Swimming is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Cleaning the pool, however, is an absolute drag. For my money, pool cleaning robots are easier to use than standard robovacs. If you have access to a pool, the upcoming Wybot S3 will make sure you don't have to walk around like a doofus with a giant net.
Announced at CES, the Wybot S3 is an improvement over the S2 in almost every way. The company says it's the “first self-docking, self-emptying automatic charging pool cleaning robot.” It includes an automated self-emptying system, common to land-based robovacs but new to water-adjacent models. The unit transfers debris from its body to a 10-liter above ground base station. This container is large enough to last 30 days without having to be emptied manually.
One more first? The robot charges automatically through integrated solar panels. Under optimal sunlight, it will absorb about 1.5 hours of runtime per day. In inclement weather, the unit can also be charged by plugging into a traditional electrical outlet.
As for the actual cleaning, the unit includes a whole bunch of sensors that help it create a 3D map of the entire “undersea environment.” This allows the most efficient cleaning route to be planned and minimizes the chances of a blind spot. The company says this is particularly important for irregularly shaped pools. It also includes a camera that tests for the most debris, for improved efficiency and accuracy.
The Wybot S3 can be monitored and controlled in real-time through a proprietary app, with a connection that combines Wi-Fi and sonar. The aquatic robovac is available for preorder now, with shipments due out in the second quarter of the year. However, all that waterproof technology will cost you. The robot will be priced between $2,500 and $3,000, depending on which options are chosen.
Pool cleaning robots have been popping up all over the place lately. A company called Aiper in 2023 and the Beatbot Aquasense Pro .
