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Roomba, the eponymous manufacturer of robot vacuum cleaners, conquered the world with its product decades ago. The first small cleaning helpers with high autonomy came on the market in 2002. A lot has happened since then. The vacuum robots have not only become faster and more powerful. A lot has also been achieved in terms of safety. This includes the reliable fall protection of these brand devices.
The landing has always been a big challenge for robot vacuum cleaners. Even if the housings were designed very robustly from the beginning – a fall down the steps was never healthy for the little helpers. The first attempts to get to grips with this dangerous point required slight modification measures.
Through induction loops in the floor, the robots knew that there was a danger of falling here. However, this solution is not only inconvenient, it is also not always practical. Who wants to rip out their carpet or parquet floor just to keep a robot from falling down the stairs?
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Table of Contents
How do Crash Sensors Work?
The drop sensors are located on the underside of the device. They are ring-shaped in a chamfer of the outer edge of the housing. Contrary to what one might think, the distance sensors do not work with radar technology. Currently, infrared sensors have established themselves in this field.
Infrared sensors are normally used to pick up invisible and long-wave light. They respond particularly well to thermal radiation. One well-known use of these sensors is in thermal imaging cameras, for example.
However, Roomba does not actively search for particularly warm or cold spots on the floor. That wouldn’t make much sense in the case of the landing. Instead, the sensor is augmented by an IR light source. Both components are arranged in such a way that the sensor picks up the reflected light from the emitter. As long as this measuring bridge is in place, everything is fine. But at a landing the infrared light shines into emptiness. The sensor no longer receives a return signal and stops the device.
The device’s intelligent AWARE control automatically remembers this location and stores it in the terrain profile. This makes the vacuuming process more efficient, faster and provides additional safety. For example, if one of the sensors fails, Roomba still can’t fall down the stairs. The vacuum already knows that a precipice is lurking here and counteracts accordingly. However, this solution is not without its flaws.
Common Problem: Black Carpets
Extremely dark floor coverings, such as black carpet, can be a problem for Roomba. Since black paint absorbs the incoming light, no IR signal is sent back to the sensor. For the robot, this makes the carpet another chasm and it will go around it. This makes the whole function of the vacuum useless. In this case, many users stick a strip of tape in front of the sensor so that it permanently receives the IR light. However, this measure should only be carried out in apartments where there are no landings.
Maintenance of the Crash Sensors
A Roomba is a technical device that requires maintenance at set intervals. This includes cleaning it, especially the sensors. The sensors, which are located close to the floor, become clogged with dirt and dust over time. However, cleaning them is completely unproblematic. With a soft cloth and a little dishwashing liquid, you can get the emitters and receivers clean in one easy step. The Roomba is then fully operational again and navigates reliably through the apartment.
The sensors are also replaceable. They can be obtained cheaply as spare parts and can be changed in a few simple steps.
Can Stair Falls be Actively Prevented?
Roomba doesn’t require special measures like blocking off stairs. The integrated sensor technology is so highly developed that it reliably detects stairs. Anything else would also run counter to the comfort idea of this helper in the household. When buying a used Roomba, however, one should observe the device during the first rounds.
If it gets dangerously close to the landing, you can always intervene. Basically, iRobot has this danger point well under control. Unfortunately, this does not apply to all potential obstacles of the robot vacuum.
Not Helpful for all Obstacles
Despite its sophisticated sensor technology, a Roomba still relies on a certain amount of tidiness in the house. A particularly nasty trap for the device are cables lying around. Since the vacuum robots move relatively stubbornly through the entire apartment, they will also crawl behind the sound system at some point. There, they particularly like to get caught in the speaker cables.
The wiring of the devices themselves can also become a problem. Pulled down lamps, clock radios or ripped out chargers are also not unusual with a Roomba. The only thing that helps here is to think about the best placement of cables beforehand. The following measures are particularly effective in defusing the “cable trap” for the Roomba:
- Skilful laying
- Attachment or bridges
- Cable ducts or hoses.
When purchasing a Roomba, you should always try to run the cables along the walls. They can be hidden discreetly behind baseboards. This not only looks good, it also prevents tripping hazards. It makes the house much safer.
If this is not possible, cables should always be bridged. The easiest way to do this is to lay them under the carpet or laminate. A runner or mat can also help to defuse this danger point for man and machine. In an emergency, simply tape the cord lengthwise to the floor with wide parcel tape. Roomba can easily drive over it without getting caught.
The best way to reduce cable clutter behind the stereo is to use a cable channel or conduit. Roomba can’t run over these thick hoses made of hard plastic. It either pushes them aside or recognizes them as obstacles. That way it can’t get tangled.
Other Sensors on Roombas
Besides the crash sensors, the lateral distance or bumper sensors are particularly important for the device. These are not sensors in the classic sense, but simple buttons. When Roomba bumps into something, the button is pressed in. This triggers a signal that tells the control unit “Obstacle detected”. The Roomba stops, turns a little and tries to go around the obstacle. The Bumper Sensors are mechanically heavy-duty and therefore have a limited lifespan.
Due to the AWARE system, the bumpers are less and less stressed. However, after 3-5 years of use, you should expect the first buttons and sensors to fail. It is recommended that Roomba be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned once a year after the warranty expires. This will significantly extend the life of all electronics.
How does a Roomba Clean?
A Roomba always strives for the optimal cleaning path. The first few vacuum trips are used to help the machine orient itself in the home. It automatically measures each room and remembers the positions of doors. Permanently placed furniture is also recognized better and better with each ride. Once Roomba’s AWARE system has memorized the floor plan of the home, the device proceeds in a spiral pattern. It moves to the center of the room and makes circular or rectangular paths. The paths always overlap.
In this way, the device ensures that no track is left out. The coverage of the floor is thus particularly sustainable. Roomba Floor Vacuums work with one or two rotating brushes and a suction unit. The brushes sweep the loose dirt to the suction opening. There it is sucked up and stored in a bin.
TIP: Roomba’s HOME feature is much more reliable than off-brand devices. However, the charging station should always be attached to the floor. Otherwise, the vacuum may not be able to find its charging spot and may move around.
How do you Detect Malfunctions?
When bumper sensors jam or fail completely, Roomba just spins in circles. Defective crash sensors stop the vacuum completely. This activates a built-in device protection that is designed to prevent worse damage.
The iRobot Roomba communicates its error messages in three ways:
- Acoustic
- Display
- App
When the device goes on strike, it also tells you right away why he can no longer continue to work. In most cases, the fix is simple. The dirt bin is full or the battery is dead – both are part of the normal maintenance an operator has with the machine.
If the error is serious, the message is output with an error code. This error is shown on the display on the top of the device. This error code can be “translated” in the app into the specific problem of the Robot Vacuum Cleaner. For many errors, the user can help himself. Larger measures, such as the replacement of the drive, should only be carried out by the customer service.
Related Questions
Does the warranty apply if Roomba falls down the stairs?
In most cases, if a Roomba falls down the stairs during the warranty period, the warranty will apply. The unit will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
How do I keep an older Roomba from falling down the stairs?
A Roomba relies on intact and perfectly clean sensors. Monthly external cleaning of the sensors should be sufficient for this purpose. If the Robot Vacuum still malfunctions, the sensors should be replaced.
Is it dangerous to replace the sensors?
Roomba is powered by low device current. The only risk of injury when repairing the device is from cuts or scratches to the housing caused by improper handling. Since this is a cleaning device, there is always a high risk of infection from these injuries.
Who should repair the Roomba?
Maintenance, servicing and replacement of parts should be carried out by a certified service centre. This guarantees the best results.
Conclusion: Don’t be Afraid of Stairs
The iRobot Roomba’s integrated sensors reliably protect it from falling down stairs. However, you should avoid dark carpets or runners. These are not detected by the Floor Vacuum’s fall sensors but are identified as a precipice. In addition to very dark floor coverings, loose cables are a particular danger for the device. These should always be professionally laid to avoid malfunctions.
But with a little care and attention, Roomba will become a reliable companion and great helper around the house. Always coming home to a thoroughly cleaned apartment is a significant plus in living comfort and quality of life.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
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