The issue of Roomba getting stuck, particularly on thresholds, is not novel and is experienced by many customers. It can be caused by a number of reasons ranging from the threshold’s height, type of surface, issues with weight distribution, or defective wheels or sensors.
Threshold Height: The majority of thresholds are too high for most Roomba models to overcome successfully. Even though some Roombas can support thresholds up to a specific height, the taller ones will see the robot getting stuck or struggling to navigate across them.
Surface Material: The material of the surface of the threshold can also be an issue. If the surface is smooth or lacks traction, the wheels of the Roomba can slide and not gain a sufficient enough grip to move itself forward, resulting in it getting stuck.
Weight Distribution: If the Roomba’s weight is not evenly distributed onto all the wheels when attempting to cross a threshold, it may attempt to push itself forward but be unsuccessful, resulting in it getting stuck.
Wheel or Sensor Issues: Defective wheels or sensors can significantly impair the Roomba’s ability to navigate thresholds. Dirty sensors particularly can misinterpret obstacles and cause the Roomba to stop or reverse unnecessarily.
Solutions to these issues are:
Use Threshold Ramps: Putting ramps or similar solutions on either side of the threshold can make it easier for the Roomba to pass over it. The ramps provide a slight incline that allows the robot to transition between surfaces without getting stuck.
Modify the Environment: If possible, reducing the threshold height by sanding it down or replacing it with a lower threshold can make it easier for the Roomba to pass over.
Clean the Wheels and Sensors: It is highly necessary to clean the wheels and sensors of the Roomba on a regular basis. Dirty sensors can lead to navigation issues, and cleaning them might improve the robot’s ability to sense and go around obstacles appropriately.
Adjust Navigation Settings: Some models of Roomba allow navigation settings to be adjusted. Checking if the settings can be adjusted to better handle thresholds can help fine-tune the performance.
Check for Updates: Ensuring that the Roomba has the latest firmware can also maximize its navigation capability, as updates tend to include enhancements in obstruction handling.
Contact Customer Support: If the issue still persists, it might be required to contact iRobot customer support for personalized guidance or repairs. They can provide tailored solutions or service plans for the particular model.
Other users have described the same problems with different models of Roomba. An older model of the Roomba 692, for example, struggled to move over a.5-inch rug and a 5/8-inch threshold. The issue was compounded by the presence of a small lip on the kitchen side of the threshold, which the Roomba would bump into and turn away from. The solution to the issue was to clean the cliff sensors, as they were incorrectly detecting obstacles as cliffs.
In yet another case, a Roomba 880 struggled with thresholds, despite being designed to overcome them. The solution was to create temporary ramps that would allow the robot to glide over the transitions smoothly.
By and large, although Roomba devices are designed to traverse various surfaces, thresholds can be particularly challenging. Being aware of why issues occur and applying appropriate remedies can help with improving the performance and efficiency of the robot.
