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How home robots work
The technology behind the robots people actually buy, and the ones they're hearing about, explained in plain language. Every page is sourced to the makers, standards bodies and independent reporting, with the date we checked, and links to the buying guides when you're ready to choose.
Robot vacuums
How robot vacuums navigateLiDAR, camera mapping, obstacle recognition and cliff sensors, and what each one misses.
Robot vacuum docks, explainedSelf-emptying, hot-water mop washing, drying, auto refill and the running costs each adds.
Matter and robot vacuumsWhat "works with Matter" controls, and what still needs the maker's app.
Yard and pool
Robot mower slope ratingsPercent vs degrees, the edge limit, wet grass, and how to measure your own yard.
How robot mowers navigateBoundary wire vs RTK vs LiDAR vs vision, and where each fails.
Pool cleaner typesSuction-side, pressure-side and robotic: what each needs, cleans and costs to run.
Cordless vs corded pool robotsBatteries, outlets, waterlines and long-term cost.
Humanoids and new robots
How humanoid robots workMotors, hands, batteries, the AI models behind them, and which ones you can buy.
What is teleoperation?When a human is behind a home robot, what makers say, and what to ask before buying.
Announced vs availableA dated tracker of what's shipping, what's a preorder and what's a promise.
The FCC robot rule, explainedWhat the July 2026 rule changes for imported robots.
Owning a robot
Robot batteriesHow long they last, replacement costs, battery warranties and winter storage.
Safety standards and recallsWhat certifications cover, what an FCC ID doesn't mean, and recalls that show why.
If the app or company diesWhat needs the cloud, what survives, and real shutdown cases.
Robot Graveyard11 case files on robots that died, stalled or were orphaned.
Robot glossaryLiDAR, SLAM, RTK, VLA, IP ratings, Wh and more, in plain language.
Ready to choose?
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