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by londons_explore 67 days ago
I think the only reason for mapping is to be able to block off 'no go' areas (no escaping out the front door!) and to be able to go home to the charger.

For the actual cleaning, random works great.
3 comments
_flux 67 days ago
Surely mapping also helps reducing the time it takes to achieve the task?
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londons_explore 67 days ago
A robot vacuum isn't time constrained. It literally has all day.
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_flux 67 days ago
They make noise, and people remote, so that might not be the case.

In addition, more working time equals more wear and tear for parts.

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ripe 67 days ago
You are right. The original Roomba was discussed on HN 3 months ago:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46472930

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Doxin 67 days ago
my previous robot vacuum did not do any mapping, but did always manage to find its way back to the charger. It'd just follow the walls until it saw the chargers IR beacon.

Clever design if you ask me. Doing a lot with a little.

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