Today we reviewed one of the best robots for cleaning windows in 2021 . The model is called Hobot-388 Ultrasonic, the prefix at the end makes us understand that the device is equipped with some kind of ultrasonic device. Indeed, it is an ultrasonic sprinkler that additionally wets the surface when washing the window. This extra option really helps to better deal with dusty and dirty windows, as well as moderate dirt. Within the framework of this review, we will unpack the new product, consider the characteristics and functions and, of course, test it on different surfaces. So let’s go!
Buy Hobot 388 Ultrasonic on Aliexpress
Equipment
Let’s start with an overview of the components. The window cleaning robot is packed in a neat, compact box. It is quite informative. First of all, we see a mention of the main feature of the model – ultrasonic spraying of liquid. By the way, this is a unique system; another robot for washing windows in the Hobot line of the manufacturer is equipped with a similar sprinkler. This is the Hobot 298 Ultrasonic , which we also reviewed earlier.
The package for the 388th model includes:
- The robot itself is for cleaning windows.
- User manual.
- Getting Started Guide.
- Spare rings on which napkins are attached (2 pcs.).
- Spare ultrasonic nebulizer.
- Remote control with batteries.
- Cleaning liquid.
- Power cable.
- Power Supply.
- DC extension cord.
- Spare microfiber cloths (12 pcs.).
All components are shown in the photo:
Hobot package
Appearance
Consider the robot itself. Hobot 388 Ultrasonic is made in black, matte plastic, not easily soiled. On the top, we see the start button, safety precautions, the power switch and the connector for the power cable. The safety rope is already attached to the robot.
Top view
Side view
Let’s take a closer look at the ultrasonic spray cleaning fluid tank. The liquid is poured into a specially provided hole with a sealed valve. The spray is already in place, aiming just at the area in front of the cleaning wipes.
Spray
Let’s see how the robot looks from the bottom side. The napkin rings are already installed on it. They can be easily removed for replacement and service.
Bottom view (napkins installed)
Bottom view (without napkins)
In general, the window cleaning robot looks quite interesting, the assembly is of high quality, the materials are pleasant to the touch. It seems that everything that is possible was shown in detail. Let’s move on to an overview of the characteristics and functions.
Specifications
As for the characteristics of the Hobot 388 Ultrasonic, I would like to highlight the main ones:
- The minimum size of the working surface (for example, a window) is 35 * 35 cm.
- Cleaning speed 3.6 min / sq. M.
- Battery life up to 20 minutes.
- Maximum surface drop up to 1.5 mm.
- Noise level 65 dB.
- Dimensions: length 295 mm, width 148 mm, height 95 mm.
- Weight 915 g.
- Power consumption 90 watts.
- There are no restrictions on the thickness of the glass.
It becomes clear that the Hobot 388 is suitable for cleaning small windows. It also does a good job of cleaning medium windows, which you can see in the tests in the video below (just below). Next, let’s talk about the functionality of the robot.
Functionality
I would like to highlight the main functions:
- Management through the application, with a remote control and a button on the body.
- Automatic detection of the boundaries of the cleaned area.
- 3 cleaning modes.
- Work on different surfaces, including horizontal ones.
- Sending push messages to a smartphone.
Splashing water
Now we will show all the functions using the example of control from the remote control. The design of the remote control, by the way, has been slightly changed. I like this version more than the previous one.
Remote control
So, the uppermost left button is responsible for turning on and off the liquid supply during cleaning. If the indicator on the robot is lit blue, then the water supply is activated, if it is white, the water supply is turned off.
At the top right is the key for turning on the standard cleaning mode. First, from the current position, the robot will rise to the very top of the window, after which it will start the washing process from top to bottom with horizontal passages.
Below are the buttons for manual control of the window cleaning robot, everything is clear here. Pressed to the left – the robot starts to move to the left along the window, pressed to the right – respectively, went to the right.
On the left under the joystick there is a button that activates the cleaning mode from right to left. From the current position, the robot will move to the leftmost border of the window and from there the washing mode will already start. Accordingly, the adjacent right button activates the cleaning mode from left to right.
Under these buttons there is a button for forced fluid supply from the sprinkler. If necessary, you can press this button yourself, and the robot will spray liquid as many times as you need.
The lower left button “STOP” is responsible for stopping the washing process. You can manually stop the robot at any time if necessary. Well, the last one, the lower right button, starts the double cleaning mode. Hobot-388 will pass the entire available area twice, which is important for difficult pollution.
The remote control was sorted out. Now let’s look at the interface and functionality of the application.
Appendix
It is Russified, on the main working screen all buttons from the remote control are duplicated. However, in addition to the top right, there is a section called help. By going to this section, you can study all the instructions for the robot, see the answers to the most frequently asked questions and, if necessary, even quickly go to the official website of the manufacturer.
There is no need to repeat what each button is responsible for. It is only important to mention that when installing a mobile application, you can connect Push messages to your smartphone. They will notify you of the end of the cleaning cycle, power outages and possible errors. This is a very important feature that frees the user from observing the robot. For example, if the lights in the apartment are turned off, the robot will let you know by sending a message to the connected smartphone that it needs to be removed from the window as soon as possible. Also, at this time, the robot beeps and blinks so that attention is paid to it as soon as possible.
This is all the functionality of the application. The advantage of using the app is that the robot can be controlled from another room, while the signal from the remote control will not penetrate the wall.
In the video below, we tested the Hobot 388 Ultrasonic in detail in different conditions: on a window, tiles in the bathroom, and even a mirrored wardrobe door. We recommend that you read the video review and test:
Summing up
In conclusion, we will highlight the main advantages and disadvantages that we managed to find after a detailed review and test. Advantages:
- Stylish design and smart construction.
- Unique system of ultrasonic spraying of cleaning liquid.
- The low body height allows the robot to be launched even on windows with bars.
- Three different control methods.
- Work on various surfaces, including embossed glass.
- Good quality window cleaning from dust and dirt.
- A large supply of napkins included.
- You can connect Push messages about the status of the work.
- Warranty and service support is provided.
As for the shortcomings, no significant ones were found. There is only one note. This robot cannot handle very heavy dirt. It is more suitable for cleaning dusty windows. If you want to wash a kitchen apron of grease, it is not a fact that it will work the first time, or it will work at all.
If we talk about the price, it is not from the budget (about 400 dollars at the time of the review). But right there it is important to note that this is a robot from a well-known manufacturer HOBOT (from the merger of two English words home and robot), which was the first to develop the technology of so-called “walking” robots and continues to lead, as well as delight with the latest developments and high-quality products.
Otherwise, the robot passed all the tests and left a mostly good impression of itself. If you want to automate the process of cleaning small and medium-sized windows, as well as to protect yourself from the dangerous cleaning of windows on the upper floors, you may consider purchasing the 388 Hobot. That’s all for us. Happy shopping everyone!
