To keep your floors clean while you’re away, first choose a robot that suits your flooring, thresholds and any objects on the floor. Then check that its scheduling works with your phone and Wi-Fi network. Mapping helps you set rooms and no-go zones. A dock can reduce how often you need to empty the robot, but neither the dock nor the mopping function means you can skip maintenance.
If you can’t vacuum regularly during the week, scheduling lets you set cleaning cycles for when you’re out. Also check that the robot returns to its dock and consider what needs doing between cycles: a dock doesn’t mean you can skip emptying containers or maintaining the robot.
Mapping can help you choose which rooms to clean and set no-go zones, if the model offers these settings. Check separately how it handles rugs and thresholds, and whether any objects are likely to get in its way.
Robot mopping can be an extra part of your regular cleaning routine for compatible hard floors. You’ll still need to maintain the mop pads and water system, and shouldn’t expect the same results on every floor type or with every stain.
For cleaning while you’re away, start with the layout of your home. Then consider the scheduling options and what you’ll be able to do between cycles.
| Priority | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and access | Compare test results for your flooring, rugs, edges and corners, and check the clearance height stated for each model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results vary depending on the type of floor. | My rugs and thresholds need to let the robot move between the rooms I want it to clean. |
| Navigation | Check whether the model lets you select rooms and set no-go zones. Also plan to clear away any objects that could block its route. | If some rooms need to stay closed or there are often obstacles in the way, I want to be able to adjust the route before I leave. |
| Scheduling and Wi-Fi | Check that the app is compatible with your phone, which Wi-Fi band the robot supports and how strong the Wi-Fi signal is near the dock. According to iRobot Assistance France, some iRobot models don’t support 5 GHz. | I plan to run cleaning cycles while I’m out, so the settings need to work with my phone and home network. |
| Dock and maintenance | Check whether the dock only empties the robot or also washes or dries the mop pads. Measure the available space and check that you can access the tanks, bags and brushes. | A self-emptying dock appeals to me because it could mean fewer maintenance tasks, but I’ll still need to look after its containers and the robot. |
| Mopping | Check that the flooring is compatible and how the robot handles rugs, including whether it lifts the mop pads if needed in your home. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using the robot mops it tested on wooden floors, particularly solid wood. | I’m interested in regular damp cleaning on my compatible hard floors, but I won’t rely on the robot to tackle every stubborn stain. |
| Long-term use | Check the part numbers and availability of bags, filters, brushes and mop pads, as well as the model’s update policy. Also check the repairability index if one is shown. | I want to be able to replace maintenance parts and keep using the connected features I need. |
A suction figure alone doesn’t tell you how well a robot picks up dirt on rugs, tiles or wooden floors, or in corners. UFC-Que Choisir tests these situations separately and reports that results vary depending on the floor type.
Make a list of your flooring and thresholds, then look for tests carried out in comparable conditions and check the specifications for the exact model.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the mopping performance of the models it tested can be limited. A dock that cleans the mop pads doesn’t guarantee that dried-on stains will be removed.
Use this feature only on compatible hard floors, and keep a manual cleaning option for stubborn stains or areas the robot can’t reach.
Scheduling and some updates depend on the model, its app and its connection. iRobot Assistance France states that wireless updates for the relevant robots require a connection and the robot to be on its dock.
Before buying, check which Wi-Fi band the robot supports, whether it’s compatible with your phone and how strong the Wi-Fi signal is where you plan to place the dock.
Transferring dust to a dock means you won’t need to empty the robot’s bin as often, but the dock and its components still need attention.
Check that you can access the containers, find the right consumables for the model and check the repairability index if one is shown.
Depending on the configuration you choose, you’ll also need to replace bags, filters, brushes or mop pads, and maintain the water tanks.
App and dock features vary between models. These range examples are a useful guide, but you should still check the exact model you’re considering.
Roborock offers connected robots with mapping and scheduling, as well as docks whose features vary by model.
The Rowenta range includes scheduled robot vacuums and docks with different features, depending on the model.
For compatible series, the Roomba Home app offers scheduling and room-by-room cleaning settings.
These models combine scheduling with a dust-collection dock, but their mapping and mopping features differ. To choose the right one, compare each model with your flooring, Wi-Fi network and the space available for the dock.
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For scheduled cleaning across several areas of your home, this model combines mapping with automatic return to the dock. Its specifications include OZMO Roller mopping, hot-water mop washing and hot-air drying.
The stated pairing requirement is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Check the space needed for the dock, access to its tanks and whether it can cross your thresholds.
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Scheduling and multi-floor mapping make this model a practical choice if you want to run cleaning cycles across several rooms. The OMNI Station is described as emptying dust and washing the mop pads at 75 °C.
Before choosing this model, check that the app and Wi-Fi are compatible with your set-up, and make sure you have enough space for the dock and can keep up with its maintenance.
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Scheduling, LiDAR mapping and no-go zones let you plan cleaning cycles room by room. This model comes with a self-emptying dock and a stated battery life of 200 minutes, although this doesn’t indicate how long a cycle will take in your home.
The specifications state that pairing requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Also check that it can cross your thresholds and find out what maintenance the dock needs.
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For homes with rugs and objects on the floor, the specifications describe DuoDetect AI mapping, obstacle avoidance and a stated mop lift of 10 mm. The robot offers scheduled cleaning cycles and a self-emptying dock.
The stated connection requirement is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. Check that the app is compatible, that the robot can cross your thresholds and that you can maintain the brushes and dock.
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This model combines customisable schedules, LiDAR mapping, no-go zones and a self-emptying dock. These features may suit you if you want to empty the robot’s bin less often between cycles.
The specifications also mention a mopping function. Check that the app and network are compatible, and find out which consumables you’ll need and what maintenance the dock requires.
No. A self-emptying dock collects dust from the robot, and some models also wash or dry the mop pads, but the containers, brushes, filters and tanks still need maintenance. Before scheduling cleaning cycles, check what the model requires and which consumables it uses.
Only if the model and its app support that network. iRobot Assistance France states that some of its robots don’t support 5 GHz, while other models specify 2.4 GHz pairing. Before buying, check which band the robot supports and how strong the Wi-Fi signal is near the dock.
Not necessarily. For the relevant connected iRobot models, iRobot Assistance France states that wireless updates are received when the robot is connected to the network and on its dock. Check the requirements for the model you’re considering, including the connection at the dock’s location.
No. Compatibility depends on the flooring and the model. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using the robot mops it tested on wooden floors, particularly solid wood. If your home has a mix of hard floors and rugs, check how the robot handles rugs and whether it can lift its mop pads.