Robot Vacuum Buying Guide: Lidar, Mopping, and Pet Hair

The category bifurcated in 2025. There are now genuine "set and forget" robots — and there are still toys.

Three Tiers

Bump-and-go (₹10–18k): random patterns, no mapping. Useful for small flats only.

Lidar mapping (₹25–45k): real cleaning paths, room-by-room control. The sweet spot.

Self-emptying / mopping hybrids (₹60k+): dock cleans the bin and refills the mop. Truly hands-off.

Look for rubber roller brushes (not bristled) — they don't tangle. 4,000+ Pa suction is the floor.

Most "mop" functions are wet wipes. Dedicated mop bots with actual scrubbing pressure are a different category.

Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro — ₹19,999. Best entry.

Roborock Q7 Max+ — ₹39,999. Sweet spot.

Dreame X40 Ultra — ₹1,29,999. The "I'll never vacuum again" tier.