How to understand what generation robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

When buying Xiaomi smart appliances, users often face confusion about model names. On store shelves and marketplaces, you can find devices with similar designs but radically different functionality and year of release. This is due to the fact that Xiaomi produces many sub-brands, such as Roborock, Dreame, Viomi and 360, each with its own lineup of generations. Understanding which generation a particular vacuum cleaner belongs to is critical to assessing its navigation capabilities, cleaning type and compatibility with the Mi Home application.

Generation definition affects not only price but also longevity. Older first-generation models often lack wet cleaning or use chaotic navigation methods, while modern counterparts build a map of the room with laser accuracy. In this article, we will examine in detail the main differences between generations, learn how to read the labeling on the case and understand why knowing these nuances will save you from buying an outdated gadget. The key to the generation is not the name of the model, but the type of navigation sensors and the firmware version sewn in the device.

The main differences between generations of navigation and cleaning

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner evolution has been divided into several key stages, each marked by the introduction of new spatial orientation technologies. The first devices relied on gyroscopes and accelerometers, often leading to floor skipping or re-entry. Modern models use lidars (LDS) or cameras (VSLAM) to build an accurate map of a room in real time.

It's important to distinguish between generational navigation and type of cleaning, and if early models could only sweep, then the second generation was actively implementing vibration platforms for floorwashing, and the navigation system became the main aggregator, where chaotic traffic was replaced by sectoral route construction, and this enabled the zoning and no-go functions that became the standard for third and fourth generation devices.

• 🤖 First generation: chaotic movement, no map, only dry cleaning, control of the IR remote.
• 🗺️ Second generation: the appearance of gyroscopes, building a virtual route, basic wet wipe, control over Wi-Fi.
• 📡 Third Generation: Implementation LDS-Lidar (rotating tower sensor), accurate mapping, room division.
• 🧠 Fourth generation: AI-object-recognition, 3D-maps, automatic garbage disposal, mop self-cleaning.

⚠️ Note: Models without lidar (LDS), even 2023-2026 In the years, they often belong to the simplified "budget" generation and do not know how to build a map of the room, working on the principle of "repulsion from the walls".

Understanding these differences helps avoid a situation where users expect a low-cost device to be a flagship. For example, the Roborock S5 series is still relevant due to the presence of lidar, while many new models without a laser rangefinder can lose to them in the efficiency of cleaning complex rooms.

How to read the marking on the case and in the application

The most reliable way to know the generation of the device is to learn the technical markings. There's always a label on the bottom of every Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner. That's where the model number is, which tells you more about the device than the beautiful marketing name on the box. Usually, the code looks like a combination of letters and numbers, like SDJ02ZM or Vacuum-Mop-2-Pro.

You can also find all the information you need in the Mi Home app, and when you plug in, go to the robot settings, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select About. It will show the exact model and version of firmware. If you know the model, you can check the table below to determine the year of release and the generation.

Pay attention to the letters at the end of the model code. Often they indicate the delivery region. For example, models for the Chinese market (CN Version) may have different Wi-Fi frequencies or server requirements, but technically belong to the same generation as the global versions. For accurate identification, use the full code of 10-12 characters.

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If the sticker on the case is erased or missing, connect the robot to Wi-Fi and see MAC-The device's address on the router. The first three character pairs (OUI) Often point to the chip manufacturer, which can indirectly confirm the generation of the device.

Visual signs: design and sensors

The appearance of a robot vacuum cleaner can tell us a lot about its age. Xiaomi engineers rarely change the design dramatically, but key elements are evolving (3-4 generation: the presence of a characteristic cylindrical protrusion on the top cover. LDS-lidar that rotates while working, scanning the room with a laser.

If there's nothing on the top, and it's perfectly smooth, or it has only a slight bump with a camera, you're either a very old model or a budget device with gyroscopic navigation. VSLAM cameras are usually centered or closer to the front bumper and look like black round eyes. First-generation devices were often much higher in profile and had large mechanical buttons on the top.

Also note the wheels and side brush. In older models, the wheels were smaller in diameter, making it difficult to overcome porrogrogov above 1.5 cm. Modern 4th generation robots are equipped with wheels with a deep tread and increased suspension stroke. The side brush in new models is often shaped like petals to better sweep debris from corners.

• 📐 The presence of a "tower" on the lid is almost 100% guarantee of lidar (3rd generation and above).
• 👁️ Camera on the body (not in the bumper) indicates the use of technology VSLAM (frequently 2-3 generation).
• 🔘 Mechanical buttons vs. touch buttons: Old models had physical buttons, new ones had touch panels or hidden indicators.
• 🔋 Container sizes: in older models it is smaller (0.42 liters), in newer models it is often increased to 0.64 liters and combined with a water tank.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse the collision sensor (soft bumper in the front) with height sensors. In older models, the height sensors (to avoid falling off the stairs) were less sensitive and could have characteristic black windows around the perimeter of the bumper.

Program Functions as a Generation Indicator

Software is the brain of a robot, and that's what dictates the capabilities of the device. The vacuum cleaner generation dictates directly what features will be available in the Mi Home app. The first generation of devices only supported basic start-up and return to base. With the advent of the second generation, virtual maps, albeit primitive ones, appeared in the application.

A key feature separating old models from new ones is the ability to save multiple maps. If your robot can remember multiple floor layouts (Multi-floor mapping), it is definitely a device no older than the 3rd generation. Also important marker is support for voice assistants and integration into smart home scenarios with complex logic (for example, "turn on if the humidity is above 60%").

Check the functionality in Mi Home:


1. Open the device card.




2. Press the settings (three dots).




3.Look for the items: "Map", "Zoning", "Virtual walls".




If these items are not available, the 1st generation device or the budget version without mapping.

Another feature is support for updates: manufacturers usually stop releasing major firmware updates for devices older than 3-4 years, and if the model description on the site indicates that it received support for a new communication protocol or mapping algorithms last year, then the hardware inside is quite modern.

Comparison of productivity and autonomy

With each generation, not only did the “intelligent” increase, but the physical endurance of robots grew. Batteries evolved from simple Li-Ion cells of medium capacity to complex assemblies with a smart charge management system (BMS), while the first models lasted about 60-90 minutes, modern flagships are able to remove up to 300 minutes without recharging.

Suction power is another critical parameter, measured in Pascals, it grew exponentially. Old models gave us a little bit of a suction power. 1800 Pa, which was good for smooth floors, but not good for carpets. 3-4 Generations are already being offered 2500-4000 Pa and higher, which allows them to clean the villous coatings and the deep dust efficiently.

It's important to consider the type of filtration, because early generations used simple mesh filters that were quickly clogged with fine dust, and from the second to third generation, the standard was HEPA filter, which traps microparticles and allergens, which is especially important for families with children or pets.

• ⏱️ Operating time: 1st generation (60 min) vs 4th generation (180)+ mine).
• 💨 Suction strength: increase from 1800 Pa to 4000+ Pa allows you to remove the hair of animals.
• 🔇 Noise level: new models are quieter thanks to improved aerodynamics and noise insulation of the engine-block.
• 🔋 Battery type: the transition to high density cells allowed to reduce the weight of the device with capacity growth.

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When choosing between a used model of the 3rd generation and a new budget model of the 2nd generation, it is often more profitable to take the older, but used version due to the presence of lidar and a room map.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

To sum up, defining Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner generation is a skill that can save money and nerves. By analyzing the look, labeling and functionality of the app, you can easily distinguish a morally outdated model from a modern assistant. Remember that even within one brand, technology is advancing rapidly, and a difference of one year of release can mean a fundamentally new level of comfort.