Problems with your robot vacuum cleaner's sensors can result in the vacuum failing to navigate around obstacles or behave erratically when turned on.
This can cause your robot vacuum cleaner to miss areas when cleaning, and can also potentially result in damage to the unit or other items in your home if it fails to detect obstacles such as stairs or breakable items.
If your robot vacuum cleaner's sensors are not working correctly, follow the suggestions below to attempt to correct the issue.
My Robot Vacuum Cleaner Is Not Moving Normally
If your robot vacuum cleaner is working but is moving erratically, missing areas when cleaning, or failing to navigate around obstacles, follow the suggestions below.
- Wipe the sensor windows clean with a soft, dry cloth.
- Carefully inspect the sensor windows for scratches or any other signs of damage.
- Check that the wheels are not damaged or obstructed. Make sure that the wheels can turn freely. If the wheels are held on with screws check that the screws are tight.
- Check that the brushes are clean and in good condition. If the brushes have become misshapen from use, they should be replaced.
- Make sure the area is well-lit. The sensors will not work well in a dark area.
- Robot vacuum cleaners are often not intended for use on dark-colored or highly reflective surfaces, or on thick carpets and rugs. Depending on your model of robot vacuum, the sensors might not detect these surfaces correctly. You may need to use a conventional vacuum cleaner to clean these areas.
- Check that all packaging has been removed from the unit before use. Some robot vacuum cleaners are packaged with foam inserts that should be removed.
- If your robot vacuum cleaner is a SmarterHome device, check for firmware updates through the SmarterHome app.
My Robot Vacuum Cleaner Is Getting Stuck On Objects
Your robot vacuum cleaner should be able to identify and navigate around most obstacles in your home.
However, it may not be able to detect or avoid some objects.
Most commonly, objects that robot vacuum cleaners may become caught on include:
- Power cords
- Dense rugs and carpets
- Curtains
- Chairs, tables, and other furniture
- Other small or flat items
If your robot vacuum cleaner is not able to navigate around such obstacles, clear them from your floor before cleaning.
Some robot vacuum cleaners include a virtual wall function, which can be used to keep the unit away from specific areas.
For information about whether this is possible for your particular unit, refer to your user manual.
Alternatively, try setting up a physical barrier to keep the robot vacuum cleaner away from areas where it often becomes stuck.
My Robot Vacuum Cleaner Fell Down The Stairs
Your robot vacuum cleaner should be able to detect the edge of stairs and navigate away.
However, if the surface at the top of the stairs is smooth or highly reflective, the sensors may not detect the edge correctly.
If your robot vacuum cleaner is not able to identify stairs, set up a physical barrier at the top of the staircase to ensure that the robot vacuum cleaner is able to detect the stairs and navigate away.
My Robot Vacuum Cleaner Is Not Returning To The Charging Dock
If your vacuum cleaner fails to return to the charging dock after use, this can often be resolved by manually returning it to the charging dock and allowing it to charge as normal.
However, if you are finding that the unit is consistently failing to return to the charging dock, there may be an issue with your setup.
Try relocating your charging dock following the recommendations below:
- Make sure that the charging dock has at least 0.5 metres of clear space on either side and at least 1.5 of clear space in front.
- Avoid setting the charging dock up near furniture, walls, or any other obstructions.
- If your house is large, set up the charging dock in a central location so that the robot vacuum cleaner can detect it from anywhere in your home.
Also, check that the charging dock is clean and undamaged.
- Wipe the charging dock clean with a dry cloth.
- Inspect the charging dock and cable for any signs of damage.
- Check that the power LED is illuminated when the charging dock is plugged in.
If you are still experiencing issues with your unit after following the above suggestions, please contact our Customer Care Team for further assistance. Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself.