Description
Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum: A Comprehensive Guide and Review
The Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum is designed to make cleaning effortless, especially for pet owners and busy households. With features like Matrix Clean Navigation, self-emptying capabilities, and advanced home mapping, this robotic vacuum aims to deliver a powerful and efficient cleaning experience. In this article, we will provide a buyer’s guide followed by an extensive review of this innovative vacuum.
Buyer’s Guide to Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum
Key Features
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Matrix Clean Navigation:
- This feature allows the vacuum to clean in a precision matrix grid, ensuring multiple passes over dirt and debris for a comprehensive deep clean in every room.
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Self-Emptying Base:
- The bagless XL self-empty base can hold up to 60 days of accumulated dirt and debris, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners who often face hair and dander challenges.
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Home Mapping & Smart Navigation:
- The vacuum uses 360° LiDAR technology to map your home accurately, allowing for efficient navigation around furniture and detection of obstacles.
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Strong Suction Power:
- With powerful suction designed to handle various floor types, including carpets and hardwoods, the Shark AI Ultra tackles the toughest messes with ease.
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Voice Control Compatibility:
- The vacuum can be controlled through voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, allowing for easy scheduling and cleaning commands.
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Self-Cleaning Brushroll:
- Engineered to pick up hair without tangling, this feature is a must-have for homes with pets.
What to Consider Before Buying
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Home Layout: If you have a multi-story home, consider if the mapping features are robust enough for your needs.
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Floor Types: Ensure that the vacuum is compatible with all of your floor types, particularly if you have a mix of carpets and hard floors.
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App Usability: Some users have reported issues with the app, so be prepared for potential troubleshooting.
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Long-Term Durability: A limited one-year warranty may make some users cautious. Consider purchasing additional warranty coverage if available.
In-Depth Review of Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum
Design and Build Quality
The Shark AI Ultra features a sleek, cool grey design that fits well into any home decor. Its compact form factor (8.43″L x 13.08″W x 13.9″H) makes it easy to navigate under furniture and around tight spaces. Weighing in at 15.25 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a robotic vacuum.
Performance
Suction and Cleaning Efficiency
The Shark AI Ultra boasts incredible suction power that effectively picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces. Users have noted that it performs exceptionally well on both carpets and hard floors. The self-cleaning brushroll enhances its cleaning capability, reducing the chance of hair wrap, which is essential for pet owners.
Navigation and Mapping
The Matrix Clean Navigation feature stands out, allowing the vacuum to clean in a systematic grid pattern. However, experiences with home mapping have been mixed. Some users have reported that it takes time to create an accurate map of the entire home, which can be frustrating for those used to quicker setups from competitor brands.
User Experience
Setting up the Shark AI Ultra is straightforward. Most users can easily connect it to their Wi-Fi and use the SharkClean app to monitor cleaning schedules and performance. Voice control is a fantastic addition, providing hands-free operation.
That said, the app has shown some inconsistencies, particularly with room selection for cleaning zones. Users have expressed challenges with the app’s functionality, although the vacuum itself has generally performed well during cleaning runs.
Battery Life and Maintenance
With a battery life of around 120 minutes, the Shark AI Ultra can clean most homes on a single charge. It also features a recharge and resume function, returning to the dock when low on battery and continuing where it left off once recharged. Maintenance is relatively simple, with users needing to clean filters and brushes regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional suction power for various surfaces | Mapping can be slow and inaccurate |
| Self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of debris | App functionality may have issues |
| Easy voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant | Some users report initial setup difficulties |
| Self-cleaning brushroll minimizes tangles | Limited one-year warranty |
Rating Summary
| Feature | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Suction Power | 5 |
| Navigation & Mapping | 3 |
| User Experience | 4 |
| Battery Life | 4 |
| App Functionality | 3 |
| Overall Performance | 4 |
Overall Rating: 4/5
The Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum is a strong contender in the robotic vacuum market, especially for pet owners. While it has some drawbacks, such as mapping inaccuracies and app issues, its powerful suction, self-emptying capabilities, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for effortless cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the battery last?
- The Shark AI Ultra has a battery life of approximately 120 minutes, which should be sufficient for cleaning most homes on a single charge.
2. Does it work well on carpets and hard floors?
- Yes, this vacuum is designed to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors, handling pet hair and debris with ease.
3. How often does the self-emptying base need to be emptied?
- The self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.
4. Can I control the vacuum with my smartphone?
- Yes, the SharkClean app allows you to schedule cleanings, monitor performance, and control the vacuum remotely.
5. What should I do if the mapping feature does not work properly?
- If you experience issues with mapping, ensure the vacuum is updated via the app and try resetting the mapping process.
In conclusion, the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum is an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine, especially in homes with pets. Despite some minor setbacks, its powerful features and ease of use shine through, making it a valuable addition to any household.
Maria Isabel –
I live with three cats and suffer from back pain that restricts my movement, making this robot a great solution for me. I’ve mapped my home and designated an area called “cats” for their litter boxes. After each cat uses the bathroom, I scoop and instruct the app to clean the cats’ area. It performs incredibly well in that regard, effectively picking up litter and hair. Occasionally, I use it in other parts of the house, and it works well on both carpets and hardwood floors. Overall, I’m pleased with the product.
However, the app is problematic. It feels experimental and has numerous issues. For instance, every time I navigate to the “rooms” section to select the cat area, it inexplicably switches to “hallway.” This happens every time, forcing me to wait for it to change back so I can select the right area and hit “matrix clean,” which is fantastic for the cat area as it ensures no litter is missed. When I’m in a rush, I sometimes accidentally hit “clean,” only to see it head towards the hallway, which is frustrating. Additionally, in the “rooms” section, the map feature that should allow me to click on areas to clean doesn’t work. I have to toggle it to view a list before I can make a selection.
Yesterday, the app completely disconnected from my robot, requiring me to set it up again. Today, it disconnected from my account, and I had to search for my password to log back in. Now, when I try to tell the robot to clean, the app says “disconnected.” I activated the clean function on the robot itself, but it’s now cleaning the entire apartment instead of focusing on the cat area, which means it won’t get the thorough “matrix clean” it needs.
So, I’m feeling quite frustrated. The robot itself is excellent, but the app is incredibly disappointing.
Nick Comeau –
I rarely write reviews, but I’m truly impressed with this vacuum’s performance. It quickly maps out my home and cleans each room flawlessly. I’ve never seen my floors so spotless, and the scheduling feature ensures they stay that way. The time saved on vacuuming and the relief of not having to worry about it is fantastic.
While the regular price is a bit steep, I snagged it during a Prime deal for $300 Canadian. At that price, it’s an absolute steal. The full price might be too much for my budget, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.
Mark –
We own a Golden Retriever who sheds quite a bit and often brings in pine needles, dirt, and other outdoor debris. The Shark vacuum handles it all during its nightly runs, and we wake up to a spotless home. No more dust or fur bunnies, and with cleaner floors, the dust accumulation on our higher furniture has reduced. Additionally, when our dog gets the ‘zoomies’ indoors, the air purifier doesn’t go into overdrive like it used to with all the dust kicked up from the carpet. The mapping software is impressive, and the exclusion zones work effectively. We have some counter stools that the Shark used to attempt to climb over due to their low base, but now that’s no longer an issue. Like any robot vacuum or standard vacuum cleaner, regular maintenance is necessary—cleaning the filters and removing hair from the wheels. Overall, this is an excellent unit, and we scored it on Prime Day!
Richard Hennry –
Where to begin? Let’s tackle the negatives first. The mapping is truly lacking. We’ve run Bruce (because if you’re naming a Shark-branded robot vacuum, Bruce is the only choice) 25 times, and it still hasn’t effectively mapped our home. In contrast, my brother’s competitor’s robot—one that rhymes with BOOMBA—mapped his place in just three runs. This Shark doesn’t even come close, which limits my ability to vacuum specific rooms. However, if you don’t have a multi-story house, just set Bruce loose, and he’ll clean your home wonderfully.
Now, onto the not-so-great aspects. Bruce often demonstrates a surprising lack of intelligence for a smart device, but he’s incredibly determined. He may stumble around a bit, but he gets the job done. With each run, he seems to learn a little more; for instance, he’s started to divide his cleaning into halves instead of sweeping through the house in long stretches. Just today, he even went around the perimeter to clean the baseboards—small improvements.
As for his vacuuming performance, it’s excellent—perhaps even too effective. A tip: if you get your own Bruce, run him on low suction for the first 4 or 5 sessions. Another downside is that Bruce doesn’t seem to know when he’s full; he’ll lock up and cry for help like a greedy little guppy. You can’t simply tell him to restart; he has to begin from scratch, and hopefully, the engineers will address this oversight. It would be great to have a feature that sends him back to his base to empty himself or reduces the default cleaning duration from about 30 minutes.
Now, let’s talk about the base—the self-emptying feature is pure genius. With the press of a button, we can open it without ever having to touch the mess. No bags to buy; just press a button, and everything drops out.
It’s clear that our family loves Bruce. We’re even looking into getting a skin to give him a little flair. We’ve only had Bruce for about a week, but he’s already made a significant impact. Honestly, I can’t recommend this product enough. It has its quirks, but it performs exceptionally well.
A few tips:
Make sure all your lights are on while Bruce is learning the layout—he’s a camera-based robot that relies on ceiling landmarks. Start him on low suction during those initial runs, and gradually increase the power. Keep in mind that Bruce doesn’t have a sensor in his bin; his algorithm dictates when he should return to empty himself, which isn’t ideal since he fills up quickly. However, I can manage this for the sake of his impressive cleaning quality.
Since our house isn’t exactly toddler- or robot-ready, we began mapping with the doors of bedrooms and bathrooms closed. Surprisingly, this worked out well. Although the mapping wasn’t perfect, Bruce improved efficiency in the main living areas when we gradually added in the bedrooms and bathrooms. In our three-bedroom, two-bath home with two living areas and a heart of the kitchen, he can now clean everything on a single charge, likely because we added one room at a time after his initial runs.
It’s evident that Bruce has been a fantastic addition to our household. I never thought a robot vacuum could be so effective. It works wonders, and I now know what gift I’ll give to every new homeowner I know. There are plenty of options out there—some cheaper and some pricier—but aside from one specific feature Bruce lacks (multi-floor mapping), I can’t imagine any being better.
UPDATED 2/19/20: The mapping works now! I deleted the map once, ran it three times, and voilà—house mapped and room-specific vacuuming unlocked! For those struggling, I suggest deleting the map and ensuring all lights are on. The more light, the better Bruce sees to create an accurate map.
To reiterate, my little robot, Bruce, has truly transformed my home. I can’t recommend him enough.
UPDATED 2/5/21: A year later, and I have no regrets. Bruce is one of the best purchases I’ve made. He’s not just a vacuum; he feels like part of the family—almost like a pet, albeit a dim-witted but hard-working one. He’s like a toddler who always wants to be near you while cleaning your floors and carpets. If you’re on the fence about getting a robot vacuum, let me reassure you: buy one. They’re no longer a luxury in my home; they’re essential and worth every penny. As for Shark, I love mine. It works great and does exactly what it should. The only home I wouldn’t recommend it for is a multi-story one. Otherwise, it’s a must-have.
4/28/23: Still the best purchase we’ve made for home cleaning. No changes there, but I’ve made a small observation. Recently, we replaced some furniture and adjusted our home layout. We moved the dock from a north-south to an east-west orientation, and I swear, Bruce navigates even better now.
C –
I am absolutely thrilled with my Shark robot vacuum! From the moment I set it up, it has transformed the way I keep my home clean. The setup was a breeze, and the seamless app integration allows me to schedule cleanings even when I’m away.
The suction power is outstanding, easily picking up dust, pet hair, and debris from both carpets and hardwood floors. I appreciate how it navigates around furniture and obstacles effortlessly, ensuring every corner of my home is covered. The self-emptying base is a brilliant feature, saving me time and effort while keeping the vacuum running smoothly.
One of my favorite features is the advanced mapping technology. It creates a detailed layout of my home, so it knows exactly where to clean while avoiding areas I want to keep untouched. The battery life is impressive, easily managing to clean my entire house on a single charge.
The Shark vacuum is quiet, efficient, and incredibly effective. It has genuinely simplified my life, and I can’t imagine going back to traditional vacuuming. I highly recommend this product to anyone in search of a high-quality robot vacuum!
jean-philippe b. –
I received the device, but it has not been working since day one due to a faulty battery. I contacted Shark’s customer service, and they promised to send me a new battery within five days, but I never received it. After following up, I was informed that my order was canceled because they didn’t have the battery in stock. Now, I am told I should expect a new battery in about three weeks!
No funciona. No tiene absolutamente ningún efecto anestésico. –
This is an excellent product for the home; it keeps my house free of all the fur shed by my husky dogs.
Rupertswife –
Setting it up right out of the box was a breeze, and once the robot was charged, it took a thorough tour of the house. The mapping feature was both accurate and detailed. The app is user-friendly and walks you through creating zones and cleaning schedules effortlessly.
The robot operates quietly, although the vacuuming noise during the emptying process is noticeable. Thankfully, the dirt cup empties completely. If the dirt cup fills up while it’s cleaning, the robot returns to the base, empties, and then resumes right where it left off. The same goes for when the battery is low. Recharging takes about 3-4 hours, but it seamlessly picks up where it stopped.
I tried a matrix clean in our bedroom to tackle the dust and dirt under the bed, and it performed flawlessly. It had no trouble navigating multiple area rugs or transitioning from bare floors to carpeted rooms.
After three complete house cleanings and one matrix clean, I’ve experienced no problems. It has plenty of suction power to pick up small debris, dust, and dog hair (we have a long-haired shepherd/chow mix, so hair is everywhere).
I haven’t cleaned the wheels or beater bar yet, but I plan to do so weekly. I bought replacement filters and brushes in advance to minimize downtime. While I can’t comment on its durability yet since we’ve only had it for a few days, the sensors are functioning as expected, and it doesn’t bump into things to find its way.
We own several Shark and Ninja products, all of which have met our expectations, and this robot vacuum is no exception. It’s a fantastic value for the money.