The Bobsweep Junior is an entry-level member of the Bobsweep robotic vacuum family. However, do not underestimate its cleaning abilities just because of its tiny name.

Introduction

This Bobsweep robotic vacuum cleaner is called Junior because it has a 3-step cleaning system instead of the 5-stage cleaning system of the other Bobsweep robots. Its side and main brush sweeps dirt into a vacuum port and large dust bin, while a HEPA filter cleans the vacuumed air. It does not have UV sterilization or a mop attachment. Nevertheless, it has all the essential features found on an entry-level robot vacuum.

Our review of the Bobsweep Junior robotic vacuum cleaner looks at what accessories are included and what the buttons on the robot do. We also answer a few questions about its remote control and dust bin before reaching our conclusion.

What accessories are included?

• Charging adapter
• Charging station
• Cleaning tool
• Extra filter
• Extra main brush
• Screws
• Extra side brush
• Owner’s manual
• Quick start guide
• Remote control
• Screwdriver
• Warranty card

The Junior seems to be compatible with the Bobi Block virtual wall accessory, but it is not included in the box. You will have to buy it separately from the manufacturer.

Do you need to install anything?

You have to install its side brush, which allows the robotic cleaner to sweep the edges of walls and corners. Do not worry, it is easy. Use the included screwdriver and the extra screw to attach the side brush in its place.

The next important thing to do is charging the battery. You can do this in two ways. Plug the charging adapter directly into Junior’s side, or plug the adapter into the charging station and place the robot on the charging nodes. Watch the display on the robot’s cover to see when it has reached a full charge. The Bobsweep Junior is now ready for its first cleaning job.

What does the cover buttons do?

The GO button starts the robotic vacuum on a cleaning run. The WAFFLE button commands the robot to spot clean a small area.

The MUTE button mutes its beeping noise when it gets stuck and needs assistance so that it does not annoy you.

The CHECKUP button commands the Bobsweep Junior to do a checkup of its most important parts. Its display screen shows information about its cleaning, battery charging and main components.

Does Bobsweep Junior have a remote control?

Yes, the Bobsweep Junior has a remote control. It requires two AAA batteries, which are not included in the box.

The Bobsweep Junior remote control has the following buttons and functions:

• Power: either wake up the robot or put it into standby mode.
• GO: tell the robot to start earning its keep by cleaning the floors.
• Corner: clean corners and wall edges.
• Mute: turn off the beeping noises.
• Waffle: spot cleaning mode.
• Charge: send Junior back to the charging station.
• Speed: choose a different cleaning speed.
• Navigational buttons: left, right, forward or backward.
• Pause: pause or resume cleaning.

The remote control might need to be synchronized with the robot before first use. You sync the remote by holding down the PAUSE button, turning on the robot’s power switch, and listening for an audible confirmation of a successful synchronization. Release the PAUSE button and press the GO button to see if the remote can now control the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Can Bobsweep Junior be scheduled?

No, it cannot be scheduled. There is no button for setting up a custom cleaning schedule. You have to press the GO button on either the robot or the remote when you want Bobsweep Junior to start cleaning. The lack of a schedule function is another reason why this vacuum cleaning robot is referred to as Junior.

What surface types can it clean?

The Bobsweep Junior can sweep and vacuum hardwood, laminate and tiled floors. It also vacuums area rugs and carpets. However, high pile shag carpets will be too dense for the robot to clean. It prefers low pile carpets.

The Bobsweep Junior is not the most powerful robotic vacuum cleaner. Nonetheless, it has enough suction power to pick up dust and pet hair from hard floors and thin carpets. It does not produce as much noise as a regular upright vacuum cleaner because it is simply not as powerful.

Junior has a 3-stage filter for high performance air filtration. The three stages are: a mesh filter for large particles, an electrostatic filter for fine particles and a HEPA filter for sub-micron particles. You can clean the filters with the included cleaning tool and replace them every six months.

How do you empty its dust bin?

The Bobsweep Junior has an extra large dust bin with a 1-liter capacity. It can hold more hair and dirt than most other robotic vacuum cleaners. Even so, you will need to empty the dust bin when it is full.

Push the button on the back of the robot to release the dust bin. Pull it out, open the transparent cover and empty the contents into a trash can. You may use either the included cleaning tool or a dry cloth to clean Junior’s dust bin. Never wash the dust bin with water. Replace the transparent cover and slide the dust bin back into the Bobsweep Junior.

How tall is Bobsweep Junior?

The Bobsweep Junior is a “junior” when it comes to height. It is about 3.5-inches high. For example, the Roomba 650 has a height of 3.6-inches. Nevertheless, it is not lower than the ILIFE A6, which beats them all with a height of only 2.8-inches.

Conclusion

The Bobsweep Junior does what an entry-level robotic vacuum cleaner is supposed to do: sweep, vacuum and filter. It has a side brush for cleaning edges and a wide main brush for sweeping up hair and dirt into its large dust bin. The 1-liter capacity of its dust bin is larger than most other vacuum cleaners on the market.

The Bobsweep Junior can be controlled with its included remote control, but it does not have a weekly schedule function. You have to press its GO button when you want it to vacuum the floor. Remember to pick up toys or clothing that might get stuck in Junior’s suction port. Keep loose cables out of its way.

The Bobsweep Junior might be a minor member of the Bobsweep family, but do not underestimate its cleaning abilities. It does not have a UV light or mop attachment like its bigger robotic brothers. Still, does it really need those things?

The Bobsweep Junior goes back to robotic vacuum basics and makes automated cleaning as simple as it should be (buy it on Amazon).