One of the most prominent brands in the world of robot vacuum cleaners, iLife, has just presented a new robot with very interesting features, the ILIFE A9s, which in Europe you can see as ZACO A9s.
ILIFE A9s | |
Navigation technology | Camera with room mapping |
Autonomy (min) | 120 |
Noise (decibels) | 68-72 |
Diameter (cm) | 33 |
Height (cm) | 7,6 |
Programmable | Yes |
High efficiency filter | Yes |
Dry/wet deposits (ml.) | 600 / 300 |
Power levels | 2 |
Suction power (Pa) | 1.000 |
Cleaning modes | 4 |
Assessment | 93 |
A robot that It represents a complete renovation not only in terms of functionality, but also in relation to the materials used and the aesthetics of the robot., which is now much more apparent, with a shiny aluminum finish.
With this new iLife A9s, the Chinese brand offers a very complete robot as it combines several functions: in addition to vacuuming, it mops and incorporates a new scrubbing system, much more efficient, thanks to the movement that the new mop already has, as well as its various scrubbing levels.
In short, a robot that will give you a lot to talk about, which we analyze in depth in this review, so that you can get to know it in depth.
Table of contents (click to show/hide)
ILIFE A9s: our assessment
The iLife A9s has obtained 93 rating points out of 100. It is a modern robot, which incorporates various cutting-edge technologies, and is complete, as it vacuums and mops.. In addition, it has a large tank and has a fairly small profile, so that it is capable of sneaking into almost any corner.
ILIFE A9s: box contents
Commissioning of the ILIFE A9s robot
As usual, It is recommended to place the charging base in a place where there is enough space for the robot to detect it properly and maneuver comfortably. (it is advisable to leave a free space of one meter on both sides of the base and two meters in front).
The robot comes partially charged. However, before putting it into operation it is advisable to charge it completely, for which a long-term charge is recommended (for example, leaving it charging overnight). Subsequently, it will take about five hours to fully charge it.
Normally, the robot will be in its charging base, and it will be connected to the power (consumption, as usual in a robot vacuum cleaner, is very low). However, if it is not going to be used for several weeks, the robot can be disconnected and even turned off using the side switch.
To get it started, there are several options: from the button on the top, through the remote control or through the ILIFE app, already used by other models of the brand.
Operation of the ILIFE A9s
The ILIFE A9s is a new generation robot, which incorporates some of the cutting-edge technologies that today are required not only from high-end robots, but also from mid-range ones.
To begin with, its improved PanoView navigation system stands out. Thanks to a camera on the top of the robot, a gyroscope and its CV-SLAM algorithm, which allows it to build a map of its environment (similar to, for example, the Roomba 980, or some autonomous cars) , the iLife A9s navigates efficiently, cleaning 100% of the home surface in less time, without leaving any corner uncleaned.
This technology allows you accurately scan and map room shapes and potential obstacles there may be. In addition, its 22 sensors help prevent crashes and falls, and facilitate fluid and orderly navigation.
Of course, it must be noted that the system, as happens with robots from other brands, needs some light to work, but not excessive (that is, in places with too much light, it could be "dazzled"). Nothing problematic in more or less normal conditions, but it is worth pointing out.
As for the brushes, the iLife A9s has one of the classic configurations, with two side brushes that sweep the dirt towards the center, where the central rotating brush and the suction exerted by the robot attract the dirt to the interior of the robot. There, its HEPA filtration system largely prevents it from coming out again, returning cleaner air.
As a novelty, The iLife A9s has two interchangeable central brushes, each of which is more useful depending on the type of floor. It could have, like most robots on the market, a single multifunction brush, but ILIFE has opted in this case to offer a greater range of possibilities.
On the one hand, there is the bristle brush, more appropriate for extracting dirt from carpets, and on the other hand, the rubber brush, similar to that of the new generation Roomba, suitable for all types of floors.
In addition, This rubber brush is very suitable for homes with pets, as it largely avoids the tangles that occur in bristle brushes.
Thus, The iLife A9s is capable of doing a good job on all types of surfaces, being able to overcome unevenness of up to 1,5 centimeters (i.e. it is suitable for thin or medium thickness carpets). In the case of carpets, it may present a problem with dark carpets (as also happens with some other brands), also depending on the type of pattern it has.
The 7,6 centimeters in profile is a fairly low height, which allows it to easily slip under beds and furniture., facilitating the cleaning of these types of areas where it is more difficult to reach.
This robot also includes a virtual barrier, the Electrowall, which allows you to delimit areas that it will not access. (for example, if we want to prevent it from entering a baby's room, a pet's food area, etc.).
Regarding the configuration possibilities of the robot when cleaning, the A9s It has two power levels and four cleaning modes:
The autonomy of the robot reaches 120 minutes. In this case, furthermore, ILIFE has incorporated a technology that some robots are gradually adding (at the moment, more typical of high ranges), such as load and continue. Thanks to it, when the battery is low, the robot not only automatically returns to the charging base, but then continues cleaning where it left off..
The iLife A9s also includes voice alerts, so that it informs what it is going to do or what happens to it.
The 600 milliliters of its tank capacity are also another aspect that has been improved, and which places it at the top of the classification. This way, no need to empty the tank as often, providing greater comfort.
Of course, as is increasingly common in robots, the A9s is programmable, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, for greater convenience.
The ILIFE app
One of the advantages that this iLife A9s offers is its Wifi connectivity, which allows us to connect to the robot through the mobile phone, so that we can control it from anywhere thanks to the smartphone, in addition to convenient access to various functions and information.
Through the application, you can start and pause the robot, program it, see on the map the areas that the robot is cleaning and access the cleaning history, choose the modes, power or scrubbing level, if applicable, or even know the condition of the brushes and filter.
The new scrubbing system of the ILIFE A9s
The iLife A9s incorporates new features in the scrubbing system, which place it at the level of those who today set the standard in this sense, such as the Conga and the Deebot Ozmo.
In this case, the robot includes, in addition to the classic tank for water and the mop, a vibration system that rubs the microfiber against the floor, somehow imitating the way people scrub (just as it does, with another system, the Conga 3090).
Thus, achieves a much better result than other robots, which simply wipe the wet mop as they go. It is not capable of removing stuck-on stains, but it achieves a fairly good result.
Also note that, on the contrary, for example, that the Conga, the iLife A9s is not capable of vacuuming and mopping at the same time, so one job would be done first and then the other. In any case, the battery is enough to do both jobs, vacuuming and mopping, in a medium-sized home.
Advantages of the ILIFE A9s
Navigation system
Its new camera-based navigation system with CV-SLAM technology allows you to map rooms and perform effective cleaning, covering 100% of the surface, and efficient, finishing in less time.
scrubbing system
Its vibration scrubbing system is one of the best on the market, achieving a result superior to most of the competition, thanks to the vibration it incorporates, which simulates human movement.
Brushes
The iLife A9 has 2 interchangeable central brushes, one with bristles and the other with rubber, which allows us choose the most suitable one depending on the type of surface.
Suitable for pets
Its filtering system and rubber brush make this robot a excellent option for homes with animals.
Configuration possibilities
The iLife A9s has 2 power levels, 4 cleaning modes and 3 scrubbing levels, as well as a virtual barrier, allowing configure cleaning, adapting it to the needs of the moment.
Manageable by app
The robot connects to the Wi-Fi and can be operated from anywhere and at any time, providing great comfort and versatility.
Deposit
Its 600 milliliter tank is one of the largest in the category, so it has to be emptied fewer times.
Height
Its height is quite small. The 7,6 centimeters of the A9s allow it to sneak in where other robots cannot fit, helping to keep those hard-to-reach places cleaner.
Drawbacks
This is a very complete and well-functioning robot, which represents the new generation of ILIFE well, since it represents a considerable leap compared to previous versions. However, and although the power it has is sufficient, we would have liked this new range to enjoy more suction in line with other brands. Their 1.000 Pascals manage to do a good job, but they could have put in something more.
Why buy an ILIFE A9s
If you want to buy a complete robot, which does a good job not only vacuuming, but also mopping, belonging to one of the leading brands in the sector, the iLife A9s is a good option.
If you want to purchase a State-of-the-art robot, with room mapping and Wi-Fi connection, programmable and manageable from anywhere and at any time, and all at a reasonable price, the ILIFE A9s is an excellent alternative.
ILIFE, one of the world leaders in the robot vacuum cleaner sector
ILIFE is a company that has grown rapidly in just a few years, thanks to its investment in innovation. Founded in 2010, the company invests 10% of its profits in R&D every year, and a large part of its staff is made up of engineers.
It has 3 factories and 3 design centers, and several logistics centers throughout the world, from which it distributes its products.
For some years now, it has been marketing its products in Europe under the ZACO brand., based in Germany, and with robots as interesting as the ZACO A10, a model with laser navigation that includes various innovations, such as its cellular tank or the possibility of configuring the speed of the side brushes, which have allowed it to win important international design awards, such as the Reddot Design Award.
