Bumper robot vacuum: a protective shield for the robot and your furniture

In professional cleaning, the bumper is the final safety measure that protects both people and equipment from damage.

The function of the bumper on the Nexaro NR 1700

Although the Nexaro NR 1700 primarily navigates contactlessly using LiDAR and ultrasound, the bumper plays a crucial role in operational safety:

• Mechanical fallback mechanism: Should an obstacle (e.g. a very thin chair leg or a reflective object) not be detected by the optical sensors in time, the bumper reacts immediately at the slightest touch.
• 360° safety: The bumper is designed to detect not only frontal but also lateral contact. This is particularly important when manoeuvring in confined office environments.
• Gentle contact: High-quality bumpers are spring-mounted and fitted with rubber lips or soft-touch elements to completely prevent scratches on furniture or delicate surfaces.
• Instant response sequence: Upon mechanical contact, the sensor system triggers an emergency stop or a controlled change of direction within milliseconds to immediately neutralise any pressure on the object.
• Dust- and shock-resistant design: As commercial robot vacuum cleaners are required to operate continuously, the mechanics behind the bumper are specially encapsulated to ensure uncompromising functionality even in the face of high levels of dust and dirt.

Why the bumper makes robot vacuum cleaners safe for commercial use

Unlike consumer devices, commercial robots must meet stricter safety standards. The Bumper plays a key role in achieving certification to IEC 63327:

• Personal safety: In environments where people are working, the Bumper ensures that the robot stops immediately upon contact with a foot or an obstacle.
• Robot durability: It protects the sensitive technology inside the housing from shocks.
• Fault-free navigation: The bumper helps the algorithm recognise when an area is physically impassable, thereby supporting the refinement of the digital map in the Nexaro HUB.
• Legal certainty and risk minimisation: For building service providers and property managers, a TÜV-certified hardware safety architecture drastically reduces liability risk, as damage to property or personal injury is reliably prevented during operation.

Bumper and sensor fusion: precision meets safety

At Nexaro, the bumper-equipped robot vacuum never operates in isolation. It forms part of a ‘sensor fusion’ system: whilst the LiDAR sensor plans ahead, the bumper acts as a tactile safety sensor. This combination enables the Nexaro NR 1700 to clean as close as possible to objects without posing a safety risk.

Bumper vs. Purely Optical Navigation in Professional Use

In complex B2B environments – such as dimly lit hotel corridors, lobbies with lots of glass, or offices with reflective stainless steel elements – purely optical sensors physically reach their limits. Physical, tactile protection provided by a bumper is therefore indispensable in the commercial sector. It seamlessly bridges the gap between theoretical obstacle detection and practical object safety.

Reliable hardware for professional use

The bumper is the physical guarantee of damage-free operation. With the Nexaro NR 1700, you can rely on a system that, thanks to its robust construction and intelligent sensor technology, protects both your premises and your staff – day in, day out, operation after operation.