Custobots

Custobots are a line of commercially produced cleaning robots introduced in the early 2020s by the Japanese robotics company Axiom Interactive. Designed primarily for household floor maintenance, the devices combine vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping functions into a single unit. Each Custobot is equipped with a 12-inch circular cleaning head, side brushes, and a built-in microfiber pad for drying surfaces. Sensors on the perimeter use infrared and ultrasonic technology to detect obstacles such as furniture, pets, and small toys, enabling the robot to navigate around them autonomously. The navigation system relies on a combination of random walk algorithms during the initial cleaning cycle and mapping features built into the integrated navigation software for repeatable coverage patterns in subsequent operation.

The devices run on a lithium‑ion battery providing up to 90 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge, and can be manually guided through a companion smartphone application. The application allows users to set cleaning schedules, monitor progress, and program specific no‑go zones. Custobots use a self‑emptying dustbin system that empties into a detachable cartridge that can be disposed of or refilled by the user.

The line has gained popularity for its compact size and affordable price point relative to competitors such as Roomba and Roborock. Critics note that while Custobots accomplish basic cleaning tasks efficiently, they may struggle on high‑pile carpet or complex cluttered arrangements. The company continues to release firmware updates that improve navigation efficiency and extend battery life.