With the growth in the research and technology of robots, applications, and news possibilities are emerging from time to time. Robotic vacuum cleaners are no exception in this area because it has dramatically simplified and automated our lives. The tedious work of cleaning homes done by hums in the past is now easily done by these machines. Basically, the robot vacuum cleaner algorithm allows it to work or function the way it does.
In this article, we will focus mainly on the path planning algorithm of robot vacuum cleaners, and the various types that come under this. We are sure that this information will not only increase your knowledge about these cleaners but also help you buy the best one for your home.
Different Robot Vacuum Cleaner Algorithms
The robot vacuum cleaner algorithm is basically useful in deciding where and how it will move in an environment. It dictates the location of the machine with the help of a map. We can call it path planning in other words, but the background is that the machine is working on instructions fed in it with the help of algorithms.
There are different algorithms used in the robot vacuum cleaners that help them do the task of cleaning. Each different one has different guidelines to work in a different environment in its own way. Let us learn about the most popular ones in the section below:
Random Walk Based
This is the most common robot vacuum cleaner algorithm that is simplest in terms of its hardware and computational power. Although it has the ability to run as long as the power supply is available. However, research has shown that the cleaning results are not as good as those of other types of algorithms.
Also, there are problems that cause it less useful for cleaning purposes. First, they move randomly, so they can get stuck into places and get broken, or maybe stop for some time. Also, due to sudden collisions, it may get stuck in places where it is hard to take them out.
A new version of such an algorithm comes with sensors that allow it to move right or left when there is something in front of it. This makes such robot vacuum cleaners a bit easy to use.
Spiral Algorithm
This is the type of algorithm that has the function of moving in spiral turns. It works by assessing the surroundings. If the sensors assess that there is enough space around, then they start to make the spirals. Otherwise, they keep on running on almost the same path as the random walking algorithm robotic vacuum cleaners.
This robot vacuum cleaner algorithm comes with two wheels that are reprogrammed to make spirals through their spinning function. The process starts gradually from the one side of the wheel and then the whole wheel starts to spin around and make the spiral motion. The algorithm asses the objects on the floor goes straight to that object starts making a spiral and takes them inside. This is how the cleaning is done with this type of robot vacuums containing the spiral algorithm.
Snaking Algorithm
Another type of robot vacuum cleaner algorithm is snaking or sometimes called, the wall-flow algorithm. This surely has a snake-like movement. So, you can expect that it will move a lot and rotate at the same time. The experts recommend that this type of algorithm must be used by people who have small spaces and do not need much cleaning on daily basis.
This is actually a combination of snaking and walking algorithms. The snaking algorithm is useful in covering the whole space while the walking one will cover the length of the room. Thus, it is known to be the one that is more useful than using the walking or snaking algorithm alone. If you want to buy one of these two, try to opt for the one that has both functions. You will be able to enjoy two different functions in one machine and at the same price range.
There is follow path option in it that allows the machine to track down the space around it. It works around the edges of the obstacles because the machines detect them in advance and know what is coming in front of it at an advanced stage.
Genetic Algorithm
This is probably one of the most modern types of algorithm ever made for robot vacuum cleaners. This works on the trajectory of the cleaner and the length as well. It minimizes the length of one round and makes the trajectory in a way that the cleaner does not repeat itself at the same place. This is how this robot vacuum cleaner algorithm is smooth and even cleaning of the whole space where you leave it.
It contains three different types of sensors and two big cells that match the size of the robot vacuum cleaner machine itself. These sensors will record the visited places, the unvisited places, and the obstacles as well. During the trajectory of the machine, the cells record each and every move and path that it goes through, and somehow prevent it from repeating that same place.
This is how the algorithm is assumed to work, but the actual scenario could be found only when you personally use it. There are not many buyers of the cleaner with such an algorithm right now, so maybe inf the future, we will be able to find out how well it works.
Path Transformer Algorithm
This one is useful for the known environment. Once you feed the instructions in it, it will follow the exact same one throughout its life. However, the best thing about such a robot vacuum cleaner algorithm is that the path is very strictly and perfectly followed. So, if the area is clear and easy to navigate through, this algorithm will work perfectly for you.
It is recommended by the experts that it should be used more for the open spaces where the obstacles are not many. Even if there are obstacles, the algorithm is tough enough to move through edges, and without touching or striking into them.
It starts from the goal point, moves in a circular motion while making continuous patterns along the path, and then reaches the final point. It has the ability to also follow the shape or edges of the obstacles to prevent the collision between them. It is, therefore, an accurate roto vacuum cleaner algorithm which is so far the most useful one for the people who are using this product at home. Keep in mind that the price might be higher than the other ones, but the utility is as much as you can expect from a machine.
Conclusion
The robot vacuum cleaner algorithm is the heart and soul of this machine. If you are successful in buying a robotic vacuum cleaner that has the correct algorithm according to your needs, you are blessed. You will see how it transforms your life and daily working routine at home. This is why we recommend that before purchasing such an expensive machine, make sure you learn about it properly. This will help you buy the most appropriate model, version, and specifications for your needs and requirements.