Xiaomi’s Mi Robot and Roborock series of robot vacuum cleaners are known for their navigation accuracy, which is provided by the top rotating module, LiDAR. However, over time, the mechanism can begin to make extraneous noise, jam or stop building a map of the room, in which cases owners have to think about dismantling the device for cleaning or replacing.
The procedure requires care, because inside the sensor turret there are optics and thin plumes. Improper handling can damage the laser or miscalibrate. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the device is completely turned off, and you have prepared the necessary tool for delicate intervention.
In this guide, we will discuss how to safely remove a laser sensor from a vacuum cleaner without damaging plastic latches and electronic components. You will learn about the typical problems of the module and how to fix them at home.
Diagnosis of Laser Rangefinder Failures
Before disassembling, you need to determine exactly what the fault is. Often users confuse software card failures with a mechanical malfunction of the LiDAR module itself. If the turret is not rotating or produces a characteristic crack, the problem is likely mechanical.
Note the status indicators. On Xiaomi Vacuum Mop and Roborock S5, flashing the laser sensor indicator often indicates a mechanism is stuck, and it is also worth checking whether the hair or animal hair is winding on the rotation axis, which is the most common cause of jamming.
- 🔇 The sensor emits a loud grinding or humming at launch.
- 🔄 The turret does not rotate or rotates in jerks.
- 🗺️ Robot builds an incorrect map or gets lost in a familiar room.
- 📱 Mi Home app shows laser sensor error.
⚠️ Warning: If the robot is working normally, but you want to remove the sensor for prevention, think twice. Excessive interference with the calibrated system can lead to the need for recalibration, which is difficult to perform without special equipment.
Sometimes the problem is not the motor itself, but the contamination of the protective glass. The transparent dome on the top of the turret collects dust, which reduces the scanning efficiency. Simple wiping can solve the problem without the need to completely disassemble the knot.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For a high-quality dismantling, you will need a minimum set of tools, since the design of Xiaomi robots is designed for service, the main tool will be a cross screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the screws inside the case.
It is important to prepare a clean, well-lit workplace. Small screws and plastic latches are easy to lose on the carpet or confuse. It is recommended to use a fastener organizer or magnetic mat.
- 🛠️ Cross screwdriver (usually size) PH1 or PH0).
- 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator for opening latches.
- 🧹 Compressed air or pear for purging optics.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves (recommended for electronics protection).
Remember to completely discharge the battery or, conversely, charge it before starting work, if you plan to test the device right away. However, when disassembling electronics, it is better that the battery is disconnected from the motherboard to avoid short circuit.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removal of the upper cover and access to the module
The first step will be to dismantle the top decorative panel, which hides the laser navigation mechanism, which is held on screws and plastic latches on most Xiaomi and Roborock models, and is usually placed under rubber legs or decorative plugs.
Carefully unscrew the visible screws. If there are no screws, the lid can only hold on the latches around the perimeter of the turret. Use a plastic blade to avoid scratching the glossy plastic. The movements must be progressive, without sharp jerks.
| Model vacuum cleaner | Location of the screws of the cover | Type of attachment | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot 1S | Under the logo | 2 screws + latches | Low. |
| Roborock S5 Max | Hidden under the lid | Latches in circles | Medium |
| Xiaomi Vacuum Mop | In the hull's recess | 4 screws | Low. |
| Roborock S6 | Absent. | Just the latches. | Tall. |
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the sensor block itself, attached to the platform, and the plume that connects the module to the main control board comes up to it, and be very careful at this point to avoid damaging the thin wires.
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Use a plastic card or a mediator to snap the lid. Metal tools can damage the body or close contacts if the robot has not been completely de-energized.
Dismantling of LiDAR laser module
Now that access is open, you can start to retrieve the rangefinder itself. The module is usually attached to three or four screws to the plastic base of the turret. Unscrew them, but don't lose them, as they can be of different lengths in different models.
The key is to turn off the plume. The connector can be secured with an additional plastic bar or a hold, and gently lift the hold with tweezers or a nail, then pull the thickened part of the plume. Never pull the wires themselves, as they easily break away from the contacts.
Once the plume is turned off, the module can be removed, and in some cases it can sit tight because of the sealing gum, and a slight sway from side to side will help to free it without damage.
- 🔌 Disconnect the plume from the main fee (if you need a full rent).
- 🔩 Unscrew the engine mounting screws to the platform.
- 🌀 Remove the module by holding the gears of the rotational mechanism.
- 👀 Check contacts for oxidation or clutter.
⚠️ Warning: Inside the module is a laser emitter. Don't look directly into the lens of the sensor running and avoid dust from inside the lens when disassembling.
Cleaning and maintenance of the machinery
The main cause of the failure is the entry of dust and hair into the bearing of the rotation, and once you disassemble the sensor body (usually it consists of two halves), you will have access to the motor and gears, carefully remove all impurities.
To clean the optics, use a special wipe for the screens or a cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol. The mechanical parts can be blown through with compressed air. If the bearing is dry, you can apply a microscopic amount of silicone lubrication, but avoid oil on the optics.
How do you lubricate gears?
Put the module back together, make sure all the gears are in place and rotate freely, and any snag after assembly will indicate an error in the assembly.
Assembly and performance check
We put the module back in place, we plug the plume into the characteristic snap of the locker, make sure the plume is flat and not pressed by the body, and we'll tighten the screws, but don't pull them over so the plastic doesn't crack.
If you have a top cover, if it's getting up with difficulty, don't push it, make sure the guides are upright. After you build it, turn on the robot and start building the map. The first scan can take longer than usual.
If the sensor is working properly, the robot will start rotating the turret and leaving to explore the perimeter, and if the map is successfully constructed, it will confirm that the actions performed are correct.
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The correct installation of the plume is critical. Undercontact will lead to sensor error, and skewing can damage the tracks when vibrating during operation.
Possible problems after replacement
Sometimes, after replacement or cleaning, new problems arise, and the robot may claim that the sensor is closed, or the card will float, and this may be due to leftover cleaning products on the lens or poor contact.
Check if the angle of tilt has been miscalculated. In rare cases, you need to program reset your map settings through the Mi Home app. Delete the old card and create a new one from scratch.
- 🗑️ Remove saved maps in the app.
- 🔄 Reboot the robot completely.
- 🧹 Wipe the external glass of the sensor again.
- 🔌 Reconnect the plume inside the device.