There's a very small percentage of humans on this earth that love to vacuum, so for the majority of us, a robot helper is a godsend.
Robot vacuums, window cleaners, lawn mowers, pool cleaners – you name it, there's probably a robot to help you with your every need. Robotic vacuums and mops are the standout and the technology behind them is evolving rapidly.
Robot vacuums with cameras have become increasingly popular, as they offer additional features such as mapping capabilities and smart navigation. But as technology advances, we have to question how safe and secure these products are.
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Last month, Dyson launched their first robot vacuum, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, which offers a 360-degree camera that can be accessed at any time through the Dyson app.
Whether you're in front or behind, to the left or right of the robot – it can see your every move.
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Ecovacs Deebot X1 OMNI also has camera capabilities, with the camera doubling as home security and also utilising the camera for object detection. These luxury home robots retails for about $2500.
But how secure are robot vacuums with cameras attached?
If a camera following you around isn't your cup of tea, there are some great options out there, such as the HOBOT LEGEE D8.
The LEGEE D8 opts to skip the camera, lowering the security risk, yet still offers smart home cleaning at a more affordable price point. The LEGEE D8 starts at around $800.
How safe is my data while using robots with cameras?
Vacuums equipped with cameras can capture images or videos of your home, that's a no-brainer. This of course can raise privacy concerns, as you may be uncomfortable with the idea of a device collecting visual data within your living space.
Everyone investing in a robot vacuum, or robot device in general, should consider how data is captured, stored and transmitted. The best way to know how your robot manufacturer is looking after your data is to check their privacy policy and terms of service.
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Any device with a camera and internet connectivity can be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
While reputable manufacturers strive to implement security measures, it's crucial to choose a robot vacuum from a trusted brand that invests in cybersecurity and regularly releases firmware updates to address potential vulnerabilities.
If privacy and security are your main concerns, choosing a robot vacuum without a camera can provide peace of mind.
Cameraless models rely on other sensors, such as infrared or laser sensors, to navigate and map your home. These vacuums can still effectively clean your floors without capturing visual data.
Most of these big companies invest millions in cyber security.
Sure, none of them can 100 per cent guarantee your privacy and data is secure, but there are a few things you can do to ease your mind.
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How can I secure my network?
It's not just the products themselves that offer a potential security risk, you need to make sure your own home network is secure and you have security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access.
Regardless of whether your robot vacuum has a camera, you can take steps to enhance the security of your smart home devices.
These include regularly updating the firmware of your robot, using a strong and unique password for your robot's app or control panel, and ensuring your Wi-Fi network is secure with a strong password and encryption.
You can also choose which data you want to share through various apps, you can see which apps are tracking your phone's activity by heading to your device's privacy settings.
On iPhone, you can ask apps not to track you and select which ones have access to your data. You may want to share your data in some circumstances, such as location-based apps (banking, takeaway food).
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What benefits do I get from a robot vacuum with a camera?
A camera-equipped robot vacuum can provide advanced features such as mapping, improved navigation, object detection, remote monitoring, and customised cleaning preferences.
These benefits contribute to a more efficient and tailored cleaning experience, making your robot vacuum an even more valuable and convenient tool for maintaining a clean home.
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Choosing between a robot vacuum with a camera or without one ultimately depends on your personal preferences and risk tolerance regarding privacy and security. While manufacturers invest in cybersecurity, no solution is 100 per cent foolproof.
By considering reputable brands, securing your home network, and making informed decisions about data sharing, you can strike a balance between the convenience of robot vacuums and the need to protect your privacy and security in the smart home era.
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