Robot vacuums are household cleaning appliances that have become popular in recent years. They can automatically clean floors in a room, reducing manual cleaning efforts. The work of a robot vacuum relies heavily on sensors, which help the robot vacuum perceive its surroundings and respond appropriately.

The following are several common sensors used in robot vacuums:

▶ Ultrasonic Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors emit ultrasonic waves and detect the time it takes for them to return to measure distance. Robot vacuums usually have ultrasonic sensors installed at the front to detect obstacles.

▶ Infrared Sensors: Infrared sensors emit infrared light and detect the reflection to determine the position and shape of objects. Robot vacuums typically have infrared sensors at the front for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

▶ Contact Sensors: Contact sensors detect physical contact between an object and the robot vacuum. Robot vacuums often have contact sensors installed at the bottom to prevent the robot vacuum from falling down stairs.

▶ Optical Sensors: Optical sensors can detect light intensity or changes. Robot vacuums usually have optical sensors on the top of the body to measure ambient light and adjust the working mode accordingly.

▶ IMU Sensors: IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors measure the posture and motion status of the robot vacuum. They are typically installed inside the robot vacuum to assist in navigation.

▶ LiDAR: LiDAR emits laser beams and detects their return to generate 3D maps. Robot vacuums usually have LiDAR on top for high-precision navigation and obstacle avoidance.

As robot vacuum technology continues to evolve, sensors are also being upgraded. Currently, high-end robot vacuums have begun using high-precision sensors like LiDAR and IMU to achieve even more accurate navigation.

The sensors in a robot vacuum are essential components for achieving automatic cleaning. With the continuous development of sensor technology, the functions of robot vacuums will become more refined, providing users with a more convenient cleaning experience.