(Xiaomi) Xiaowa suction robot
Almost half a year after the Roborock S50 was published, another vacuum robot appeared in the Xiaomi “Youpin” store. The Xiaowa vacuum robot Youth Edition does not have the Mi abbreviation in its name, but it comes from "Roborock", a Xiaomi subsidiary that has so far developed and produced all Xiaomi suction aids. The 999 RMB (~130€) vacuum robot is financed through crowdfunding. The goal of at least 500 supporters has already been exceeded many times over. Roborock specifies the shipping date for supporters as April 20th, which is why it can be assumed that the Xiaowa Youth Edition will also be available as an import from mid-May. But now to the functions...
Bye laser room recognition
In order to meet the budget price of just under € 130, the Xiaowa Youth Edition dispenses with laser room recognition. Instead, the robot vacuum orients itself purely via a transmitter module that is located on the top of the housing. This makes it possible to return to the charging station, which is either triggered automatically at the push of a button or when the battery level is low (30%). A room map cannot be created, which is why no route planning is possible and the cleaning is rather arbitrary!
Collision detection is carried out using a total of 6 infrared sensors. With 50 scans per second, the sensors are able to detect obstacles at an early stage. To detect reflective objects, the suction aid is also equipped with a front bumper that gently touches obstacles. With 4 additional sensors on the bottom, the Xiaowa vacuum robot is able to detect heels and thus avoid falls. Room demarcation using a “virtual wall” (magnetic tape) is supported.
suction
Dirt and dust is caught by an auxiliary brush on the side and a main brush in the middle. It is noticeable that both brushes do not differ from the previous models and are therefore compatible with each other. The suction force is 1600 Pa and thus slightly below the first Xiaomi suction robot (1800 Pa) and accordingly also under the Roborock S50 (2000 Pa). The capacity of the removable dust container, which is 640 ml, is also remarkable. In comparison, the Roborock S50 has a capacity of only 480 ml. The dust container is also equipped with a replaceable HEPA filter to filter the finest particles.
The cleaning programs include random cleaning, circle cleaning and edge cleaning. The suction power can be adjusted in 4 levels. According to initial test reports, the sound level is between 59 and 66 decibels. Carpet edges and door thresholds are passed over with a maximum height of 2 cm. As soon as the robot vacuum cleaner is on a carpet, the suction power is automatically increased. A "untangling function" allows the brushes to rotate in the opposite direction to release them from trapped cables or other obstacles. There is no wiping function!
App and Others
The Xiaowa robot vacuum cleaner is operated either via 3 control buttons (cleaning, power, charging station) located on the top, or via the Mi Home app. The connection between the app and the vacuum robot is established via WiFi. The movements of the suction aid can be remotely controlled via the Mi Home app, the suction power can be adjusted and time-controlled suction profiles can be configured. The app also provides information on the battery level and the system itself.
The built-in battery, consisting of several 18650 Li-Ion cells, has a total capacity of 2600 mAh. A 60 m² living space can be cleaned with one battery charge. In addition to the app, the battery level can also be read via a white and red LED on the top of the robot vacuum cleaner.
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Compared to the numerous other vacuum robots from China, the Xiaomi Xiaowa Youth Edition sounds unspectacular at first. However, if you assume that you are offered a product in the best Roborock processing quality, which is also constantly being developed, the advantages are clear with the Xiaowa vacuum robot. The first test reports from China read quite well and suggest a suction aid that is convincing in terms of both performance and functionality. As soon as we receive a test copy, the detailed test will follow at this point!
Steffen
Hello everyone, I've been loving a vacuum robot for a long time. Do you still have to vacuum regularly or not that often? And how does it work with objects that you have standing around, does it drive against it or are they recognized? I look forward to your answer. Best regards and have a nice evening - Steffen.
Siggi
Thanks for the article. I'm currently in the decision whether I should buy the old model or this new here. For the price of the old one I would very probably get two of the Xiaowa. My point is that I have two floors and do not constantly want to carry the vacuum robot from floor to floor. What do you think?
Timo
Hi Siggi, until when do you need the suction robot? Until the Xiaowa is actually available, it will be whrsl. Middle of May. Then expect a good two weeks delivery time. Even at a price you will not get in the beginning with 130 € per unit. I assume that the robotic vacuum cleaner will cost just under 200 € in the first few weeks and will only adjust to the Chinese price depending on availability. I recommend you first the old (I assume you mean the Xiaomi Gen. 1) on offer to buy and then buy the Xiaowa vacuum robot. How good the part but in the end really is will have to be shown!
Siggi
Thank you for your prompt reply. I would need the vacuum robot already at Easter. I can not wait until June. For my project I wanted to spend a maximum of 250 €.
Timo
With 250 € for two Xiaomi / Xiaowa / Roborock suction robots, you will not get around in the near future. Also, to keep a vacuum cleaner in their hands until Easter could be in short supply, unless there is again an offer from the EU warehouse. I would like to invest in your place in the first model of the Xiaomi Suction Robot. Alternatively, there are also inexpensive models of ILIFE, depending on the model between 80 € and 150 cost €.
Benni
Not bad at the price. Although I already have the big brother, but for the second floor that would be worth considering. Do you already know what function has the cap?
Timo
Hi Benni, I've read through various Chinese reviews and there the function of the cap is described purely as a guide to the charging station return. An 3D mapping, as is the case with the larger models, does not take place.