Hi, everyone! Welcome to Robotobzor! In this article I will review the window cleaning robot. The model calls Atvel Zorro Z5. Before I already tested Atvel products, like Atvel R80 robot vacuum cleaner and the Atvel G9. And these two products left a good impression. Now let’s see how good window cleaning robot is, which costs $250. This is an average price for this product. Next, I will show you how the Atvel Zorro Z5 works, what functions it supports and, most importantly, how it copes with its main task, window cleaning. Let’s start!
Package
In addition to the robot, it contains:
- Two microfiber cloths.
- Power block.
- Cord for connecting the power block to the network.
- Extension cord.
- Safety rope.
- Control panel.
- A bottle with cleaning liquid.
- Documentation from the manufacturer.
This is the whole package. The contents kit is standard, there are all the necessary accessories and consumables for the operation of the robot.
Design
Now let’s see how the Atvel Zorro Z5 designed. It has a square shape, with a combination of dark gray and red colors, made of glossy plastic. It is worth to note the compact dimensions of the case – 195 * 195 mm only, while the height is 85 mm. This is the most compact window cleaning robot that I have reviewed. By the way, the small height of the body allows the robot to be used on windows with bars, which is a plus.
The cord for connecting the robot is not removable. The handle has a mechanical Start / Pause button.
Let’s see how the robot is designed from bottom. The red power On / Off button catches the eye. The Atvel Zorro Z5 is driven by rubberized tread tracks. The napkin is attached to the body with Velcro. Mechanical sensors that protect the robot from falling from a height are placed in the corners. The ventilation holes of the main engine are located in the center, which sucks the robot to the glass.
And this is what a robot looks like with a napkin installed. As you can see, the napkin is beveled at the edges, so, like other models, the Atvel Zorro Z5 will not be able to completely wash the area in the corners.
Technical features
The main characteristics of the Atvel Zorro Z5:
- Back-up battery: Li-Ion, 720 mAh.
- Suction power 2200 Pa.
- Power consumption: 60 Watts.
- Time of emergency operation from UPS: up to 40 min.
- Minimum window width: 27 cm.
- The maximum window size is ≈400*400 cm.
- Dimensions: 195*195*85mm.
- Weight 1 kg.
- Noise level: <70 dB.
- Moving speed: 2 min / 1 sq.m.
Of the characteristics, it is important to highlight the high speed of movement, while the average is about 2.4 min / 1 sq. I will also note the ability to wash narrow windows. The minimum window width of 27 cm is the best indicator in my experience. Also, the robot has an extended emergency operation time. Usually robot window cleaning robots are able to hold from 20 to 30 minutes on glass when the power is off. This is most likely thanks to the light weight of the robot. It is 300 grams lighter than most of other robots.
Functionality
Let’s move on to the review of the features of the Atvel Zorro Z5. The device is controlled both from the remote control and through the mobile application. First, let’s look at the functionality of the software. The robot connects to the network without problems, just follow prompts from the manufacturer.
The main work panel contains the following functions:
- Manual control of the robot.
- Start / Pause.
- N-shaped path.
- Z-shaped path.
- Automatic washing from the left edge.
- And automatic washing from the right edge.
Below is a section with information on how to properly clean the robot, as well as a section that displays the software version.
All the same functions are duplicated on the remote control. So you can choose for yourself the best option for controlling the robot, this is a plus.
In general, the robot’s functionality is complete, let’s move on.
Testing
Navigation on large and small windows
Let’s move on to the tests. First of all, let’s check how good is navigation of Atvel Zorro Z5. It washed the large window without any problems, there were no uncleaned sections left.
A narrow window, only 35 cm wide, robot can pass through. Well, the manufacturer claims a minimum window width of only 27 cm. The test passed successfully!
Window cleaning quality
Now let’s check how well the Atvel Zorro Z5 handles street-side window cleaning. Before start, I sprinkled some liquid on a napkin as recommended by the manufacturer. We attach the safety cable, connect the power supply and install the robot on the window.
So the quality of window cleaning is above average. The Atvel Zorro Z5 is not able to wipe off some heavily dried dirt, but it copes with dust and light dirt. The only thing, as I said earlier, the napkin is a little lacking in the corners, which is a problem area for almost all window cleaning robots.
Well, it is worth noting that it is extremely rare for a robot to fail to reach the window frames for some reason. As far as I know, this is a common feature of models with tracks. They are sensitive to how smoothly they set the napkin, the cleanliness of the tracks themselves, the roughness of the glass, the presence of water or leftovers of any detergents on it. That`s why, in different conditions the same robot can slide, and in other times it works great. During the entire testing period, I witnessed this situation few times. But on tests you see that the robot functions correctly.
And here is the condition of the napkin after washing the window. As you can see, it has collected dirt and dust. I am satisfied with the quality.
Emergency operation
In addition, I will tell how the Atvel Zorro Z5 behaves in emergency mode when the power is off. The device beeps and the indicator on both sides starts flashing red. You will have enough time to react and remove the robot from the window. Remember to secure the safety rope to stationary objects to prevent the robot from falling from a height.
Washing tiles
It is also worth noting that the device is suitable for washing not only glass, but also other hard vertical surfaces with a not too embossed structure. For example, it can be used to clean tile walls in a bathroom.
I want to emphasize that Atvel Zorro Z5 is suitable for cleaning frameless windows. You can see that when a so-called break in the form of a window opening is detected, it moves back and it does not fall from a height.
Work on horizontal surfaces
In addition, the robot can function on horizontal surfaces, if this feature is useful to someone and you will find how to use it.
Summing up
The Atvel Zorro Z5 was reviewed and tested in detail. Like the rest of the products of this brand that I had on review, this window cleaning robot left a more positive impression. What I liked:
- Control via remote control and mobile application.
- Compact size of the case.
- Ability to work on narrow windows.
- High movement speed.
- The quality of window cleaning is above average.
- Good navigation.
- Ability to work on frameless windows.
- Ability to work on horizontal surfaces.
- Availability of warranty and service support.
There are no particular things that I didn`t like. The remark in general, as for most other window cleaning robots in this price segment: the device does not clean properly in the corners due to external sensors, and there are also no advanced options for better wiping off difficult dirt. For example, it can be an automatic supply of cleaning fluid in front of the napkin, or a movable cleaning module that simulates the movement of a person’s hands when wiping off dirt. But in general, Atvel Zorro Z5 copes with its task and it is suitable for seasonal cleaning of windows from dust and dirt. So, I see no reason not to recommend it for purchase.
Here, I would like to end this review. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below. Happy tech shopping. Bye!
