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Robot vacuums still struggle to go mainstream as consumers doubt reliability

The biggest challenge for robot vacuums is not the technology itself but consumer perceptions and trust in real-world reliability, an assessment found. Executives from major brands said many buyers still associate the devices with dirty-water mopping, weak carpet cleaning, random movement and frequent getting stuck, reflecting early-generation products. They also said consumers expect stable, hands-free operation in complex home environments, while varied flooring and clutter remain difficult conditions.