Robot vacuum
Cleans, and draws a map of your home while it does it. The map is what lets it clean one room at a time and find its way back to its dock.
What data it sends and where
- Vacuum → The manufacturer's server: The map, cleaning history and device state, if the model uses a cloud service
- The manufacturer's server → The app on your phone: The map, the controls and the schedules
- Vacuum → The manufacturer's server: Camera images, if the model has a camera and uploading is enabled
Checklist
Do these during setup. Later, check only that updates continue and the settings still match how you use the device.
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Your ticks stay in this browser. They are not sent anywhere, and the list prints without the boxes.
A mapping vacuum measures the shape of your home so it can clean by room, avoid marked areas and return to its dock. The available functions vary by model.
iRobot stores Smart Maps in the cloud. Other brands may use different storage and deletion controls, so check the instructions for your model.
What is unusual about this kind of device
The map can contain room boundaries, furniture positions and marked areas used by the vacuum. For a model with a camera, check separately whether images are stored or uploaded.
When this device is not worth buying
If the model requires a cloud account for basic operation and the manufacturer does not explain how to delete the map or what happens to it when the account is closed.