Behaviour around obstacles, stairs and carpets
How your robot detects obstacles, avoids stairs and handles carpets.
Behaviour around obstacles, stairs and carpets
Your iRobot robot is equipped with various sensors to detect obstacles, prevent falls on stairs and handle different floor types.
Obstacle detection
- Bumper: All Roomba models have a bumper that detects light contact with furniture or walls.
- Light Touch sensor: Newer models slow down before obstacles for gentler contact.
- Camera-based object recognition (j series, new generation): The robot recognises objects such as shoes, cables or pet waste and avoids them.
Stair protection (cliff sensors)
All Roomba models have cliff sensors on the underside that detect stairs and ledges. The robot turns around before reaching an edge.
- Important: Keep cliff sensors clean.
- Dark floors: Very dark or black floors may be interpreted as a cliff.
Carpet detection
- Carpet Boost: The robot automatically increases suction on carpets.
- Carpet avoidance (Combo models in mop mode): The robot automatically avoids carpets.
- High-pile carpets: May hinder robot movement. Set up a keep-out zone if needed.
Virtual Wall® and physical boundaries
- Virtual Wall® Barrier: Creates an invisible barrier (line or semicircle).
- Dual Mode Virtual Wall®: Line mode or halo mode (circular keep-out zone).
Tips
- Remove cables, light textiles and small items before cleaning.
- Clean sensors regularly with a dry cloth.
- Make sure carpet edges are flat and not folded over.