LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. And it’s the same technology you will find in the best robot vacuum brands and self-driving cars. It is an incredible technology, whether it’s guiding a self-driving vehicle or being used in archaeological digs. What most people don’t realise about LiDAR technology is it isn’t new – in fact, it’s been around since the 1960s. But in those days it was too large and bulky to be of much use outside of a few specialist solutions, such as surveying landmasses from a plane. Thankfully, technology has advanced and LiDAr is finding a home in much smaller gadgets than ever before.
LiDAR Technology & Robot Vacuums
The original robot vacuum relied on collision sweeping, which is why they got such a bad rap for years. The image of a robot vacuum repeatedly running into walls and never learning the lesson was the expectation. But LiDAR has changed the game.
LiDAR uses lasers and light to calculate the distance between it and an object. In terms of navigation, these data points are used to create 2D and 3D maps or representations to map an area. As it doesn’t dissipate as it bounces back LiDAR is more accurate than sound waves or radar.
LiDAR scans each room and generates a map. At the same time, a cleaning path is planned to ensure maximum efficiency and reduce the overall cleaning time. It is far more careful than manual cleaning. And robot vacuums are now smart enough to update changes to the map in real-time to deal with obstacles. The advanced models can detect changes in flooring, whether you run from carpet to hardwood or vice versa.
There are some major issues with LiDAR, but those issues are holding up the progress of self-driving cars. There are issues with inclement weather and cost. LiDAr is also used in agriculture, archaeology, geology, military, and law enforcement. And while LiDAR sensors aren’t cheap, the technology is revolutionising the robot vacuum industry.
Depending on the brand of robot vacuum you choose, your robot vacuum may feature internal or external LiDAR sensors. External sensors tend to feature a bulky sensor on top that revolves the laser around the room as it operates. It can’t fit underneath objects, but those with an internal sensor can. Internal LiDAR sensors protect your furniture from damage and are less prone to breakages. It shows just how far the technology has come because it was once too bulky to fit within any robot vacuum, let alone a slimline option.
LiDAR technology helps robot vacuums avoid cords, pets, furniture, and toys so that your robot vacuum doesn’t suck up anything it shouldn’t. With suction power varying from unit to unit, you need to know your vacuum is strong enough and smart enough to know where to go and what to suck up. Luckily, the majority come with a handy app that allows you to scan rooms and create maps to organise a cleaning schedule that works for you.
The Ever-Evolving Robot Vacuum
LiDAR is still evolving, like a lot of technology, it’s a never-ending process. While it might not stand up to road safety tests in autonomous vehicles, it is an incredible addition to technology like robot vacuums. 360 Smart Life uses LiDAR technology in all of its top-end robot vacuums. And the use of LiDAR is what sets 360 Smart Life apart from other robot vacuums on the market. If you are looking for a robot vacuum Australia, there is a wide range of options to choose from, whether you need something to tackle pet hair or you need a mop and vacuum combination. There’s something that will meet your needs and be within your budget.
