Robot vacuums attempt to do just that.
They tackle what should be a daily cleaning task and allow us to get on with other things.
Or thats what Anker claims anyway.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
To test this particular option out, I managed to take the Eufy X8 Pro into a hectic situation.
My sister has a toddler, two dogs, and another one on the way.
So the mop has been thoroughly tested with both light and extremely heavy levels of mess.
The Eufy X8 Pro is a low maintainance upgrade from its standard X8. It features a charging tower with a self-emptying feature, an auto-detangling feature, LIDAR navigation, and it’s all backed up by AI. It’s also a hybrid system, meaning it can vacuum and mop at the same time.
Heres how the AI-powered vacuum did.
The Eufy X8 Pro is a low maintainance upgrade from its standard X8.
It’s also a hybrid system, meaning it can vacuum and mop at the same time.
The Eufy X8 Pro is a low maintainance upgrade from its standard X8. It features a charging tower with a self-emptying feature, an auto-detangling feature, LIDAR navigation, and it’s all backed up by AI. It’s also a hybrid system, meaning it can vacuum and mop at the same time.
If youve set up a robot vacuum before, this process is similar for all of them.
Its these tasks that take a lot of time.
The vacuum will spend its initial cleans mapping out the areas its in.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
Similarly, the mopping step involves it dragging a damp, textured, cloth attachment across the floor.
This will clean some but dont expect miracles.
That is missing here and is an area where the X8 Pro could have been made a little better.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
In terms of cleaning chemicals, Eufy recommends either using water or its own solution.
Anything else could potentially damage something inside the machine, or cause other issues.
So overall, this will clean your house, just not as well as you might by yourself.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
In comparison to other mid-range electric vacuums, its performance was very good.
Simple commands like start cleaning, and find my vacuum worked well with home assistants.
This map makes future runs more efficient, but isnt the be-all and end-all of cleaning operations.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
Overall, the AI powering navigation and mapping was solid.
you might trust the bot to do its job with very little input on your part.
The X8 Pro comes with a water tank that needs to be filled every now and then.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
The tank can be used to tackle a few rooms before it needs refilling.
The detachable mop must be fitted to enable mopping mode, then detached and cleaned after every session.
No, of course not.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
As with all robot vacuums really, its great for keeping an okay-looking floor in very good shape.
In Eufys defense, Ive yet to encounter a hybrid system that mops exceptionally well.
Even the aforementioned units with a mop-lift function tend to be less than brilliant.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
However, the rotating brush can be a bit enthusiastic in some cases.
I spotted it flicking a crumb several feet across the floor and onto a previously cleaned spot.
This usually means the crumb will be missed unless the vacuum is set to do multiple passes.
Dave McQuilling / HowToGeek
If your home has mixed surfaces, you dont need to worry when it comes to vacuuming.
The X8 Pro can detect carpet and adjust its suction levels appropriately.
This also applies to rugs and mats strewn throughout the house.
Obviously, there are areas the bot wont be able to get to, despite its best efforts.
So youll still need to do a more intense clean around once a week.
But it can get the majority of your floors noticeably cleaner in that time.
Usually, you have to do a little maintenance on a robot vacuum at least once per week.
Eufys new vacuum just takes care of it for you.
More humans and animals means more filth on the floor, so said bag will need replacing more often.
If you live alone, it will last a lot longer.
Floor space covered by the vacuum also plays a part, obviously.
A system with bags has its pros and cons.
But bags are an extra expense and have an environmental impact.
Parts like brushes will eventually wear out but should last a long time.
Anker estimates a mop pad should last around a month on average.
Should You Buy the Eufy X8 Pro?
Despite the price point, you get a powerful machine capable of easily tackling multiple surfaces.
Its also armed with arguably one of the best navigation systems on the robot vacuum market at the moment.
In terms of downsides, like all hybrid systems, mopping is a bit of a pain.
Still, Eufy has produced what could well be described as a leading machine at this price point.
Apparently, it also keeps the toddler entertained, which is an unexpected bonus.
