Packing:
The vacuum cleaner robot is well and securely packed in a small carton. Included in the box is in addition the charging station, a cleaning comb, the remote control with batteries, a user manual and a Quick Start Guide.
Optics, processing:
The HomBot is decorated in a beautiful design in silver / black and well made. The plastic parts, especially the surface, the side panels and the brushes and wheels are particularly stable and make a quality impression. After repeated use, no wear and tear can be seen in these areas. The outer brushes are firm and unyielding in spite of their flexibility. The lid on top of the dust container can be opened by pressing lightly and reseal. The capacity is reached quickly after a suction in a medium-sized living room with carpeting, a regular emptying and cleaning is required All parts can be further cleaned well; and the dust container and brush on the bottom, which can fold out still.
Furnishings:
The vacuum cleaner robot battery is pre-charged, so you can start right and try the product. The robot returns with empty battery to the charging station and recharges automatically again.
The start-up procedure is carried out without problems and quickly using the Quick Start Guide, this is illustrated and easy to understand. The first test eyes is thus started quickly. For all other functions and operating options Detailed instructions are included. Both books are well written information for the particular purpose. This is a positive highlight, also you will not be charged with additional manuals in other languages.
Functionality:
The operation of the LG HomBot is unproblematic, the robot detects the room with an intelligent camera and includes ultrasonic sensors that perceive obstacles and let them drive around accordingly. On the underside there is another camera, which reliably prevents the crash on landings or precipices. The robot moves up and back with no problems on carpets down. In the living room I have partly parquet and a carpet, even a runner is on. On all surfaces of HomBot has no problems, neither during cleaning even when driving. Only on thick or particularly high carpets fails the robot. Depending on the nature a different suction / cleaning program is selected and conducted (smart / Turbo program on carpets, which sucks more thoroughly).
For cleaning, there are different space programs:
- A learning mode to the space and nature of obstacles to remember (this takes a little longer in the learning phase, then knows "the HomBot already made)
- A zigzag mode, ideal for larger open spaces,
- A mode for smaller areas that are dirty and
- Manual cleaning by means of remote control.
I usually use the tutorial and let the HomBot this exit. Zigzag is not particularly suited to my room and the manual program playful advantage of automatic cleaning. In this requirement, I use more my standard vacuum cleaner. Other manufacturers offer some a little more choice of programs, which are also useful. I missed but so far nothing, and I am pleased with the results, since the cleaning itself is very thorough.
Furthermore, the HomBot is equipped with an extensive voice announcement. With a pleasant voice you will, for example, pointed out that
- The suction starts,
- The battery is empty,
- Has caught something under the wheels,
- The HomBot has bogged down,
- Etc.
Such a quick response is assured, if you're not careful, where the device is located. In this context, therefore, one should not completely remove during operation and every now and then take a look in the room to be sucked. Cable, plants, chairs, baskets and other items that can easily be moved should be put away or reduced before commissioning. Doors or passageways to other rooms are to close or separate so that the HomBot only a room finish machined before going into the next room. At the first use it is driven directly from the living room in two other rooms. In the case of a complete cleaning of all the rooms is difficult. There is no way - even through accessories - cleaning a room to limit (see note on equipment).
The positioning of the charging station requires a sufficiently wide space. Otherwise, it does not create the HomBot to recover the stand and adopt the correct position to the charging contacts. Here it is not easy, especially in small, winding apartments, to find the perfect place.
Features:
The equipment is in my opinion a bit short for the price range. Especially in comparison with vacuum cleaner robots from other manufacturers (such as iRobot or Samsung) missing useful accessories and functionalities. I know some models of these manufacturers from friends and these offer a comparably priced as the programming of the automatic cleaning at a certain time. Also included as an accessory usually lighthouses or at least available. These serve to mark transitions to other rooms or be used as a barrier. This allows specific sections of spaces are completely excluded from the cleaning. This functionality is useful and unfortunately the LG product are not these in addition to purchase. As an optional accessory I can discover only a floor wiper.
Conclusion:
The LG HomBot represents a proper functional vacuum cleaner robot, which gives good results and a popular household goods has become. The processing is without flaws, the power and the variety of programs are good. Compared to other manufacturers but I am missing some useful functions. Especially in the price range I would have liked more, and the retail price I find overpriced. Those interested in the product, I recommend a price comparison. Should the device be on offer, it is safe recommended a good choice and the purchase.
So: great robotic vacuum when the price is right.
