Robot vaccums: Manufacturers and models that protect users' privacy? - sh.itjust.works
sh.itjust.works
My partner and I are getting a cat and consider getting a robot vacuum cleaner for our apartment to help keep it clean. Up until now, I’ve been against getting one due to privacy concerns and negative reports about certain manufacturers (e.g., iRobot/Roomba). Now I’m reevaluating, because my partner is sensitive to dust, and regular vacuuming will be a must. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations about manufacturers or models with a light privacy footprint or good reputation on that front? I am aware that most robots that actually work will also gather data, and newer models even incorporate photo/video to improve pattern recognition performance. Still, I would be more comfortable with one that does that within reason (e.g., collects as little data as possible, transfers as little as possible to remote servers, encrypts data for transfer and storage).

Cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/4295133

My partner and I are getting a cat and consider getting a robot vacuum cleaner for our apartment to help keep it clean. Up until now, I’ve been against getting one due to privacy concerns and negative reports about certain manufacturers (e.g., iRobot/Roomba). Now I’m reevaluating, because my partner is sensitive to dust, and regular vacuuming will be a must.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations about manufacturers or models with a light privacy footprint or good reputation on that front?

I am aware that most robots that actually work will also gather data, and newer models even incorporate photo/video to improve pattern recognition performance. Still, I would be more comfortable with one that does that within reason (e.g., collects as little data as possible, transfers as little as possible to remote servers, encrypts data for transfer and storage).

  • chrizbieEnglish
    0•10 months ago

    I know it’s not exactly what you’re asking but when faced with the same scenario my wife insisted on getting a dyson stick vacuum and even though I wanted a robot I have to say the dyson turned out to be a great choice, it’s compact and convenient enough that it gets used daily and if you want to spot clean something it’s a sinch, I haven’t used a robovac so I can’t really compare it but it’s hard to imagine that it would perform as well, its worth mentioning that the motor is fairly powerful, it’s easy to clean after each use and it stacks away nicely in the cupboard