The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 is an autonomous floor-cleaning robot, designed to vacuum and mop(Eren & Doğan, 2022). This essay will evaluate its cleaning ability, looking at its cleaning strength and its effectiveness in cleaning hard-to-clean areas. The cleaning strength is determined by two main features: the suction mechanism, which creates a vacuum to attract dirt to its dustbin(Asafa et.al, 2018); and the pressurised mop, which uses a cloth to wipe the floor. The effectiveness of its ability to clean hard-to-clean areas is then determined by the side brushes and manoeuvrability. The side brush kicks up dirt to direct it into the vacuum area and is evaluated on how well it cleans along edges and tight spaces(Layton, n.d.), while its manoeuvrability is evaluated upon its size and shape since in a domestic household, robots need to manoeuvre in complicated spaces(Lee, n.d.). Based upon these criteria, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 generally shows a good cleaning ability, with its strong vacuum, ideal shape and size, and innovative side brush technology, only being limited in its mopping mechanisms.
The vacuum showcases a strong suction vacuum. vacuum ability, using an electric motor to create a partial vacuum, suctioning up dirt (Asafa et.al, 2018). The power of this vacuum is measured through suction power, where high suction power equates to better cleaning results(Broendum, n.d.). The Mi Robot Vacuum-mop2 has a suction power of 2700Pa(Mi, n.d.), and as reported by Neakasa(2023), “most vacuums have suction power between 1000 Pa and 2000 Pa”, suggesting that the Mi robot’s suction ability is 80 percent above average. Not only is the suction ability above average, it also outperforms its predecessor which only has a suction power of 2500Pa(Mi, n.d.). It can be seen that the vacuum mechanisms in the Mi robot have robust cleaning capabilities.
To support its strong cleaning ability, the Mi robot is also able to reach and clean hard to reach areas. This is done by its ideal size and shape. Bass, who tested the robot, notes that the robot should not have issues going under hard-to-reach areas under furniture (2022). In addition, as argued by Eren and Doğan(2022), “circular-shaped robots have the least probability of getting stuck”, reducing the need for human intervention. The “circular vacuum cleaners also have a lower risk of causing damage to any object they collide into due to their soft round edges”. All of this then suggests that the circular shape of the Mi robot is ideal in navigating to all areas of the domestic household, allowing it to clean hard to reach areas. Thus, the size and shape choice of the Mi Robot allows it to clean hard to reach areas.
Despite its benefits, a circular shape still has flaws, where it is unable to clean corners (Eren & Doğan, 2022). To combat this issue, the Mi robot has a side brush, which as explained earlier, can “clean along edges and tight spaces”(Lee, n.d.). This model uses a hex-side brush, setting it apart from its competitors. It features 6 bristle arms, improving its coverage, and making it less likely to miss any dust(Mi, n.d.). In comparison, most other models on the market have brushes with only 1-3 sides. For example, the similarly priced Deebot N10 and Roomba combo i5, have brushes with only 3 sides, suggesting the Mi robot’s superiority in this regard. Therefore it’s innovative side brush technology allows the robot to further excel in cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
However, the mopping technology has serious drawbacks, relying on only two pressurised points to press a cloth against the floor. The drawbacks are evident in reviews, with Tan describing the mopping as “merely gliding across the floor”(2022), and Bass similarly pointing out that the robot only wipes the floor, lacking the “mechanised or vibrating system…to simulate the ‘mopping’ action”(2022). In contrast, Roborock, a competitor in the robot-mop vacuum industry, employs a “VibraRise mopping system” that uses sonic vibration technology to allow the mop to scrub up to 3000 times per minute(Roborock, n.d.), which is significantly more effective than the Mi robot which essentially only scrubs once. These then suggest room for improvement in the mopping technology. While this is a significant drawback, the robot vacuum was first introduced only in 1996(Thamtu, 2021), and many of these new technologies have yet to have the time to be fully optimised. Therefore, major flaws are common and to be expected in current commercial robot vacuums.
The investigation of the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2’s exceptional suction power, alongside its ideal shape and size, and innovative hex side brush, allows it to clean well and reach hard-to-reach areas, only being limited by its mopping ability. Overall it is an efficient choice for household cleaning, though its mopping could be improved upon in future iterations.
References
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