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Robot vaccums: Manufacturers and models that protect users' privacy? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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My partner and I are getting a cat and consider getting a robot vacuum cleaner for our apartment to help keep it clean. Up until now, I've been against getting one due to privacy concerns and negative reports about certain manufacturers (e.g., iRobot/Roomba). Now I'm reevaluating, because my partner is sensitive to dust, and regular vacuuming will be a must.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations about manufacturers or models with a light privacy footprint or good reputation on that front?

I am aware that most robots that actually work will also gather data, and newer models even incorporate photo/video to improve pattern recognition performance. Still, I would be more comfortable with one that does that within reason (e.g., collects as little data as possible, transfers as little as possible to remote servers, encrypts data for transfer and storage).

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Good to hear, I thought the vac might be the last hold-out on the Xiaomi app until I found this. I am still sorting out my set-up after moving but this is definitely going to get done now.

Was it difficult? Some people say some (unspecified) models can be harder to change than others.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I followed these directions and did not find the process difficult.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Cool. I'm a clumsy oaf but my oldest best friend is an electrical engineer and loves a bit of soldering. It is why it's a little way down my to-do list but it will get done.