When it comes to keeping our floors clean and spotless, the best robot vacuums are a popular option. Not only are these autonomous gadgets convenient, but they offer ultimate hands-free cleaning (saving us from the back-breaking job).
But, did you know that your robot vacuum could do so much more than just suck up dust? According to a tech expert, there are some other alternative ways you can make use of your robovac. In fact, these handy tips can be great time-savers, making it a useful smart gadget.
“What we're seeing here is people naturally experimenting with robotics in their everyday lives,” states Frans Tollenaar, tech specialist and CEO of Teqram. “Robot vacuums are often someone's first experience with autonomous technology at home, and once they realize these devices are basically mobile robots with sensors and programming capabilities, the creative possibilities start flowing.”
1. Use it to find or fetch an item
Have you ever needed to move something from one room to another — without getting up? Or have you misplaced your TV remote or even lost it under the sofa? Don’t worry, your robot vacuum has got you covered.
“Perhaps one of the most practical alternative uses involves attaching a lightweight tray or basket to deliver small items around the house,” suggests Tollenaar. “Lost something? Send your robot vacuum to search under furniture. The built-in obstacle detection means it can navigate around furniture and find objects in hard-to-reach places that humans would need to crawl or bend down to access.”
This is especially handy if you have young children or pets, and you’re looking for their favorite toy, item or rogue sock that’s nowhere to be found. Simply put your robovac to do the searching for you.
“What makes all of these applications possible is the same technology that makes robot vacuums good at cleaning,” Frans points out. “They have sensors, mapping capabilities, and autonomous movement, all features that translate surprisingly well to completely different tasks. It shows how adaptable robotic technology has become.”
2. You can use the mini camera to watch your pets
Pet owners will love this idea! Another creative use for your robot vacuum is to literally keep an eye on your pets. After all, who wouldn’t want to know what their fur babies are getting up to when they’re not in the room?
“Some robot vacuum models come with built-in cameras, originally intended for navigation and obstacle detection. But creative users are repurposing these as mobile security cameras or baby monitors,” Tollenaar points out. “Unlike traditional cameras that offer only one static angle, a roaming robot provides a dynamic view of different rooms and angles throughout your home.”
In fact, when our Tom’s Guide Editor reviewed the Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum and mop combo, he was impressed with its advanced AI, built-in cameras and app. And as pet parent to two cats and a dog, he particularly enjoyed turning on the option to take photos of his pets. More importantly, it also proved its worth as one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair. Win-win!
“The navigation technology in modern robot vacuums is surprisingly sophisticated,” Tollenaar explains. “They can map entire floor plans and follow specific routes, which makes them perfect for security patrols when you're away or checking different rooms without getting up.”
3. Use it as a mood light carrier
If you’re a fan of the best smart lights to set the mood and ambiance in your home, why not let your robot vacuum do the trick? A clever tip is to place an LED light or color-changing lamp on top of your gadget.
“Transform your robot vacuum into a roaming light show by placing a small LED mood light or color-changing lamp on top,” suggests Tollenaar. “As it travels from room to room, it creates an ever-shifting ambience that's far more interesting than static lighting. This works particularly well for evening relaxation or parties, where the moving lights add an extra element of visual interest.”
So the next time you’re stuck, just bring out your robot vacuum as a handy solution, and put it to good use around the home. “People can essentially turn these devices into mobile platforms for whatever they need,” adds Tollenaar. “Whether it's entertainment, ambience, or practical tasks, people are proving that a good robot platform is limited only by imagination.”
Alternatively, if you wanted to opt for a smart home set-up, check out these 9 things you never knew you could do with smart lights.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
