Summary/Reader Response Draft 4

 The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 is an autonomous floor-cleaning robot, designed to vacuum and mop(Eren & Doğan, 2022). The research focused primarily on evaluating its cleaning ability, specifically its cleaning strength and its effectiveness in cleaning hard-to-clean areas. The cleaning strength is determined by three features: the suction mechanism, which creates a vacuum to attract dirt to its dustbin(Asafa et.al, 2018); the pressurised mop, which uses pressure to mop the floor with a cloth eliminating water stains, and the fibre brush which sweeps up dust(Mi, n.d.). The effectiveness of its ability to clean hard-to-clean parts is then determined by the side brushes and its manoeuvrability. The side brush kicks up dirt to direct it into the vacuum area and is evaluated on how well it cleans along edges and tight spaces(Layton, n.d.), while its manoeuvrability is more complex, being assessed by multiple aspects. In a domestic household, robots need to manoeuvre under tables and in confined spaces(Lee, n.d.), thus requiring smaller size, and since there are often low-profile obstacles such as extension cords and rugs, the robot also needs to be able to cross over obstacles(Jenkins, n.d.) Based on the criteria found, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 has efficient cleaning ability but still has some room for improvement in terms of the battery life.

The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 uses a cutting edge Japanese NIDEC brushless motor which has a “suction power of 2700Pa”(N, n.d.). It is designed with a sensor, and an electronic circuit for current switching, offering advantages such as a compact size, high output and prolonged lifespan(N, n.d.). Additionally it can be utilised in various contexts, ranging from personal computers to home appliances(N, n.d.). Moreover, the Mi Robot ensures effective removal of debris, from minute dust particles to large hair and crums in an instant with its effective suction fan blower. The suction mode is also equipped with a 4 speed suction mode along with a large capacity of 550ml dustbin(N, n.d.).

The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 has upgraded pressurised mopping to help remove stains(Mi, n.d.). The pressurising mop mimics the movements of a human cleaner. This function allows the mop to be able to clean spills or stains. In addition, it is able to exert the same pressure as a human cleaner, ensuring thorough removal of dried stains, watermarks, dust and more. It is capable of cleaning an entire 150㎡* home in one pass equipped with a 250mL* smart electronically controlled water tank , the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 can mop a 150㎡ floor without refilling(Mi, n.d.).

The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 has an all-new brush configuration for thorough cleaning even in corners and gaps (N. 2021). The improved full-coverage hexagonal side brushes and super-dense 0.1mm fibre main brush clean deeply into corners and eliminate dust from gaps between floor boards. Located at the front and sides of the robot, the side brushes rotate towards the suction mouth, allowing the vacuum cleaner to absorb the dirt directing towards the suction mouth while manoeuvring along the skirting or cupboard(N. 2021). In general, robots with long side brushes have better cleaning performance along skirting or corners compared to those without side brushes(N. 2021).

However, one disadvantage of the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 is the battery life, it only has a battery capacity of 3200mAh, making the robot last for 110-minute battery life(Emptying. n.d.).  Products like the Roborock Q7 plus cleaner have a battery capacity of 5200mAh giving it 180 minutes run time(Emptying. n.d.). 

In conclusion, despite having a lower battery life,  the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 is still a versatile cleaning robot, excelling in both vacuuming and mopping functions. The evaluations of its suction power as well as pressurised mopping mechanism, and brush configuration allowing it to effectively clean a wide array of areas, including hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, the integration of the brushless motor enhanced its efficiency in removing various forms of debris, from tiny dust particles to larger ones.

References

Asafa, T.B., Afonja, T.M., Olaniyan, E.A., Alade, H.O. (2018). Development of a vacuum 

cleaner robot. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 57(4), 2911-2920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.07.005 

Eren, A & Dogan, H (2022). Design and implementation of a cost effective vacuum cleaner robot. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 6(2), 166-177. Retrieved September 17, 2023, from

 https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1411730

Jenkins, F (n.d.). Practical requirements for a Domestic Vacuum-Cleaning Robot. AAAI 

Technical Report. Retrieved September 17,2023, from

https://cdn.aaai.org/Symposia/Fall/1993/FS-93-03/FS93-03-016.pdf 

Layton, J (n.d.). How robotic vacuums work. How stuff work. Retrieved September 17, 2023,from

http://www.sci.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~mqazhar/teaching/bpc/notes/roomba-howstuffworks.pdf 

Lee. Robot Vacuum Side Brushes. Them Vacuums. Retrieved September 17, 2023, from 

https://themvacuums.com/robot-vacuum-side-brushes-know/ 

Mi. (n.d.). Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2. Retrieved September 17, 2023, from 

https://www.mi.com/global/product/mi-robot-vacuum-mop-2/ 

Corporation., N. (n.d.). Brushless Motors. NIDEC CORPORATION. https://www.nidec.com/en/technology/capability/brushless/ 

Robozone, M. (2023). Midea launches M9 robotic vacuum cleaner, a smart mop for stress-free floor cleaning across all surfaces. PR Newswire: news distribution, targeting and monitoring. https://www.prnewswire.com/ru/press-releases/midea-launches-m9-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-a-smart-mop-for-stress-free-floor-cleaning-across-all-surfaces-301782852.html#:~:text=Pressurized%20Mopping%20Mimics%20the%20Movements%20of%20a%20Human%20Cleaner&text=Combined%20with%20the%20M9’s%20three,back%20to%20its%20original%20texture. 

Nadine. (2021, March 16). Brush attachments for robot vacuums. Brush attachments for robot vacuums - Coolblue - anything for a smile. https://web.archive.org/web/20210619155634/https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/robot-vacuum-brush-attachments.html

Roborock Q7 Series - Simple Cleaning. Simpler Emptying. (n.d.). Roborock Global. Retrieved October 8, 2023, from
https://global.roborock.com/pages/roborock-q7