where to go?
These vacuums use a navigation algorithm called visual simultaneous location and mapping, or VSLAM. The optical system can identify landmarks on the ceiling, as well as judge the distance between walls. The iRobot Roomba i7 Plus shows a more logical, thorough navigation path thanks to its optical technology.
Does Roomba learn your floor plan?
iRobot says the device can remember up to 10 floorplans, meaning you can “kidnap” it, take it to a new place, and it will learn that one, too. (It will also work with Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you should be able to shout at an Echo Dot for the Roomba to clean a specific room you've just sullied.)
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
