Dyson
Dyson has introduced its latest flagship vacuum cleaner, the V16 Piston Animal, which features advanced technology that allows it to adapt its cleaning power based on the type of floor it is on. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and conserve battery life, addressing a common concern among users of cordless vacuum cleaners.
The V16 builds on the “Auto” mode first seen in the V11 model, with improvements that make it more intelligent. According to Steph Parker, a Dyson engineer involved in the design of the V16, the vacuum now adjusts both suction power and brush speed depending on whether it is cleaning hard floors or carpets. “We now control brush speed as well as suction,” Parker explained. “It’s intelligently understanding whether you’re on hard floor or carpet and changing both accordingly.”
This capability is crucial for optimizing battery usage. On carpets, the spinning brushroll agitated the fibers to release dirt, while on hard floors, the vacuum reduces the brush speed to save energy. “On hard floors, you don’t need your brush bar spinning as much,” Parker noted. “By slowing the spin, you save energy and being less aggressive on hard floors is good as well.”
The V16 features the new All Floor Cones Sense floorhead, designed for versatility across multiple surfaces. This floorhead integrates soft material strips for hard floors and bristles for carpets, allowing for effective cleaning without needing multiple attachments.
In addition to its physical adjustments, the V16 is equipped with sensors that detect the size and volume of particles being cleaned. This allows the vacuum to automatically adjust suction power, ensuring optimal performance. Users can also view real-time data about dust levels on the vacuum’s screen.
Competition in the vacuum market is heating up as other brands increase their automation capabilities. For instance, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless and PowerDetect Cordless models can adjust cleaning power not only based on floor type but also the amount of dirt detected. These vacuums can sense when they are near edges, where dust typically collects, and increase suction on that side accordingly.
Samsung is also advancing in this arena with its Bespoke Jet AI Ultra, which claims to use artificial intelligence to identify specific floor types, such as dense carpet or mats. This model adjusts both suction power and brushroll speed to enhance cleaning efficiency while preserving battery life.
Dyson’s focus on intelligent automation in its vacuums reflects a broader trend in the home appliance industry, where manufacturers are increasingly integrating smart technology to improve user experience. As consumers look for devices that offer convenience and efficiency, the advancements in the V16 Piston Animal set a new benchmark in the market.
