Many “bad robot” symptoms come from a dirty sensor, tangled module, moved dock, blocked path, loaded filter, worn consumable, or changed map. Build a calm troubleshooting order.
Start with the physical layer
Power down safely, inspect the brush, bearings, wheels, caster, intake, bin, filter, charging contacts, cliff sensors, and dock path. Follow the manual for wet components and resets.
Coverage and map problems
Open doors consistently, restore the dock’s location and approach, clean navigation sensors, remove temporary mirrors or obstacles where practical, and try a fresh map only after saving needed settings.
Dock and emptying failures
Check bag or bin seating, air-path blockages, seals, robot alignment, dock contacts, tank placement, tray buildup, and whether quiet hours prevented an automatic cycle.
Wet-system smells and streaks
Empty dirty water promptly, wash allowed removable parts, clean the tray and squeegees, use approved solution and dilution, and let parts dry as directed. Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
Know when to stop
Battery swelling, overheating, liquid intrusion into electrical areas, damaged power cords, smoke, unusual burning smells, or repeated charging faults require disconnection and manufacturer guidance—not another automated run.
Before you buy
- Error code copied exactly
- Manual troubleshooting checked
- Physical air path inspected
- Sensors and contacts cleaned as directed
- Dock path restored
- Map backup/reset consequences understood
- Safety fault escalated instead of retried
How to use this guide
This guide is a durable editorial framework. It explains system tradeoffs without assigning product scores or pretending a manufacturer claim is a shared lab measurement. For a model-specific decision, record the exact SKU, region, source URL, checked date, and what remains unknown.