Dyson launches three new robot vacuums.
Dyson's new range leans on camera-based navigation, and one model looks for stains using a light that makes them easier to see.
Read the original at The VergeRobots at home
Living with robots at home.
Robot vacuums, mowers, pool cleaners and smart speakers already share our homes. A few habits make them more useful, and a few settings make them less intrusive. Here is a practical guide for households.
Get more from them
Most complaints about home robots come down to setup.
Clear the floor
Pick up cords, socks and small toys before a vacuum runs.
Set no-go zones
Keep the robot away from pet bowls, rugs with tassels and fragile corners.
Schedule wisely
Run it when nobody is home, or when noise matters least.
Map once, carefully
Let the first mapping run finish with all doors open.
Privacy at home
Many home robots carry cameras or microphones and send data to an app.
- Check which devices have cameras or microphones
- Review what the app is allowed to access on your phone
- Turn off features you do not use, such as remote viewing
- Install firmware updates when they arrive
- Use a strong, unique password for the robot's account
Care and maintenance
A few minutes a week keeps a robot working well for years.
| Robot | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | Empty the bin, remove hair from the brush. | Clean sensors and wheels; check the filter. |
| Mop | Rinse pads, empty dirty water. | Descale the tank if your water is hard. |
| Mower | Clear grass from the deck. | Check and replace blades. |
| Pool cleaner | Rinse the filter basket. | Inspect brushes and the cable. |
Talking with kids about robots
Explain that robots follow programs written by people. They do not have feelings, even when they have a face or a friendly voice. Curiosity about how they work is a great start: watch how the vacuum finds its way back to its dock, and ask what it might be sensing.
News briefs
Short summaries of recent reporting, in our own words, with links to the original sources.
Recent in home robots
Short summaries of recent reporting, with links to the original articles.
These new robot lawn mowers trim your edges
Two robot mowers shown at IFA add edge-trimming attachments, so they can tidy borders as well as open lawn.
Read the original at The VergeRoborock is adding LiDAR to its entry-level robo mower.
A lower-priced robot mower gets laser-based navigation, which removes the need for boundary wires.
Read the original at The VergeHusqvarna gets the first exception to the FCC’s foreign robot ban for its mowers.
A U.S. rule on imported connected robots has unsettled home-robot makers; one mower maker received the first exception for several models.
Read the original at The VergeHeadlines are quoted as they appear at the source; summaries are our own. Follow the links for the full reporting.