Your robot vacuum's navigation isn't perfect.

It’s usually a combination of sensor drift, low battery, or a subtle change in your furniture layout.

Robovacs don’t have perfect memory. They rely on sensors (lidar, camera, or bump sensors) and sometimes a map they build over time. If anything changes—even a few inches—they can get confused. Low battery can also mess with sensor accuracy, making them bump into things they’d normally avoid. And if the sensors are dusty or the floor is very dark/shiny, the vacuum starts guessing.

Also, some robots purposely bump gently to confirm their map. It’s not a bug; it’s a feature.

Give the sensors a wipe and check your map.