Yes, many modern robotic vacuum cleaners, including Roombas and other popular brands, are equipped with sensors and technology that enable them to avoid falling down stairs or other steep drops. These safety features are crucial to prevent the robotic vacuum from getting damaged or causing accidents in your home.
Typically, robotic vacuum cleaners have one or more of the following sensors to detect cliffs or drops:
Infrared Sensors: These sensors can detect changes in floor height, allowing the robotic vacuum to sense the edge of stairs or any other significant drop-off.
Cliff Sensors: Some robotic vacuums have dedicated cliff sensors that use infrared or other technologies to identify drops and prevent the vacuum from tumbling down stairs.
Drop Sensors: These sensors work similarly to cliff sensors and are strategically placed on the bottom of the robot. They are constantly scanning the surface beneath the vacuum and can recognize sudden changes in height.
When the robotic vacuum encounters a drop or stairs, it will either slow down, change direction, or stop altogether to avoid the potential hazard. This prevents the robot from accidentally falling and causing damage to itself or any objects or furniture nearby.
Despite these safety features, it's always a good idea to supervise your robotic vacuum, especially during its initial runs, to ensure it navigates your home successfully and to intervene if needed. Also, remember to keep the area around stairs clear of any objects that could potentially obstruct the vacuum's sensors and cause it to misjudge a drop.