Even tho Lidar-guided robots are really good at navigation, they are not as good at seeing small objects. Normally it ends up with the things being dragged around the room so you have to babysit the robot or take the things back after cleaning. Nowadays premium robots not only have Lidar but also are equipped with a camera or 3D sensor that helps the robots to identify small objects.
Disclaimer: it doesn't always work because of the 3D sensor and camera design specific as depending on the angle, sometimes it can't view the object. But most of the time it's a game-changer.
What is object recognition and why you need it?
Object recognition helps the robot to "see" small objects to avid bumping and dragging things. With this technology, a robot does better recognizing slippers, shoes, and socks. With the help of a built-in camera or 3D sensor, the robot recognizes a small object, calculates its size as well as the distance to avoid it. The robots with a camera (Roborock S6 MaxV and ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI) stream real-time view as the robot works. They also show avoided objects on the map. The Roborock even takes pictures of those things to learn more about them and avoid more objects like this in the future.
The 3D sensor technology is cheaper so the robots that use it are cheaper in general. It does not take shots of the objects nor does show them on the map.
As to object recognition quality, I can't say which one is better as each has advantages over the other.
Robot Vacuums With Object Recognition Technology
| Specs/Models | Ecovacs T8 AIVI | Ecovacs T8+ | Deebot N8 Pro+ | Roborock S6 MaxV | Dreame L10 Pro | 360 S10 |
| Runtime, min | 200 | 175 | 110 | 116 | 150 | 180 |
| Self-Emptying Base Support | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Scheduling | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Alexa, Google Home | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wet mopping | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Water tank, ml | 240 | 240 | 240 | 290 | 270 | 520 |
| No-go zones | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| No-mop zones | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Carpet boost | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Mapping | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Mapping technology | Lidar | Lidar | Lidar | Lidar | Lidar | Hidden Lidar |
| Object Avoidance technology | camera | 3D sensor | 3D sensor | camera | 3D sensor | 3D sensor |
| Multi-map support | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Recharge, resume | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Obstacle climbing, inches/cm | 0.78 / 20 | 0.78 / 20 | 0.78 / 20 | 0.78 / 20 | 0.78 / 20 | 0.78 / 20 |
| Height, inches | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| Noise, dB | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 65 | 60 |
| Dustbin capacity, ml | 420 | 420 | 420 | 460 | 570 | 500 |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 5,200 | 5,200 | 3,200 | 5,200 | 5,200 | 5,000 |
| Warranty | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Price | $649.99 on Amazon | $359.99 on Amazon |
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$499.99 on Amazon |
- Best Overall: ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI
- Best value: ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+
- High-end with a self-emptying bin: ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro+
- Best with a camera: Roborock S6 MaxV
- Most affordable: Dreame L10 Pro
- The shortest: 360 S10
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI
Best overall
The Ecovacs Deebot T8 AIVI was one of the first Lidar-guided robots with a built-in camera and the first robot that additionally supports a self-emptying base. Its base is one of the best too which does make a difference if the robot deals with lots of dust and debris or you have pets that shed lots.
It recognizes objects with the help of the built-in camera and can stream real-time video so you can watch your pets doing their business as the robot cleans.
A long-lasting battery provides up to 200 minutes of runtime making the T8 AIVI suitable for big houses. A water tank that comes in the box has an electric pump and lets you choose how much water out as the robot mops.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+
Best value
The main difference between the DEEBOT T8 and T8+ is that the Plus version includes a self-emptying base in the box. The robot has the same specs and is basically the same machine made for users that do not need a self-emptying base but want all other features of the T8.
The ECOVACS T8 is one of the best values due to its features and self-emptying bin support.
So far, ECOVACS is the only manufacturer that produced robots with object recognition that comes with a self-emptying base (including the T8 AIVI, and N8 Pro+).
It is very similar to the T8 AIVI but lacks a camera and does not allow live-streaming. Because the 3D sensor technology being cheaper, the T8 costs less than the AIVI version.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro+
ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro+
Affordable with a self-emptying base
This is one of the newest robots in the lineup that also uses 3D sensor technology.
Compared to the T8, the N8 Pro+ has a smaller battery and weaker suction, but the self-emptying base and other specs are the same.
The same as with the T8+, the N8 Pro+ is one that comes with an auto-empty station when the N8 Pro does not.
The 3D technology and navigation is the same as the T8 but the N8 Pro+ is probably not suitable for big houses and houses with mostly medium-pile carpets.
Roborock S6 MaxV
The Roborock S6 MaxV same as the DEEBOT T8 AIVI has a built-in camera but the robot does not have a self-emptying bin. It also has a large battery and supports saving up to 4 maps. You can see an avoided object in the app as the robot takes shots of it.
Compared to the Deebot T8 AIVI, the Roborock does not support a self-emptying base.
The robot has a large battery and a relatively big water tank.
Roborock is known for its efficient and smooth navigation.
Dreame L10 Pro
Dreame L10 Pro
Most affordable
The Dreame L10 Pro uses 3D sensor technology and is the most affordable of all robots on the list. It has the strongest suction and a big battery. It does not have a self-emptying base and is not supported by one.
The Dreame L10 Pro is a good buy if you are looking for a robot with smart and accurate navigation but not ready to spend more.
It might not do best with mopping but is a great one to keep your hard floors clean for longer. In my vacuum testing, it was one of the best tho.
360 S10
360 S10
The shortest with hidden Lidar
The 360 S10 is the only robot vacuum on the market that has a hidden Lidar. It is shorter than the others and uses a 3D sensor to see and avoid small objects. A large water tank is also the biggest in the industry.
In my testings, the S10 showed one of the best vacuuming numbers. On par with a big water tank, this is one of the best shortest robots to date.
If you are looking for a Lidar-guided robot that would fit under your furniture, have a look at the S10. The robot is not compatible with a self-emptying base but its navigation is efficient which on par with good cleaning performance makes the 360 S10 a good buy.