Xiaomi is launching a new robot vacuum cleaner, one of the cheapest in its catalog. The Robot Vacuum T12, that’s its name, more or less takes up the price positioning of the E12 launched at the start of the year, while benefiting from slightly more complete equipment. More complete, but not necessarily more efficient. The suction power would have even been slightly reduced on this new model – 3500 Pa announced, compared to 4000 for the other – but in return it should be able to better optimize its movements around the house.
The rangefinder arrives at the entry level
The particularity of the Robot Vacuum T12, in its price category in any case, is none other than a laser rangefinder. Although it is integrated into increasingly affordable models, this technology allowing rapid and precise analysis of the environment, whatever the light conditions, still remains quite rare on entry-level models. The Robot Vacuum E12, for example, does not have any and can only rely on proximity and pressure sensors; he is incapable of seeing beyond a few centimeters and optimizing his route. The new model can also create a map of the house, and even several depending on the number of floors.
Of course, it can also count on other sensors to avoid obstacles and stairs, while a roller in the center accompanies the waste from the ground towards the collector. A side brush can bring the waste closer together if necessary, and a mop allows the Robot Vacuum T12 to wash the floor in its path, with a water flow chosen from three possibilities, but without any action other than the friction caused by the movements of the robot: the mop does not vibrate or turn on itself. A Y-shaped movement pattern is still planned. The battery, finally, offers a capacity of 3200 mAh, for an autonomy announced at 130 min.
The Robot Vacuum T12, already available for sale, is priced at only €179 on the manufacturer’s website. For this price, the robot obviously comes with a simple charging station; it does not offer automatic draining or automatic washing of the mop.