Why Robot Vacuums Are Changing the Game for Busy Households
Robot vacuums have come a long way - today's models map your entire home, mop hard floors, empty themselves, and even wash their own mop pads. Whether you're after a set-and-forget cleaning solution for a busy household or a smarter way to keep up with pet hair and hard floors, Tech Supply Shed stocks a range of robot vacuums from Roborock, Eufy, Dreame, Tapo, and ECOVACS to suit every NZ home and budget.
Robot Vacuum and Mop Combos
Vacuum and Mop in a Single Pass
Combo models vacuum and wet-mop hard floors simultaneously, cutting cleaning time in half for homes with a mix of carpet and hard flooring. Auto-lift mop pads raise automatically over carpet so you don't need to remove them between rooms.
LiDAR Navigation for Accurate Floor Mapping
LiDAR-equipped models build precise floor maps even in low light - ideal for larger NZ homes or open-plan layouts where camera-based navigation can struggle. Mapped rooms can be cleaned individually or in custom sequences via a companion app.
Self-Emptying and Auto-Wash Stations
Truly Hands-Free Cleaning
Premium robot vacuums dock at a base station that automatically empties the dustbin, refills the water tank, and washes and dries the mop pads after each clean. For busy households or pet owners, this dramatically reduces the maintenance needed between sessions - some stations only need attention every 30-60 days.
What to Look for in a Base Station
Look for stations that both wash and hot-air dry mop pads to prevent mildew buildup - a common issue with entry-level auto-wash stations that only rinse. Dustbag capacity matters too; larger bags mean fewer trips to the bin, especially in homes with pets or high-traffic areas.
View the full Robot Vacuum range →
Robotic Window Cleaners
Hands-Free Window Cleaning for NZ Homes
Robotic window cleaners attach to glass surfaces via suction and navigate autonomously - spraying cleaning solution and wiping in overlapping passes for streak-free results. They're particularly useful for large windows, skylights, and hard-to-reach glass surfaces common in modern NZ homes.
Safety and Surface Compatibility
Look for models with a safety tether and anti-fall sensors for use on elevated windows. Most robotic window cleaners work on standard flat glass; check compatibility before using on textured, tinted, or curved glass surfaces.
How to Choose a Robot Vacuum
Mapping Technology - LiDAR vs Camera
LiDAR (laser-based) mapping is more accurate and works in complete darkness, making it the better choice for larger homes or complex multi-room layouts. Camera-based mapping is effective in well-lit spaces and is typically found on more affordable models - a solid option for smaller apartments or single-level homes. If your home has multiple floors or frequently rearranged furniture, LiDAR is worth the investment for consistent, reliable navigation.
Suction Power and Floor Type
Suction is measured in Pascals (Pa) - higher Pa ratings are needed for carpet cleaning and lifting pet hair from pile. For predominantly hard floors (timber, tile, vinyl), mid-range suction is sufficient and you'll get more value prioritising mop quality and water management features instead. Homes with a mix of carpet and hard flooring benefit most from combo models with auto-lift mop pads. Entry-level models typically range from 2,000-4,000 Pa; premium models can exceed 10,000 Pa.
Self-Emptying vs Standard
Self-emptying stations significantly reduce day-to-day maintenance and are worth the extra cost for busy households, pet owners, or anyone who wants a genuinely set-and-forget experience. Standard models require manual dustbin emptying after each clean or every few runs - fine for smaller homes or light use. If you're considering a self-emptying model, look for one that also washes and dries the mop pads for the most hands-free experience possible.
App Control and Scheduling
Most mid-range and premium robot vacuums connect to a companion app for room-by-room scheduling, no-go zones, and cleaning history. Check that the app is compatible with your preferred smart home ecosystem (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit) if integration matters to you. Voice control support is standard across most Roborock, Eufy, and Dreame models available at Tech Supply Shed.
Top Brands in Robot Vacuums
- Roborock - Premium LiDAR-navigating robot vacuums and mop combos known for precise mapping, strong suction, and advanced self-cleaning base stations. A top pick for larger NZ homes.
- Eufy - Reliable mid-range to premium robot vacuums with strong app integration and a growing range of Omni self-emptying models. Excellent value for NZ households.
- Dreame - Feature-rich robot vacuums with high suction ratings and competitive auto-wash station technology. A strong alternative to Roborock at similar price points.
- Tapo (TP-Link) - Affordable LiDAR-navigating robot vacuums and mop combos with solid app control. A great entry point for NZ homes new to robot vacuums.
- ECOVACS - Specialists in robotic cleaning, including the Winbot range of robotic window cleaners alongside robot vacuum and mop combos.
Browse the full Robot Vacuums range at Tech Supply Shed, or explore our complete Vacuum Cleaners and Home Appliances collections. Not sure which model suits your home? Read our robot vacuum buying guide for expert advice.