Today’s vacuum cleaners perform specialized jobs such as cleaning hard floors, vacuuming deep carpets and mopping hard and smooth surfaces. These particular gadgets share a lot of similar features since they operate using smart technology.

It is undoubtedly true that today’s robot cleaners are reliable and they can automatically perform cleaning tasks well. These devices consist of multiple sensors and rollers that enable them to map and clean a specific room in your home. However, robot cleaners still have some minor issues though there is a significant improvement compared to earlier gadgets.

When you want to buy a robot vacuum cleaner, you need to understand that there are many types of robot vacuum cleaners on the market. Therefore, you should know the proper functions of each device. There are common mistakes outlined below that you should avoid when you shop for a vacuum cleaner either online or in store.

Avoid a robotic vacuum cleaner without programmable cleaning time

Robotic vacuum cleaners use smart technology, and they operate without supervision. These devices can also run while you are away. All the same, your house needs regular cleaning whether you are away or around.

It is therefore essential to choose a robotic vacuum cleaner that has a specific function to program its cleaning time. It is possible to schedule your gadget to clean at a particular time of the day and can be programmable for more than a week.

Such a device is very convenient since you do not need to worry yourself about turning it on to start cleaning your work. You can also program it to clean the place when you are away in case your pets and kids are scared of it. You should make sure that you buy a device that you can program to do the work while you are not around. If you are not sure, read Robot Hoover reviews.

A Robot Vacuum Cleaner Does Not Think

No matter what amount of smart technology robot vacuum cleaners use, you need always to remember that these gadgets cannot think like human beings. Indeed, vacuums are smart and can perform intelligent moves like returning to the dock for recharging.  Robot vacuums work unattended, and you do not need to be around to plug the device to a source of power.

Their operations depend on the programs they run on. As such, a robot vacuum cleaner cannot be a permanent substitute of a maid. In one way or the other, human effort is necessary for cleaning the house. You must avoid a mistake of thinking that you can give your robot vacuum cleaner orders like what you can do to your maid. It cannot listen to you; it only performs tasks that you program it to do.

A vacuum cleaner is not perfect

Do not fool yourself to believe that a robot vacuum cleaner is excellent. Its cleaning cycle in a room in known by the manufacturer and it may not be perfect in some places. Some robotic vacuum cleaners are useful for cleaning small places like apartments.

Other vacuum cleaners function well in large rooms. For instance, it is easier for the robot cleaner to correctly clean the passage in your home because it is straightforward. The other mistake you should avoid is to believe that all robot cleaners are similar in all features.

Many people are often swayed by commercial messages in choosing their robotic vacuum cleaners. Each manufacturer emphasises some “unique features” on their product, but the truth is that such features may not be outstanding.

Almost all robot vacuums have sensors that prevent them from falling from steps. When you decide to buy a robot cleaner, look for other special features apart from these common ones. Almost all robot cleaners have a return function to the base station for recharging except for a few models.

You need to focus on the basic factors that make robot cleaners smart. For example, you should try to establish its ability to identify and clean stubborn stains on the floor. The main idea is to get a device that leaves your floor spotless clean even if you do not perform any work.

You should avoid cheaper robotic vacuum cleaners

While your budget determines the kind of robotic cleaner that you will buy, you also need to be careful in choosing a better device. Some cheap models lack some features that make robotic vacuum cleaners smart. For instance, other models of vacuum cleaners have poor navigation functions, and at times they get stuck in wires.

The other issue is that other cheap robotic vacuum cleaners cannot return to the base station for recharging when they run out of power. These devices cease to be smart as suggested by their name since you need to monitor them while they clean your place closely.

Other forms of cheap robotic vacuum cleaners have no side and central brushes. Such devices are not thorough in their cleaning. Other competitive models have low suction power meaning that they cannot do a perfect job in your house.

Some people confuse wet cleaning with washing the floor

Many people often make a mistake of thinking that wet cleaning and floor washing are the same. Floor mopping robots have an option of wet cleaning and suitable for places like the kitchen. A special container drips on the mop, and the robovac sucks then sweep the dirt.

The robovac then wipes the floor at the same time. The microfiber mops can clean the tiniest dust particles on the floor. The process of spraying water on the floor and then wiping it by the robot vacuum is not floor washing. It is known as a simple wiping of the floor. You need to wash the microfiber mop regularly.

Do not think robot cleaners have the same design and construction

Some people believe that all robotic vacuum cleaners have the same structure and composition, but that is not true. The majority of robot cleaners have a plastic dustbin and others release dust into a paper bin found at the charging base.

The sizes of dustbins differ depending on the model of the cleaner. Other models do not have a central cleaning brush, and some have suction provisions on their sides. The suction power of different models of robotic vacuum cleaners also differs significantly.

While most of the robotic vacuums can perform the same functions, most expensive ones are complicated than the others. Their navigation system is complicated, and they carefully build a room map for effective cleaning. Costly devises do not move randomly around the room, and they also use their batteries efficiently.

Avoid ignoring the height and shape of a robotic vacuum cleaner

A robovac’s height is critical since it determines its ability to move under furniture like sofas freely. The thinnest models have a height of about seven to eight centimetres. A robot cleaner needs to leave a gap of about 0,5 cm to make sure that it does not hit furniture with low clearance gap.

The issue of the height of the robotic vacuum cleaner goes along with the aspect of its shape. Many people tend to make a mistake of thinking that a round shaped vacuum cleaner is better than a square shaped one. However, a square-shaped robotic vacuum cleans the corners better than a round one.

The cleaner with a square shape has round corners, therefore, cleans better than the round one. However, the suction power of the robot cleaner and the length of the brushes determine its cleaning power. If you want to make the corners of your home perfectly clean, you better do it yourself with a regular mop.

Likewise, the shape of a robotic vacuum cleaner does not necessarily spell its effectiveness. These devices have their shortfalls, and they are not perfect in their functions. You need to perform the task of manual cleaning of your home regularly to maintain it in a good state.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are reliable, but you should never make a mistake of thinking that they are better than human beings. It is tiresome to clean the floor manually, but you also need to complement the work of the robotic vacuum cleaners.

Choosing a robot vacuum with a UV lamp

A UV lamp is believed to kill bacteria and microorganisms on the floor, but the process takes a very long time. The primary challenge of this device is that it discharges the battery the battery quickly and it may be problematic to operate. It may also be wise to turn off the light to save power.

In other words, a UV lamp is just another additional feature on the robotic vacuum cleaner that however does not make it so special. You need to avoid this mistake when you decide to buy a robot cleaner.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are smart in that they do not need supervision when they perform their cleaning tasks. They share many similar features and also achieve the same functions. However, the vacuum cleaners significantly differ. You need to be careful when buying a robot vacuum to avoid some common mistakes highlighted above. Visit here to find the latest reviews about the best robot vacuum cleaner.

Author Bio: As the Sr. Researcher & Writer for RobotsInMyHome.com, Vicky spends most of her time covering the real-world impact of the latest technologies on consumers’ lives around the world. She writes full-time for a number of leading review and editorial publications around the web.

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Smart technology has become a staple in most homes. Thanks to its ability to automate a variety of everyday household tasks. However its use extends far beyond turning your lights off at night — they can be invaluable if you care for an elderly loved one.

Smart home systems integrate with CCTV systems, motion sensors and alarms, alerting you of emergency situations. Also when people come onto or enter premises. It’s become easier than ever to take care of your loved ones, but how do you choose the right system?

We look at the benefits of installing a smart home system, along with what’s available on the market.

Why Choose a Smart Home System?

Smart home systems have come a long way in recent years. They are now easy to install and even easier to use.  Smart home systems allow you to control your lighting, heating and locks, regardless of where you are. Aside from providing convenience, they also offer safety, with measures in place to alert you of changes in or suspicious activity.

This becomes even more important if you care for an elderly friend or relative. It’s unrealistic to think you will be able to be at the home all the time. Likewise your loved one will want their own independence too.  But should the worst happen, such as a trip or fall, a smart home system could allow the individual to alert a carer or family member. To get the help they need.

Smart home systems are exactly that — smart!

After installation, they intelligently learn routines and can adapt accordingly.  For example supporting the user by turning off lights when they go to sleep or adjusting the heating on cooler nights. Sensors can also be set to trigger a warning to a trusted neighbour, friend or family member should the system detect unusual behaviour, such as inactivity.

Using a Smart Home System with a Personal Assistant

Many smart home systems can now integrate with thousands of appliances and devices, from thermostats to blinds and sound systems.  They can also connect to the personal assistants found on many smartphones, for example; Google Assistant and Siri.

Supporting an elderly relative isn’t just about ensuring their safety; it’s also about enabling them to live as easily and with as much independence as possible. Using a personal assistant device allows users to order products and find information using only their voice.  In addition to assisting them to make life easier, such as by automatically pouring a cup of coffee when they rise out of bed.

There are a number of personal assistant devices available, but the most popular are:

• Apple HomeKit
• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa
• Apple HomeKit

Apple Homekit allows you to customise the environment for the elderly, without them needing to travel from room to room. With the touch of a button, users can control lights, temperature and windows.  This makes it particularly suited to users with mobility-limiting conditions.

HomeKit comes with the added comfort blanket of home CCTV, allowing you to monitor your loved one’s movements in real time. It also connects seamlessly to Apple’s wide range of products. This allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to change the environment and monitor settings, without having to physically be there. Apple’s HomeKit also comes with Siri, its voice-activated assistant, however it does take some time to get used too working with Siri.

Google Home

Google Home is Google’s entry in the smart home market. Again featuring voice-activated technology, Google also draws on its huge store of data to make personalised recommendations. If you shop for your loved one online, you can create a shopping list, which can be ordered with a simple voice command. This allows your elderly relative to exercise their own independence in a way that’s easy and convenient.

Amazon’s Alexa

Alexa is the third big name in virtual assistants. As you’d expect, Alexa makes ordering items from Amazon a breeze, but it’s not the only thing it can do. With a simple voice command, Alexa can make voice and video calls, which can benefit elderly users with limited mobility or who simply get tired easily. 

Safety doesn’t just mean protecting a home from unexpected guests or looking out for suspicious activity — our home appliances can also pose a significant risk. With the right technology set up, personal assistants can interact with ovens and other kitchen appliances. If you’re ever concerned a loved one might have forgotten to turn off the cooker, you can do it for them. Likewise, if you’re worried a loved one might need to venture outside at night to turn off an outdoor light or sprinkler, you, or they, can do so quickly, easily and without any risk.

Smart Home Systems Designed Specifically for the Elderly

Smart home technology has grown massively in recent years. As systems become more sophisticated, system designers and engineers are finding new and innovative ways to provide a tailored service to customers. Based on this idea, more and more smart home system providers are offering installation of systems designed specifically for elderly residents. Wireless sensors can be placed around the home, which then learn a user’s behaviour by analysing patterns and speed of movement. They can also monitor pauses in activity.

After monitoring the user for two weeks and collecting data, it can then identify unusual behaviour, such as not getting out of bed, skipping meals or prolonged periods of inactivity. Some systems also have an awareness of time and can detect deterioration in how long an activity takes. If the system detects something unusual, it will send an alert to an elected caretaker or family member.

CCTV and Sensors

Smart home systems don’t always come with home CCTV as standard, meaning, while you can control the environment and be alerted to any danger, you won’t be able to physically see what’s happening. If this is a concern, you have two options: install a separate CCTV system or find a provider who can design and install a smart home system to suit your loved one’s needs.

Most CCTV systems can be fully controlled from a smartphone or tablet using a downloadable app. These smart systems go beyond simply monitoring the home, like traditional, poor-quality CCTV systems. The latest cameras deliver high-definition video and work with window and door sensors, which can be set up to send alerts, trigger alarms or turn on lights. These devices can also pick up changes in motion and temperature and may feature a built-in speaker, allowing your elderly relative to communicate with you easily. Like any traditional alarm, sensors can also be configured to ignore certain areas of the home, for example, if there are any pets.

Respecting the Elderly’s Right to and Desire of Privacy

There’s no doubt that smart home systems are capable of saving lives, especially when used to safeguard the elderly. However, there’s a delicate balance that needs to be achieved between safely monitoring the person you care about and invading their privacy. With CCTV on 24/7 and sensors monitoring an individual’s every move, it can be easy for them to gradually feel like a prisoner in their own home. So as a person with a loved one’s wellbeing in mind, how can you ensure you don’t throw that balance?

Limit the extent of surveillance

You don’t need a camera in every room to safely monitor someone at risk of a trip, fall or other accident. Instead, consider a camera in the front hallway or outside the front door to protect vulnerable individuals from potential issues such as theft and burglary and to safeguard against unauthorised access.

Provide opportunities for independence

As we get older, we all understand that we won’t be able to move as well as we used to and that certain tasks will become more difficult. This is especially true if we develop a mobility condition that affects freedom of movement. Understandably, it can be disheartening. A smart home system can be a huge assist, but it’s important that an elderly individual doesn’t feel that smart technology is hindering them by taking away the opportunity to do certain things themselves. Of course, just because technology exists and is installed, doesn’t mean that a person needs to use it. However, if lights are going off automatically or heating is being adjusted based on a routine that the hardware has learned, it could make individuals feel that they’ve lost the option of doing it themselves. Support your loved one to work with the technology, not against it. Adjust the settings where possible — or have a bespoke home system designed based on certain needs and requirements — to provide the maximum amount of independence.

Communicate the benefits of smart home systems

Ultimately, smart home systems are here to help us. They’ve already transformed many lives, but that doesn’t stop people from being uncertain about the technology. If smart technology is installed in a home to give you peace of mind and keep another person safe while you’re not there, you should communicate this for a variety of reasons.

If there’s a chance your loved one might feel like you’re keeping them under constant surveillance, they may start to resent the technology. It’s important that you carefully explain why this technology exists and, more specifically, why it exists in their home. It’s for their safety and benefit.

You should also show your loved one how to interact and use this technology. Allowing them to get answers to queries, turn off lights and order shopping all with the press of a button.  The use of their voice can be empowering for elderly individuals.  

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Haier, the world leading home appliance brands, has launched an exciting range of products all designed with a smart purpose. Each product also features an intuitive touch screen, no more knobs or confusing buttons.

Link Cook Series: Connected Fridges
These smart fridges identify contents, tracking food expiry date, nutritional value and even suggesting recipes based on what you have.

This is a great idea, not only will it prevent waste but also promote healthy eating. No more forgetting about the vegetables in the bottom draw!

However when is a fridge not a fridge? When it’s a Link Cook Series – this fridge interface even tells you the weather forecast lets you check Facebook and emails.

Haier Duo Dry – Smart Laundry

Haier Duo Dry – Smart Laundry

Let’s be honest, not one enjoys doing washing so any way to make it smarter the better.

Haier claim they have done exactly that “revolutionising the way people do their laundry”.

The Haier Duo is a double machine with Wi-Fi that allows monitoring and controlling via an app.

It has a super smart interface that is even integrated into Amazon Dash so can reorder washing powder when you are out!

As always with Haier a lot of thought has gone into the interface design, so much so it has won an award from Red Dot Design.

Haier U+
All these smart appliances are integrated into the Haier U+ Smart Home Platform. This allows each machine to talk to each other – for example:

Smart fridge detects you have food for a roast, it tells the oven to program for the recipe. The cooker also has a screen that then displays the recipe.

All these announcements were made at IFA Berlin in September, as yet no UK release dates.

Smart Home appliances are an area we see extensive growth in over the next 12 months as each manufacture release their latest developments.

Don’t forget to follow us for the latest information and reviews of smart home tech.

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