Dyson, renowned for its dominance in the cordless vacuum and air purifier sectors (and more recently, hair styling), has maintained a relatively low profile in the robot vacuum market. However, the company is now introducing its latest robot vacuum, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, to the US and Canada after its availability in other regions. Priced at a hefty $1,199, customers can now order it directly from Dyson or from retailers like Amazon.
Though we have yet to test the 360 Vis Nav, Dyson has provided insights into its functionality. Notable departures from traditional robot vacuums include a 360-degree vision system employing a top-center camera to map out homes as it cleans. While home mapping isn’t new, Dyson asserts that the images captured by this system will enhance the machine’s understanding of home layouts, identifying obstacles like furniture, noting corners and edges, and discerning cleaned areas from those still requiring attention. Surrounding the camera are eight LEDs, aiding navigation in low-light environments.
Furthermore, Dyson’s machine features a side-edge actuator that automatically opens when cleaning spaces like corners and along furniture edges. This mechanism, coupled with suction, promises a thorough cleanup, addressing a common challenge for robot vacuums. Additionally, a Piezo sensor, akin to those in Dyson’s stick vacuums, detects dirt to optimize suction power and generate a heatmap in the My Dyson app highlighting the dirtiest areas. This feature offers actionable insights, helping users identify spots needing frequent cleaning and enabling targeted cleaning via the app.
The 360 Vis Nav boasts a sleek design reminiscent of high-end robot vacuums, with squared-off edges facilitating maneuverability in room corners. Underneath, it houses a Hyperdymium motor, a removable filter, and a triple-action brush bar spanning the machine’s width, a rarity among competitors. The cleaning surfaces draw inspiration from Dyson’s stick vacuums, incorporating carbon fiber and stiff nylon bristles for carpets and a softer nylon surface for hard floors. Furthermore, the machine is HEPA-compliant, ensuring effective allergen and dust mite capture.
Despite its delayed entry into the US robot vacuum market, Dyson has meticulously integrated technology from its cordless vacuums into the 360 Vis Nav. The device promises unparalleled suction power, which could set it apart from competitors. Testing will reveal the efficacy of its four cleaning modes, runtime, and the usability of the My Dyson app. However, its premium price tag of $1,199 may deter some customers, consistent with Dyson’s reputation for offering high-end products at a premium.
