Can Roomba Work in the Dark?

Newer Roomba models, especially from the i and s series, work well even in low light or complete darkness. They use special sensors that help them move around and clean without needing a lot of light. These sensors, like cliff sensors, bump sensors, and dirt sensors, help the Roomba know where to go and find dirt.

However, this is not true for all Roombas, especially older ones. Some older models or vacuums from different brands need more light to work right. Without enough light, these might not clean as well. So, if you have a newer Roomba model, you can rely on it to clean in the dark, but with older models, it’s better to have some light.

Roomba Models that Work in Low Light

i Series

The i Series Roomba models are equipped with advanced sensors like cliff sensors, bump sensors, and dirt sensors. These sensors play a crucial role in how the Roomba navigates and cleans. Cliff sensors prevent the Roomba from falling off edges, while bump sensors help it avoid obstacles. Dirt sensors enable the Roomba to detect and focus on dirtier areas.

These sensors are effective even in low-light conditions, allowing the i Series models to navigate and clean without needing bright light. This makes them ideal for cleaning at any time, day or night.

s Series

Similar to the i Series, the s Series Roombas use the same type of sensor technology, making them equally adept at low-light cleaning. These models are designed to be effective in various lighting conditions, ensuring thorough cleaning without the dependency on ambient light.

The s Series stands out for its ability to maintain high cleaning performance, even in dark environments, making them a great choice for cleaning during the night or in dimly lit rooms.

Roomba Models that Require Some Light

600 Series

The 600 Series Roombas rely more on bump sensors for navigation. These sensors help the Roomba detect when it has bumped into an object so it can change direction.

However, this reliance makes them less effective in very dark environments. They perform best in conditions where there’s some ambient light to help them navigate more accurately.

800 and 900 Series

These series mark an improvement in obstacle detection compared to the 600 Series. The 800 and 900 Series Roombas can better identify and navigate around objects. However, they still perform optimally with some level of ambient light.

These models can navigate in low-light conditions but might struggle in complete darkness.

Roomba Models that Require Significant Light

Neato Botvac D7 Connected

The Neato Botvac D7 Connected relies on laser navigation, which requires a significant amount of light to function effectively. This reliance on laser technology means that it may not navigate as well in dark environments.

The laser helps the Roomba create a map of the area and navigate more precisely, but its effectiveness is reduced in low-light conditions.

Roborock S5 Max

Like the Neato Botvac D7, the Roborock S5 Max also uses laser navigation. This technology necessitates sufficient lighting to operate properly.

In dark conditions, the laser may not be able to map the area effectively, leading to less efficient cleaning. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this model in well-lit environments to ensure optimal performance.

How to Use a Roomba in the Dark

Provide Some Ambient Light: If your Roomba model isn’t made for total darkness, a bit of light can help. You could leave a small nightlight on or open curtains to let street lights or moonlight in. This little bit of light helps the Roomba see where it’s going and clean better.

Clear the Floor of Obstacles: In the dark, it’s harder for your Roomba to spot things in its way. Before you start it, pick up things like toys, clothes, or anything else on the floor. Make sure the space is clear so your Roomba can move around easily.

Empty the Dustbin and Clean the Sensors Regularly: A full dustbin or dirty sensors can make the Roomba less effective, especially when there’s not much light. Cleaning these parts often means your Roomba will work better and clean more efficiently.

Be Mindful of Stairs and Cliffs: Most Roombas have sensors to stop them from falling down stairs. But, it’s still good to check your home for places where your Roomba could fall, especially when using it in the dark.