Robot vacuums are a popular way to keep your house clean with minimal effort, but top models can set you back up to $1,000. Wyze, which has made a name for itself with affordable home security cameras and fitness bands, is now stepping into robo vacs with the $199 Wyze Robot Vacuum, available for pre-order now.
The device incorporates LiDAR (light, detection, and ranging), a surveying technology that has been key in developing products such as autonomous vehicles. LiDAR measures distance with laser lights, then produces high-resolution 3D digital images that help systems map out areas, identify objects, and avoid collisions.
Using this tech, the Wyze Robot Vacuum lets you set up virtual walls, or areas to avoid. An “area sweeps” feature supports schedule cleaning for specific rooms on certain days. You can also determine optimal cleaning routes and do vacuum-location tracking. Wyze says the robo vac can handle heights of up to 0.8 inches and should last for about 2 hours before needing a charge.
Wyze plans to introduce Alexa compatibility in the first half of 2021, as well as spot cleaning, which will let you send your robot vacuum to a specific spot in the house.
The Wyze Robot Vacuum is available for pre-order now for $199.99.
