Understanding height and clearance specs - one of the most overlooked factors.
One of the most overlooked specs - and one that matters daily. If your robot can't fit under your furniture or climb over thresholds, you're stuck manually cleaning those areas.
Measure before you buy. Grab a tape measure and check the clearance under your couch, bed, and other furniture.
These squeeze under furniture that standard robots can't reach. May use camera-based navigation or have a LiDAR turret that retracts.
Best for: Homes with lots of low furniture (platform beds, Ikea sofas, and modern minimalist pieces often sit at 3-4" clearance)
Most common. LiDAR turrets add to height but provide solid navigation benefits.
Best for: Most homes. If your furniture is at typical heights, this works fine.
Usually due to advanced features or larger dustbins. Limited under-furniture access.
Note: Check your furniture clearance carefully if considering these models.
How well a robot climbs over door saddles, rug edges, and floor transitions.
Most robots. Handles typical door thresholds and transitions between hard floor and carpet.
Found on some mid-tier to premium models. Can climb over slightly taller thresholds and thick rug edges.
Found on newer premium models. Can climb over much taller and multi-step thresholds.
Don't guess. Here's what actually happens when clearances don't work:
Five minutes with a tape measure saves you from buying the wrong model.
