By Adrian Justins
From robot vacuums that tidy up after themselves to soap dispensers that deliver the perfect dose without a touch, the latest home gadgets promise not just convenience but cleaner, healthier living.
Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum, £1,799
With dual cameras, LED lights and artificial intelligence object recognition, the Roborock Saros Z70 goes beyond standard robotic vacuums that have to work around obstacles – it moves them out of the way. Its five-axis arm with precision sensors and a gentle grip can lift and move items weighing up to 300g. It is pre-programmed to recognise 108 objects and users can define and label up to 50 more using an app. The vacuum also responds to voice controls and can locate your pet and take its photo. The dock handles 10 maintenance tasks, including emptying the dust bucket and washing and drying the mop.
Solenco Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot, £329
Robot cleaners don’t just go along floors; they can also climb vertical surfaces. Solenco’s Hobot S7 Pro clings to glass with auto-adjusting pneumatic pads that maintain optimal contact pressure between the cleaning cloths and the window surface. It sprays the surface with an ultra-fine mist, which is then polished to a shine using dual mop heads that operate at 600 strokes per minute. The cleaner, which is operated by remote control or a smartphone app, has a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides 20 minutes of backup power, plus a safety rope.
Eko Mirage Plus Recycling Sensor Bin, £229.99
As well as a 15-litre (lower) recycling section, the Eko Mirage Plus bin has 30-litre household rubbish and 15-litre compostable compartments, which share a hygienic, hands-free activated lid. The battery-powered lid is opened by waving a hand or moving an object within 15-20cm directly in front of or slightly above a sensor window. Staying close to the sensor will keep the lid open; moving away starts a five-second countdown – indicated on a blue light display – before it gently closes automatically. A manual override touch button allows the lid to be opened and closed as required. Other design elements include removable inner buckets and a fingerprint-resistant brushed metal finish.
Simple Human Sensor Pump with Caddy, from £100
Like the Eko bin, refillable soap dispensers from Simple Human use sensor technology that results in less contact and hence better hygiene and less cleaning. Placing a washing-up sponge underneath the spout of the Sensor Pump with Caddy will activate the delivery of washing-up liquid from its 414ml reservoir. The amount of soap dispensed varies according to how near the sponge is placed to the spout – close for a little, further away for a lot. The dispenser’s built-in battery lasts eight months and is charged wirelessly by placing it on an inductive charging stand. A dual dispenser version (for hand soap as well as washing-up liquid) is priced at £180. Both models have a sponge caddy and are available in brushed steel, matte black and white plastic finishes.
Vitesy Natede Smart Natural Air Purifier, £279
Most electric air purifiers trap airborne toxins in disposable filters that need regular replacing. Vitesy’s Natede Smart, available from Aerify, takes a different approach — combining a reusable filter with the natural purifying properties of houseplants. Air is drawn through the plant’s growing medium, where microorganisms convert volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into nutrients. A light-activated ceramic filter then breaks down airborne bacteria. The filter is washable, reducing waste. The purifier can be operated with a tap or gesture, as well as voice control using smart home hubs Google Home and Alexa. Paired with the Vitesy Hub app, it alerts users to drops in air quality and allows remote control of its settings. A built-in one-litre reservoir keeps plants watered automatically.
