The first air purifier from Ecovacs plays on originality and navigates alone within the home

The Airbot Z1 is an unusual device. Cylindrical in shape, the air purifier has three wheels to navigate within its environment. The user therefore does not have to move it from one room to another, the robot does it itself. And it is preferable, because its 14 kg and its imposing dimensions – 52.3 cm in height and 36.9 cm in diameter – would tend to make it sedentary.

Ecovacs announces a purification capacity of 659 m³/h. However, we are skeptical as the Airbot Z1 comes out of the nails; future tests should be able to settle the question. Equipped with a HEPA 13 filter, the robot should be able to remove particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 µm. Combined with UV disinfection, the filtration system would then trap 99.9% of bacteria, pollen, mites, again according to the Chinese manufacturer. A volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor also allows the robot to detect the level of pollutants present in the room and to indicate this to the user via its on-board screen.

To refuse nothing, the Airbot Z1 is compatible with two additional modules: a humidifier and an air freshener. The first is obviously the most interesting and makes the robot versatile. A two-litre tank is then provided and should suffice for a day of operation. Without creating fog, the Ecovacs can maintain the level of humidity desired by the user, knowing that it can produce up to 400 ml/h.

Since the air purifier is also a robot, it benefits from the navigation technologies already present on other devices from the manufacturer. For example, it is equipped with artificial intelligence, which allows it to optimize its movements, and AIVI 3D technology. The latter, notably integrated into the Deebot X1 Turbo, identifies obstacles and avoids collisions. The TrueMapping technology, on the other hand, present on the Deebot X1 Omni, offers better management of small objects, a pet peeve of robots. Finally, an HD camera completes the navigation system of the Airbot Z1 and also allows the user to monitor his home in case of absence.

To push the originality to the limit, Ecovacs equips its device with 7 W stereo speakers. The user must then connect his robot via Bluetooth before launching his favorite playlist. On the other hand, without music, the Airbot Z1 should remain silent, emitting only 40 dB.

As with the majority of robots and air purifiers, the latest Ecovacs is controlled remotely via the Ecovacs Home application. The robot also responds to voice command via Yiko.

Finally, its Li-ion battery of 5200 mAh would offer three hours of autonomy to the device after a full charge.

The Ecovacs Airbot Z1 is already available for sale, at a price of 1499 €.