There could be several reasons why a less than one-year-old Roomba (robot vacuum) might have trouble charging in the dock. Some potential causes include:
Docking station placement: The docking station may not be placed in an easily accessible location for the Roomba to return to. If the robot vacuum has difficulty finding the dock due to obstructions or if the dock is located in a hard-to-reach area, it may struggle to charge properly.
Dirty charging contacts: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the charging contacts of both the Roomba and the docking station. This buildup can interfere with the charging process and prevent the robot vacuum from establishing a solid connection with the dock.
Malfunctioning docking station: There could be a problem with the docking station itself. It might have a faulty power supply or an issue with its internal circuitry, preventing it from providing a stable charge to the Roomba.
Battery issues: If the Roomba's battery is defective or experiencing problems, it may not hold a charge properly or fail to establish a connection with the charging dock.
Software or firmware glitches: Sometimes, software or firmware issues can lead to charging problems. A software bug might prevent the Roomba from recognizing the docking station or properly initiating the charging process.
Mechanical problems: There might be a physical issue with the Roomba itself that prevents it from docking correctly, such as a misaligned or damaged docking sensor.
Low battery protection: Some robot vacuums are designed to avoid docking when their battery level is above a certain threshold. If the Roomba's battery level is above this threshold, it may not return to the dock even when it's nearby.
If you encounter this issue with a less than one-year-old Roomba, you should consider the following steps:
Check the placement of the docking station and ensure it's in a clear and accessible location.
Clean the charging contacts on both the Roomba and the dock to remove any dust or dirt buildup.
Try resetting the Roomba by turning it off and on again, or perform a factory reset if necessary.
Contact the Roomba's manufacturer or customer support for further assistance, especially if the robot vacuum is still under warranty.
Remember that troubleshooting and attempting to fix the problem yourself may void any warranty, so it's often best to seek assistance from the manufacturer or an authorized repair center if the issue persists.