- Navigation matters most. Robots with laser (LiDAR) or camera mapping clean in neat rows and know where they’ve been.
- Pets or long hair? Choose rubber rollers or an anti-tangle brush, and a robot that can avoid pet mess.
- Mopping is a bonus, not a replacement for a proper mop. Look for mops that lift on carpet.
- A self-emptying dock means you only empty a bag every few weeks instead of a small bin every day or two.
- Measure under your furniture so it can get under the couch and beds.
A robot vacuum is the closest thing to never vacuuming again. It runs while you’re at work, keeps crumbs, dust and pet hair under control, and goes back to charge on its own. But there’s a big difference between a basic robot that bumps around randomly and a smart one that maps your home and cleans methodically.
This guide explains the features that really make a difference, so you can pick the right robot for your home and budget.
How robot vacuums find their way around
| Navigation | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Laser (LiDAR) | A spinning laser maps rooms accurately | Works in the dark and cleans in neat, efficient rows |
| Camera / AI vision | Cameras recognise rooms and objects | Better at spotting socks, cables and pet mess; needs some light |
| Basic sensors | Bumps and turns, often in random patterns | Cheaper, but slower and can miss spots |
Mapping robots let you see your home in an app, set no-go zones (like the pet bowls or kids’ play area), and send the robot to clean one room after dinner. For most homes, mapping is the feature worth paying for.
Pet hair and long hair
- Rubber rollers or anti-tangle brushes resist hair wrapping, so you spend less time cutting hair off the brush.
- Obstacle avoidance with a camera helps the robot steer around cables, socks and pet accidents.
- Bigger dustbin or a self-emptying dock stops a shedding dog filling the bin halfway through a clean.
Should you get one that mops?
Many robots now vacuum and mop in one. They’re great for a daily wipe-over of kitchen and bathroom floors, dust and paw prints. They won’t scrub away dried-on spills like a proper floor cleaner.
- Mop lifting: the mop lifts up when the robot reaches carpet or rugs, so they stay dry.
- Spinning or vibrating mops clean better than a pad that’s simply dragged along.
- All-in-one docks can wash and dry the mops and refill the water for you.
For a deeper clean on hard floors, a wet-dry hard floor cleaner is a great partner to a robot.
Self-emptying docks
A robot’s own bin is small. A self-emptying dock sucks the dust out of the robot into a sealed bag in the base after each clean, so you only change the bag every few weeks, depending on your home. It’s especially handy for pet owners and anyone with allergies, because you’re not tipping out dusty bins.
Will it fit your home?
- Height: measure the gap under your couch, beds and cabinets, and compare it with the robot’s height.
- Rugs and door thresholds: most robots climb small lips. Very thick or shaggy rugs and long tassels can trouble them.
- Stairs: cliff sensors stop robots falling down stairs, but they can’t climb them. For two-storey homes, choose a robot that remembers several floor maps and carry it up.
- Clutter: a quick tidy of cables and toys before it runs helps any robot do a better job.
Which robot suits you?
| Your home | Look for |
|---|---|
| Small apartment, mostly hard floors | Mapping, a good mop, compact size |
| Family home with carpet | Strong suction, carpet boost, mapping and room scheduling |
| Pets | Anti-tangle brush, obstacle avoidance, self-emptying dock |
| Allergies | Good filtration and a sealed self-emptying bag |
| Busy household, minimal effort | All-in-one dock that empties, washes and refills |
Robot vacuums we stock
Tap any model to see its full features and current price.
Not sure which robot suits your floors? Ask our chat assistant or call us.
Looking after your robot
- Empty the bin or check the dock bag regularly.
- Pull hair off the brushes and wheels every week or two.
- Wipe the sensors and camera with a soft dry cloth.
- Clean or replace filters and mop pads as the maker recommends.
- Keep the app and robot software updated.
Frequently asked questions
Can a robot vacuum replace my normal vacuum?
For daily upkeep it can do most of the work. Most homes still benefit from a proper vacuum now and then for stairs, edges, upholstery and a deeper clean.
Do robot vacuums work on carpet?
Yes. Many have a carpet boost that increases suction on carpet. Very thick or shaggy carpet is harder for any robot.
Are robot vacuums good with pet hair?
Yes, especially models with anti-tangle brushes and a self-emptying dock. Running them daily keeps shedding under control.
Is a robot with a camera safe for privacy?
Check the brand’s privacy settings in the app. Many let you control or turn off camera features and choose how data is stored.
Can it clean more than one floor?
Robots can’t climb stairs, but many can remember maps for several floors. Just carry it to the floor you want cleaned.
Need a hand choosing?
Tell us about your floors, pets and the size of your home, and we’ll recommend the right robot. Call 03 474 5533 or visit any of our 8 stores to see them in action.
Written by the VacDirect team. We sell, service and repair vacuums, floor cleaners and robotic mowers from 8 stores across New Zealand, so our advice comes from what we see in the workshop every day.
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Need help choosing?
Our team can match a machine to your home, or check whether your current one is worth repairing.
