06 May
Blog

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum: Prioritizes Security Over Cleaning

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum on hard wood

Trifo robot vacuum cleaner

"The Trifo Lucy can keep an eye on your home, but it may not do a good job cleaning it."

  • Useful surveillance camera function

  • Good at avoiding most obstacles and clutter

  • Terrible mopping implementation

  • Not efficient at cleaning

  • Jerky navigation in tight spaces / edges

Trifo's Lucy robotic vacuum first caught my interest during CES 2020 and was one of the first robotic vacuums ready to take the category in a new direction. What sets it apart from the crowded field is its ability to see its surroundings with an embedded camera right in front of the bot – with the promise of avoiding trippy wires, challenging furniture corners, and the dreaded droppings on the floor.

In addition to avoiding obstacles, the camera is designed to provide peace and quiet when you are not there as it doubles as a surveillance camera. Hence, it will pay attention to your every move and notify you if something is wrong. While we've seen other interpretations over the past year, I'm curious to see if it offers a more practical solution. However, it doesn't matter if it can't be cleaned well.

An example of the superiority of lidar

Read the specifications of the Trifo LucyIt seems like a promising bot that does double duty as a cleaning lady and babysitter. While Artificial Intelligence (AI), 1080p HDR video, Alexa integration, night vision, and 3D obstacle avoidance have a lot of technical jargon in them, I can't help but mention that all of these technologies don't distract my attention from the fact that this is it is not as efficient at cleaning.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum on hardwoodJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Sure, moving my hardwood floors up and down in open spaces isn't a problem, but tight spaces and narrow hallways are a challenge despite all the technology on board. The most obvious thing is that it does not use a lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor which is used by many medium to long range robotic vacuum cleaners these days. Instead, the Trifo Lucy's navigation depends on a combination of the front-facing 1080p camera, the cliff sensors below, and the depth sensors.

The performance is a clear example of why lidar-based vacuums are so effective. While it does a good job of avoiding clutter, including loading cables on the floor that still plague many bots, it's puzzling to see jerky movements when trying to hug walls to get in a straight line clean. To make matters worse, this is a tight-knit navigational battle – it just moves in random directions. However, it avoided the false poop I put on the floor. At least you know it is smart enough to avoid it!

Maintenance is a must

The cleaning performance is average at best. It's nowhere near the most efficient or proficient at vacuuming. First, it is not so good with carpets, despite the suction force of 3,000 Pa. This is mainly due to the bristle brush on the underside, which catches tufts of hair in the process. While superficial debris is picked up, carpets never feel that deeply clean. Meanwhile, the side sweeping brush also suffers from tangled hair – frequent grooming is required to keep it in tip-top shape.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum floorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Fortunately, it works better on hard floors because the side sweeping brush doesn't turn too fast – so dirt and debris aren't flung in all directions when sweeping. Surprisingly, the Trifo Lucy's wheels can easily handle bumps and partitions, but I still had to rescue them so they wouldn't get stuck under a bedside table.

With the Trifo app, I appreciate the way a map of my apartment is displayed along with icons that indicate obstacles it encountered while cleaning. However, I would have loved to see an accompanying photo of these obstacles – similar to the Roborock S6 MaxV. Finally, it took Lucy three separate cleaning sessions to create a correct map layout of my apartment that could later be used to set up restricted areas that act as a virtual barrier.

All in all, it's an average performer who may take a few passes before you can be sure it's clean.

Don't worry about wiping

Yes, there is a wipe function on the Trifo Lucy, but it's a ridiculous implementation. This is due to the small water compartment and the disposable pads that you have to use. Because of the holder for the pads, it never seems like the pad is touching the floor when wiping. In addition, there is no way to adjust the water flow on the pad. Rather, it is simply based on gravity.

Security guard when you are not home

If there is any salvation grace for the Trifo Lucy, it has to be its safety function. This is basic for sure, especially considering that the camera detects all movement – regardless of what it is – and doesn't classify it in the app.

The cleaning performance is average at best.

Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaners, you need to be more careful with the placement of the charging station. This is because it can sense movement while it is charging in the base, even in the dark as it has night vision. If you have placed the base so that the robot can see the front door, it can therefore detect anyone who comes in.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

You can view all recordings through the app. What is missing, however, is two-factor authentication to really reassure home privacy. I hope this will be available in the future. Another missing feature I'd like to see is an option for some sort of patrol mode where the Trifo Lucy can patrol a given path. It's a decent secondary feature that's actually handy, but it's still difficult to overlook the other shortcomings.

Our opinion

I had high expectations for $ 500 Trifo Lucy. In the year since it was introduced at CES 2020, we've seen several other robotic vacuums showing us the next evolution in robotic vacuums. Unfortunately for Lucy, the inability to clean efficiently makes it a difficult consideration when you have other bots doing better – while also providing that security camera functionality. Ultimately, the success of a robotic vacuum cleaner depends primarily on its cleaning performance. I cannot say with complete confidence that the Trifo Lucy is capable of this.

How long it will take?

Frequent maintenance is essential here as the brushes can easily get tangled. Cleaning the sensors and cameras also helps. There is a one-year limited warranty on parts only.

Is there a better alternative?

You'll need more than $ 700 for that Roborock S6 MaxV, but it is very similar to the Trifo Lucy in that it is a 2-in-1 vacuum combination that wipes, offers lidar-based navigation, and an A.I.-assisted camera for superior obstacle avoidance. And oh yes, its vacuuming and mopping performance is superior in every way.

Should you buy it?

No, although the security camera feature is a tempting package. If it can't clean well, its purpose of being a robotic vacuum is pointless.

Editor's recommendations




21 Feb
Blog

Roborock S7 Review: Finishing Up the Cleaning at Sonic Speed

Roborock S7 Review side view

Roborock S7 robot vacuum test: wipe up at the speed of sound

"The ability to vibrate at up to 3,000 times per minute means superficial stains disappear faster."

  • Smart navigation makes it efficient

  • Quiet operation

  • Sonic mopping requires fewer passes to mop

  • Goes over partitions / humps with ease

  • On the expensive side

  • The rubber brush can still get tangled

Roborock has had an incredible ride over the past few years. The company, which was once an unknown player in the field of robot vacuum, competes against some of the heavyweights like iRobot, Shark and Ecovacs, thanks in part to its diverse and powerful models.

The latest model, the Roborock S7, has the same basic ingredients that made its previous bots such a success, such as a combination of vacuum and mop, but its differentiator over the competition is its sonic vibration technology with wiping. Bad spots could soon be a thing of the past if this new implementation actually works.

A well-known bot that cleans efficiently

The Roborock S7 is not that different from its siblings. There are a few subtle changes such as: B. fading in and out "breathing" LED lights, a more compact water container and above all a new solid rubber brush. Aesthetically, it doesn't differ from previous designs we've seen from Roborocks Bots. The same characteristic features are present here, such as the protruding lidar sensor array, the rubberized side sweeping brush and the all-plastic construction.

Roborock S7 Review top viewJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

In terms of cleaning, the Roborock S7 cleans efficiently thanks to its lidar-based navigation. It accurately maps rooms and does a good job of avoiding most obstacles. The occasional cord on the floor can trip it, but it can navigate challenging spaces by trying to clean in straight lines. The sweeping brush on the side guides dirt well to the solid rubber brush on the underside. However, after a few cleaning sessions, I found that the hair was curled up and tangled in the center of the brush.

Still, he manages to vacuum up some of the annoying pieces of trash in my apartment. Carpets are treated decently as with their 2500 Pa suction they pick up most of the superficial things but not nearly pick up the hard, embedded parts my cordless vacuum cleaner can collect.

Is Sonic Mopping Technology Legitimate?

The marquee of the Roborock S7 is its new sonic mopping technology. All of Roborock's previous vacuum cleaners use the pulling method. Honestly, I'm happy with it, but it doesn't necessarily disinfect surfaces – something very few bots can do.

Fewer passes are required to remove stains from solid surfaces.

The S7's sonic mopping technology has a new brush attachment and microfiber mopping pad with a better feel. What happens here is that the mopping pad vibrates at a speed of up to 3,000 times per minute. It's different, yet effective, in that it requires fewer passes to remove stains from solid surfaces – like tiny drops of dried coffee on tiles. Now the hard, deep stains aren't removed, like the streaks that sneakers can leave on tile and that a good old mop with enough pressure and scrubbing can achieve. But hey, at least it wipes floors as efficiently as vacuum cleaners. Time is money so I'm impressed with how quickly the job gets done, although I would still love to find a way to sanitize surfaces.

Roborock S7 Review bottom view

Even better, the S7 pulls back the mopping pad as it passes over bumps, partitions, and carpet, and then brings it back down to apply the pressure it needs to sonic wipe. Other 2-in-1 combinations require you to remove the mopping pad so that they can vacuum carpets.

You can hardly hear it being cleaned

With two people working from home and having conference calls all day long, I'm very impressed with how quietly the Roborock S7 cleans. It's loudest when it comes to carpets, but it's almost unnoticeable as it cleans wood floors and tiles. There is a slight hum when it is swept, but it's quiet enough to be drowned out with some background music.

Roborock S7 Review LidarJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

In addition, the Roborock S7 is a competent robotic vacuum cleaner as it is equipped with all the modern conveniences that I long for. This includes the support of voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, the ability to set up virtual boundaries / restricted areas and to clean certain rooms. All of this makes the Roborock S7 a well-rounded bot that can clean quietly and effectively while you are at home.

Our opinion

There is nothing that the Roborock S7 cannot handle. It cleans well, doesn't waste time, and its new wiping system is a small but effective step forward. It's not a game changer in the world of wiping, but changing it just makes it more efficient.

The only disadvantage of this otherwise pinpoint robot vacuum is its price. At $ 649, it is almost at the top of the Roborock product range – only surpassed by the camera-dead Roborock S6 MaxV. It's a tough sale as I prefer the added functionality of the S6 MaxV's built-in camera for intelligent obstacle avoidance and live streaming.

How long it will take?

Even with the all-plastic construction, the S7 has some serious problems. The only problem I have is the plastic part on the mop pad attachment that allows it to vibrate back and forth. It seems to be on the fragile side, especially when the pad is removed from the Velcro straps. However, there is a 1 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, the Roborock S6 MaxV mentioned above isn't too far off in terms of price – a compelling option due to the advantages of its integrated camera. It cleans just as effectively whether vacuuming or mopping.

Should you buy it?

Yes, just because some people are not yet familiar with the idea of ​​a vacuum with a camera. The Roborock S7 is essentially the S6 MaxV without a camera, but with an improved wiping system.

Editor's recommendations




16 May
Blog

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI Review: Features Over Cleaning

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI

"This robotic vacuum cleaner has almost all the functions you can imagine on its small body."

  • Has security camera function

  • Allocates rooms quickly

  • Avoids objects well

  • Doesn't wipe well

  • Carpet cannot be wiped and vacuumed at the same time

  • Missing spots and corners

  • App breakdowns out

The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI is an innovative robot vacuum cleaner that not only sucks in dust and fluff, but also wipes it. It also uses Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to map multiple rooms, avoid obstacles, and ensure better cleaning. It is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. Even more interesting is that the camera can even be used as a surveillance camera. At first glance, the T8 has a lot to offer. I found the following when I tried it.

DEEBOT T8 AIVI in a bedroomEcovacs

To install

After connecting the app to the bot, you need to let the bot map your entire house. TrueMapping technology is designed to map your home with a 2x range and 4x accuracy compared to the company's previous models. If you have a house with a second floor, the T8 can also create a separate map for each floor.

However, reaching the end of the mapping process can be difficult. If it gets caught on something and you move it, it has to start over. If the juice runs out before mapping, it has to start over. If it fails, it has to start over. Fortunately, I haven't encountered these problems more than once.

DEEBOT T8 AIVI tiresAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

In addition to using A.I. To avoid objects, the T8 has large wheels. You can drive over obstacles up to 20mm high, which means they won't get caught on door sills or small items and speed up the mapping process. Other robotic vacuum cleaners tend to get caught in these obstacles. So it's wonderful that their powerful wheels handle them like a champion – I didn't have to run to prevent them from getting stuck while mapping!

It was also mapped incredibly quickly. Within a minute it had two whole rooms and then some on the app. The catch is that it has to clean the entire house and scan the rooms and then return to its charging station, otherwise the mapping will not be saved. This is a problem I had when I tried the Deebot 960. So it seems that Ecovacs still hasn't found a solution to this problem.

DEEBOT T8 AIVI App

You can use the app to name different rooms. Then you can touch the card and the T8 will drive into the area to start cleaning. This is a super smart feature that gives you more control than other vacuum cleaner systems. However, the problem is that you have to switch the app to advanced mode and then reassign it. I'm not sure why the map I've already created cannot be used, but the reallocation is impractical.

Sweeping and wiping

According to Ecovacs, the improved AIVI technology (Artificial Intelligence and Visual Interpretation) of the T8 offers a 200% faster detection speed for objects and obstacles in the area, as well as a 60% reduction in the entanglement rate compared to other robot vacuum cleaners with LDS navigation technology. This basically means that it runs less often on and over objects. I found that true. It did a good job of avoiding objects and got stuck only once.

It also detects when your floors need more suction to get better cleaning and adjusts accordingly. Although it maps quickly and avoids most objects, I am not impressed with how well it vacuums. It seems to overlook many spots, runs in random patterns and doesn't get any edges or furniture very clean. It also does not notify you when the container is full. It runs around thinking about its cleaning, but it really isn't.

DEEBOT T8 AIVI container and power switchAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

After cleaning, the app shows where the bot has not cleaned because it has encountered obstacles. The app suggests that you move the objects so the T8 can go back and clean the area. This is great, but some of the objects that should be moved were furniture. That gave me a big Facepalm moment.

The T8 kills 99.26% of the bacteria on your floors.

The moping function is simply to attach a mop pad to the bottom of the bot and fill the reservoir with water. Yes, only water according to the instructions. Can you use cleaning solutions? Probably, but the manual doesn't say you can. Even so, a study by the Hygiene and Microbiology Research Center in Japan claims that the T8 kills 99.26% of the bacteria in your floors. How can this be possible? I'm not a scientist, so I guess I have to take your word for it.

DEEBOT T8 AIVI water tankAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The T8 does not absorb a lot of water from its reservoir while wiping. However, it does not leave much moisture and the floors dry quickly with medium water flow. You can adjust the water setting with the app, but the higher setting didn't seem to leave much more water on the floor.

Overall, the moping function didn't do much on my floors. My kitchen floor was still dirty when the bot pointed it out to me, even after I tried again and increased the water flow to ultra high.

The T8 "sucks and wipes in one pass." I thought that was wrong.

The T8 can recognize carpets to avoid them and stick to surfaces such as linoleum and tiles. The T8 ran up to my carpet, but never let it touch the wiping pad.

The cleaning function that I was most happy about was that T8 AIVI can vacuum and wipe at the same time. According to the Ecovac website, the T8 sucks and wipes simultaneously in one pass. I somehow thought that was wrong. You have to remove the wiping pad so that the bot can suck according to the manual. It does sweep the floor before the mopping pad moves over the surface. However, since it doesn't approach the carpets while the mop pad is installed, you shouldn't expect it to vacuum up carpets or rugs.

Camera shots

DEEBOT T8 AIVI camera on security

In addition to vacuuming and wiping, you can use the T8's camera to take photos, record videos, talk to people in other rooms, and conduct a security patrol of your home. It has a remote control function that allows you to drive it around your home like a toy robot. That was actually pretty cool. I could drive it into my daughter's room and tell her to do her chores without leaving my home office. It is a lazy person's dream.

As a surveillance camera? It is not awesome. For starters, the view is like that of a toddler crawling on the floor, and the video isn't very clear. It can tell you if someone was in your house just because you could see their feet walking around. You can see faces as long as they are the perfect distance from the camera.

There is a patrol mode that you can either turn on manually or schedule when the T8 will patrol your home. If your T8 is not in patrol mode, you can control it with the remote control on the video manager screen of the app in your house. When not in active use, the camera is turned towards the charging station so that it cannot see anything unless you rotate it using the app or by hand.

This feature can be useful in so many ways other than just security. For example, you can use it to check your pets at work or to spy on your children while the babysitter is watching them to make sure they are not behaving.

Keys

The T8 is cleaning a carpet.Ecovacs

I don't like that this robotic vacuum cleaner has only one power switch on top. Sometimes you don't want to open your phone and search for an app. Pressing a button on the vacuum is simply easier. For example, the Eufy RoboVac G30 has a return button, an on / off switch and a stain removal button. I found it super helpful when I was doing other tasks. I could just tap a button and then do my other tasks.

App

The Ecovacs app is not great. It tends to be flawed. It also has a habit of disconnecting from the bot, which is particularly annoying as there is no button on the top to send back to the charger. So you either have to pick up the bot and carry it to the charger or try to reconnect the bot to the app. Restarting the app seemed to fix most of the problems, but it's an inconvenience.

Battery life

DEEBOT T8 AIVI on the chargerAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

Ecovacs claims that the T8 AIVI with its 5,200 mAh battery can clean more than 3 hours or up to 200 minutes on one charge. I found that this was not very accurate. It ran for about 119 minutes on one charge. Even though it missed the mark, it's still a much longer life than many Vac-Bots on the market. Of course, cleaning conditions can vary how long a bot can clean. When the battery is almost empty, it automatically returns to the charging station, but is not yet finished. Once charged, it continues and completes its cleaning routine exactly where it left off.

Our opinion

Partly spy, part mop, part vacuum – the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI is innovative, but in many areas it lacks tracking. I wish it was vacuumed better and the mop would inspire me a little more. The price of just under $ 800 would probably be worth it if these features were better, since the camera capabilities are fantastic.

Is there a better alternative?

There aren't many robotic vacuum cleaners that can wipe and have the surveillance camera, so probably not. The European Mayan robotic vacuum cleaner has similar features, a nicer app, and a longer warranty, but is not widely available.

The only other thing that fits exactly is the Roborock S6 MaxV, which is equipped with two cameras to avoid obstacles, vacuum cleaners and pugs at the same time. It offers better cleaning performance and costs a little less ($ 750). However, if you need a great mop, I recommend the iRobot Braava Jet 240 or the iRobot Braava Jet m6.

Will it take?

The T8 is well built and looks very robust. The metal door that covers the container is a good choice to protect the bot from falling objects. There is also a one year limited warranty.

Should you buy it

No. This is a difficult question as I would almost say that it is worth buying the T8 only for the security patrol and other camera skills. However, it's a lot of money for a cleaning bot that doesn't clean as well as it could. I have to say "passed".

Editor's recommendations