How does your robot see? The battle between Lidar (Laser) and VSLAM (Camera) navigation defines the user experience. Understanding the difference prevents buyer’s remorse.
Lidar (LDS)
Lidar robots have a spinning turret on top. They shoot lasers to build a floorplan instantly even in pitch black darkness.
Pros: Fast mapping, works in the dark, precise borders.
Cons: The turret adds height (might not fit under low sofas).
VSLAM (Vision)
Vision robots use cameras and algorithms to “see” walls and furniture.
Pros: Lower profile, better at recognizing specific objects (shoes, cords, poop).
Cons: Can struggle in low light types (though headlight LEDs are solving this).
The Verdict
For most users, Lidar is the safe bet for navigation reliability. However, if you have a cluttered house with toys and cables everywhere, a robot with an AI Camera for object avoidance is worth the premium.