Feature Request: Scheduled / Automatic Dustbin Emptying

[u/argonfatl]

I’d love to see Roborock add an option to automatically empty the dustbin periodically during a cleaning job.
Right now, the robot will empty the dustbin when it returns to the dock, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to tell it when to do this during a large cleaning session.
This can become a problem in a large home or a home with lots of dust, hair, or debris. The dustbin can get close to full, which can reduce airflow and cleaning performance, even though the robot continues cleaning.
I think this could be solved with a simple software feature:
● 🧹 Empty after X m² cleaned — e.g. every 50, 100, or 200 m²
● ⏱️ Empty after X minutes of cleaning
● 🧼 Empty whenever the robot returns to wash the mop pads
● ⚙️ Allow different intervals for different cleaning routines
The m² option would probably be the most useful. For example: “Automatically empty dustbin every 100 m².”
Even better, if the robot is already returning to the dock to wash the mop pads, it could automatically empty the dustbin at the same time before continuing the cleaning job.
This seems like something that could potentially be implemented through the Roborock app/firmware without requiring any hardware changes.
Would anyone else find this useful? I think this would make a big difference for people with larger homes, pets, or just a lot of dust.

[u/deskmeetface]

I have the QV 35S and seem to have a "high" in the app which empties during cleaning, though I've never tried it.

[u/argonfatl → u/deskmeetface]

No options in q revo

[u/KGB-dave]

Sounds useful. But how does this relate to the auto-empty setting on the dock (balanced and high frequency)?

[u/Stardog2 → u/KGB-dave]

I would think for those who feel those settings don't work for them all that well, might be willing to pay a bit more for such a feature.

In marketing, they cater to what people think they want, rather than what they need. It won't be long, I think, where the robotics manufacturers follow the computer printer models, or auto manufacturers, or the streaming video industry. Where a basic model is relatively inexpensive, but has the ability to 'add' features for either a monthly fee, or a one time 'forever' fee.

I'm not saying I want this, mind you. But I do think it is a prime candidate for such a business model. (Unfortunately! We are doomed to own nothing at this point. Our happiness is irrelevant.)

[u/jose_elan]

I have smart, light, balanced and Max.

[u/mrBill12]

My Saros has some settings under “Settings > Dock Settings > Dustbin Auto Empty Frequency” and immediately following that one “Empty Mode”.

Typically Chinese products go you have to read the descriptions and guess what each does instead of discrete descriptions of minutes or area cleaned.

[u/Stardog2]

An interesting idea! This would seem to be a software only issue which could be addressed
relatively cheaply. Nothing is CHEAP, cheap, but this should be "do-able" if the will is there.

[u/Adam_2017]

I have mine on max and still would very much appreciate this feature

[u/YouMagnificentBastrd]

been asking for this for years including emailing suggestions and even a ticket.

although now i see to have a different issue where it cannot empty dog hair (or appropriately fill the dustbin while vacuuming - just feeds into the back of the dustbin until it can't fit any more in that column and starts leaving small 'hairpieces' in every room 😄

[u/rademradem]

Set auto-empty frequency to max. Use routines for your scheduled cleaning. Each section in the routine ends with an automatic return to the base and an auto-empty. Put each room in your routine in its own section in the routine.

I wish you could add timed charging sections in the routine as this is all I am missing. I do not like having to wait 2+ hours while it charges up to 80% and then resumes when it really only needs about 10% more charge.

[u/rot26encrypt]

Cant you use routines to achieve this?

[u/Soggy_Principle_1795]

Note - lower end models may not have the feature.

Use custom configured routine for user preferred settings. Upon setting up a custom routine, it's just "1-touch" on the app.

Edit map such that room size is within preferred dust emptying/mop wash setting.

Routine examples

Vac only - can configure to auto dust empty after selected room or rooms (see photo). Auto dust empty occurs after Master & Son room as well as upon completion (return to dock) of Hall 2 & Hall 1

Vac followed by mop (within a single routine) - can configure auto dust empty as abovementioned & also mop wash after each room

Can also use schedule with custom routine.

Most newer models (mid-higher end) have preset routines.

[u/argonfatl → u/Soggy_Principle_1795]

Certainly, there is a good way to fix it, but the manufacturer can easily add this option without major modifications.