When the Chinese robotic vacuum cleaner appeared from left and right, most of them used random navigation which was very thorough.
Some brands like ILIFE have more accuracy than others.
But the tide appears to be changing. With the A8, ILIFE started the transition to a more efficient cleaning mode. Minsu MSTC09 also follows the group with a predictable back-and-forth pattern.
The bigger question is, does more efficient navigation translate into more efficient cleaning?
We will find out in this review.
Quick look at the features
- 2 in 1 sweeping and mopping function
- Suction power 1800Pa
- 3 cleaning modes – sweeping, sweeping and mopping
- Intelligent route planning – more efficient than the previous generation of Minsu robots
- 2000 mAh Li-ion battery can work up to 150 minutes
- Dustbin capacity 400ml
- Water tank capacity 180ml
- Produces noise less than 55 decibels
- It is only 3.7 inches long
- One year warranty
Positives
- Highly effective back and forth cleaning pattern
- Not too noisy – you can use it even while a young child is sleeping
- Big Dirt Box
- Versatile machine that can sweep and vacuum
Negatives
- Poor cleaning performance – may be too effective for its own good
- It will only clean surface dirt on carpet
- Cleaning suspected edges
- There is no edge cleaning mode in the presets
Table of Contents
What do you expect from Minsu MSTC09?
When ILIFE introduced the A8 and the upcoming V8S, there was a shift in how Chinese robotic vacuums were built. To be more specific, I’m talking about navigation.
All Chinese robots of the previous generation use infrared sensors and a random navigation pattern which was not bad. But it was appalling in terms of efficiency.
Mobility
These next-generation bots seem to be getting rid of traditional randomness and now have a more efficient back-and-forth pattern. I’ve seen this live with ILIFE A8. And while the efficiency was impressive, the efficiency cost it some subtlety.
It didn’t capture as much as the previous A6 droid. The first generation of Xiaomi robot vacuum also had this problem which was resolved by a simple firmware upgrade.
I’m still waiting on the A8 whether or not it will get a navigational upgrade. But let’s focus our attention on Minsu.
Will you have the same problem as the A8 or will it be better?
The Missu MSTC09 has an all-new navigation system that eliminates the old random cleaning pattern.
In its place is a more efficient back-and-forth cleaning pattern.
Intelligent route planning
Minso says this robot has intelligent route planning that uses a series of infrared sensors to track and avoid obstacles.
Under the hood, this robot has an ARM9 CPU that gives it some processing power to help with navigation.
battery
It also has a 2000mAh Li-Ion battery that will run for 150 minutes before needing to be recharged.
This robot will be able to clean about 200 square meters (or 656 square feet) of floor space before the battery runs out.
low profile
This robot measures just over three inches and will fit most furniture. And clean these hard-to-reach areas better than any vertical or stick vacuum cleaner. The beauty is that you don’t need to bend over to do this.
HEPA filter
To keep allergens inside the container, MSTC09 also comes with HEPA filtration. Although there is one caveat as the filter is rather thin and will need frequent washings.
dirt box
In terms of dry dirt capacity, this robot will be able to hold up to 400ml of dirt roughly as dry as the Dyson V6.
Cleansing
I have already mentioned that this robot has two functions – vacuuming and mopping. So I will focus on the latter in this section. This robot comes with a mop attachment that allows you to use it as a robotic mop.
Keep in mind that it will not have the same performance as the iRobot Braava but it is much better than no scanning bot at all.
Minsu also gives you the option to scan only without having to start the engine. And I think this is a good option in cases where you only need a wet mop. But since the water tank is already integrated with the stand, you can also use both functions simultaneously.
My best practice of using a robotic mop with a reusable pad is to soak the pad in water or a cleaning solution. So you don’t have to wait for water from the tank to get the mop wet.
This also helps dispense the cleaning solution if you choose to use any. It helps to improve scanning performance.
It will not have the same back-and-forth cleaning pattern as the Braava. But expect it to have the same mobility as it would when it was empty.
What comes in the box?
Out of the box you will get:
- Minsu MSTC09 Robot with Side Brush, Dry Dirt Box and HEPA Filter
- 2 extra side brushes
- Water tank plus microfiber mop (and extra mop)
- Extra HEPA filter
- charging base
- Electric switch
- far
- Cleaning Brush
cleaning performance
Since this robot does not have any motorized brush, I would not recommend using this on a carpet as it will only pick up surface dirt.
If you need something independent for this, take a look at other brands like ILIFE, Dibea, and Xiaomi.
So the only cleaning test I did was on the bare floor.
Please watch the video above to see the cleaning test that will appear near the end.
For the cleaning test, I used about 40 grams of oats and powder. The reason I love using this combo is because I love to see how the vacuum responds to both large and small debris.
Oats will mimic larger debris and powder will mimic smaller debris.
And with the powder and oats being lighter in color, you will clearly see which parts were able to be cleaned and not cleaned.
You will see clearly in the video and photos that this robot is not a comprehensive. This was my biggest fear. Although it had a predictable back-and-forth pattern, it clearly missed some points.
Edge cleaning was also in doubt. There was a moment when I thought MSTC09 would go around the entire circumference but it didn’t. It went halfway and then went back to normal cleaning mode.
Overall, it was able to clean 30 grams out of 40 grams. Not bad but not as good as ILIFE and Xiaomi.
product specification
| Battery Type | lithium ion |
| charger type | charging base |
| Shipping time | Approximately. 5 hours. |
| Water tank capacity | 120 ml |
| Dirt Capacity (Dry) | 400 ml |
the show length  |
150 minutes |
| net weight (with battery) | 4.9 |
| Purchase Weight | 10.8 EGP |
| an offer | 12.01 inches |
| Height | 3.05 inch |
| sweeping |
 |
| dry wipe |
|
| wet wipe |
|
| multi room |
|
| self docking |
|
| remote control |
|
| HEPA filtration |
|
| Detecting cliff |
|
| self-control |
|
| side brush |
|
| bin full indicator |
 |
| drawer cleaning |
|
| Cleaning sessions per week |
7 |
| Extra filter | 1 |
| containment |
Nobody |
| brush cleaning tools | 1 |
| Accessories included | 2 extra side brushes
Water tank plus microfiber mop (and extra mop) Extra HEPA filter charging base Electric switch Remote control (no batteries included) Cleaning Brush |
| Voltage | auto volt |
| Made in | China |
| Price | Check Price |
Where can I buy this?
This robot is also available on Amazon but will cost a bit more – about $210.
To wrap it up
Minsu MSTC09 is a big step in the right direction for Chinese made robot vacuums in terms of mobility.
But what it lacks is accuracy. If Minsu can figure out how to adapt the navigation of a Xiaomi or Neato BotVac into their bot while keeping the current price the same then we have a potential winner.
Until then, this product looks promising but don’t expect accuracy.
You will need to run this robot several times to clean a lot of dirt.
This is the only downside I see with this bot. It has a boot wipe feature so you get machines in one.