Choosing an automatic cleaning assistant in 2021 has gone from pampering to a necessity, especially when the market is dominated by Xiaomi and its ecosystem partners. This year, there has been a notable leap in technology: while devices previously roamed the room chaotically, models now feature advanced laser navigation and artificial intelligence systems to recognize obstacles. Consumers have encountered a huge range of models where the differences between models often lie in the nuances of brush design or algorithms for building a room map.
In this article, we will analyze the flagship and budget solutions introduced in 2021 to help you understand the Pro, Plus and Max labels. We will look at how LDS technology works, why suction power is important in Pascals, and whether to overpay for the automatic base cleaning feature. Understanding these differences will avoid buying a device that will get stuck under the couch or smear dirt on the floor.
Note that 2021 was a watershed year for AI-enabled cameras to be introduced into the mid-range, and that even the less expensive models can bypass wires and socks, which was previously the preserve of premium brands like iRobot. Let's look at what characteristics make a particular model a leader in sales and what really matters for efficient cleaning in today's environment.
Evolution of navigation: LDS vs. gyroscope
The main criterion for the choice in 2021 was the navigation system, which directly affects the speed and quality of cleaning. LDS-Laser Distance Sensor uses a laser rangefinder located on the top of the device to scan the room and build an accurate map. This allows the robot to move not chaoticly, but in systematic parallel strips, return to the stop place after charging and effectively remove complex layouts.
In contrast, budget models often use gyroscopic navigation or even random algorithms, which can skip floors or waste time on the same spaces. For apartments with lots of furniture and complex room geometry, a laser module becomes critical to comfortable operation, as only LDS guarantees the construction of a detailed floor map.
In 2021, Xiaomi introduced improved obstacle-avoidance algorithms even in laser models, and now the robot not only maps walls, but also marks areas with potential obstacles, thanks to more frequent sensor surveys and improved software that analyzes data in real time, preventing getting stuck on high-pile doorsteps or carpets.
Top models of 2021: comparison of characteristics
Analyzing the smart tech market of 2021, there are a few key models that set the standard in their price niches: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro+, which received automatic cleaning of a dust container, which was a revolutionary step for the mass segment. This model allows you to forget about cleaning for a few weeks, as the base independently sucks garbage from the robot into a large bag.
For those who are primarily interested in dry cleaning and passability, the Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro is a great choice. It features increased suction power up to 3000 Pa and improved navigation system. At the same time, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential model remained popular due to its affordable price, although it does not have some advanced features, such as in-app map building and virtual walls.
Special attention should be paid to the Roborock S7, which is also part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, and its main feature is the sonic system of vibration washing, which mimics the movements of the hand when wiping the floor, which proved to be more effective than the traditional stretch of a wet rag, especially when removing dried spots, making the device a versatile soldier for any type of coating.
Wet cleaning: myths and reality
Xiaomi’s wet cleaning function has come a long way in evolution: The 2021 models use electronic water control to adjust the intensity of the hydration of the fabric through the app, which is important because different types of flooring (laminate, tile, linoleum) require different amounts of moisture to avoid staining or spoilage.
But the limitations of technology are there, because a robot can't rub the floor with force like a human can, so it's not worth it to remove old stains of coffee or fat without pre-treatment, and the vibratory sink that's been introduced in the top models is a great improvement, but it's designed to keep the floor clean between general cleanings, rather than to clean the heavily contaminated surfaces.
The wet cleaning module has also undergone changes, with automatic carpet lifting models becoming popular in 2021, and the carpet sensor detects the pile coating, and the robot either enhances suction or, in the case of the combined platform-lift models, lifts a wet cloth to keep the carpet from getting wet, which solves one of the main problems of previous generations of devices.
Suction power and filtration system
The suction power measured in Pascals (Pa) reached 2,500-4000 Pa in 2021 for top models. For comparison, devices three years ago had a figure of about 1800 Pa. High power is necessary not only for collecting large debris, but also for effectively cleaning the gaps between floorboards and pulling dust from the depths of the carpet pile.
An important element of the cleaning system is filtration.Most Xiaomi models are equipped with a filter. HEPA-With filters that trap the smallest particles of dust, allergens and pollen in plants, robot vacuum cleaners are a great choice for families with children and people with allergies. Regular replacement of filters and timely cleaning of the main brush ensures the maintenance of the declared suction power throughout the life of the brush.
It is worth noting that maximum suction power is often used in Max or Turbo mode, which is activated automatically when a carpet is detected or at the user's command. In standard Auto mode, the robot balances cleaning efficiency and noise levels, and saves battery power to complete a full cycle of cleaning the entire apartment.
Smart management and integration into the ecosystem
All modern Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are managed through a single application Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home).In 2021, the app’s functionality has expanded to allow users to create complex automation scenarios, such as starting a cleaning immediately after a smart lock informs everyone about leaving the house, or stopping work when the TV is turned on in Movie mode.
Support for voice assistants Aliens, Siri and Google Assistant allows you to control your device voice. You can ask the speaker to start cleaning the kitchen or send the robot to the base without getting the phone. Integration works steadily, but requires the correct setting of accounts and region in the application, which sometimes causes difficulties for inexperienced users.
⚠️ Note: When configuring via the Mi Home app, make sure the region in the app matches the region of the device. If the robot is bought for China and Russia is selected in the app, you will not be able to add the device without changing the region or using special pairing methods.
Map-building features not only allow you to see your trajectory, but also install virtual walls and forbidden areas, especially for protection against falling from stairs (although drop sensors work without a map), or to prevent entry into areas with wires and toys. In 2021, map editing has become more intuitive, allowing you to combine rooms, name them and set cleaning modes for each room separately.
Comparative table of popular models
For ease of choice, we have prepared a summary table of the characteristics of popular models introduced in the market in 2021, note the differences in the type of navigation and the availability of self-cleaning, as these are the total cost of ownership of the device.
| Model | Navigation | Power (Pa) | Tank volume (ml) | Auto-cleaning the base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro+ | LDS + Camera | 3000 | 300 (water)/450 (dust) | There is. |
| Roborock S7 | LDS + Laser | 2500 | 300 | No (optional) |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 | LDS | 2700 | 200 | No. |
| Mi Essential | gyroscope | 2500 | 200 | No. |
| Dreame D9 | LDS | 3000 | 270 | No. |
As you can see from the table, the range of features is significant: Pro+ models offer maximum comfort with a self-cleaning base, while the basic versions with LDS navigation provide quality cleaning at a more affordable price, depending on your budget and your willingness to self-maintain the dust collector after each cleaning.
Maintenance and durability of the device
Regular maintenance is the key to the long life of your robot vacuum cleaner. 2021 In the year since, manufacturers have focused on modularity, making it easier to access the main components: the turbo brush is easily removed to clean the hair from wounds, and the filters can be gently knocked out or washed (depending on the model). Side brushes are also consumables and require replacement approximately once in a while. 3-6 months of active use.
Special attention should be paid to sensors: Fall sensors, laser rangefinder and wheel modules can become contaminated with dust, which leads to errors in navigation, rubbing them with dry soft cloth once a week will help to avoid situations where the robot "lost" in his apartment or begins to spin randomly in place.
⚠️ Warning: Never use wet fabric to wipe the electronic contacts of the charging station and the robot itself. moisture can cause the contacts to short or oxidize, making it impossible to charge the device.
Timely replacement of the equipment, such as HEPA-filters and side brushes, available in official stores and from Xiaomi partners.Using original or certified counterparts ensures that the geometry of parts will meet factory standards, and the robot will not experience increased engine loads.