Dock placement affects charging, route completion and how often someone has to intervene. The right location is not simply the nearest power outlet. It needs a level approach, safe cable routing, network coverage and enough access for bags, tanks and filters.
Choose a level, accessible location
Place the dock on a stable, level surface with clear space in front for the robot to approach. Avoid narrow corners, loose rugs, door swings and main walking paths. The robot needs to return reliably even when the room is not perfectly arranged.
Confirm the required side clearance from the model manual. X1 full-function docks and smaller H1 auto-empty docks have different footprints. Do not assume that a dock that fits physically also has enough service access.
Plan power and cable safety
Use a grounded outlet appropriate to the model and local electrical code. Route the power cable behind furniture or inside a cable cover so it cannot be pulled by a pet, vacuum brush or cleaning staff. Avoid daisy-chained extension leads and unstable adapters.
Keep the outlet accessible for maintenance. If the dock is installed in a cabinet, check ventilation and heat clearance. For commercial installations, label the circuit and include the dock in the site’s electrical documentation.
Water and drainage planning
Some self-cleaning docks use tanks, while others can be connected to a water line. Confirm whether the selected model needs a clean-water supply, a drain or only manual tank filling. Plumbing work should follow local requirements and be tested before the robot is scheduled.
Check for leaks, secure connections and adequate freeze protection where relevant. A dock that combines water and electrical systems should remain dry at the connection point.
Network and app connection
Test Wi-Fi signal where the dock and cleaning route are located. If the property uses several access points, verify that the robot remains connected while moving between rooms. Record the network credentials in the site service file without exposing them publicly.
Test the first run
- Place the dock and confirm the robot aligns correctly.
- Run a mapping clean with obstacles removed.
- Check route coverage and dock return.
- Test the highest threshold and tightest furniture clearance.
- Set no-go zones and cleaning schedules only after the first run succeeds.
Commercial installation considerations
For offices and hotels, document the dock location in the site plan. Assign an owner for bag changes, filter checks and fault response. A deployment review should confirm power, network, route access and safe operating windows before the property goes live.
Final dock checklist
Level floor, grounded power, protected cable, front clearance, side access, stable Wi-Fi and a dry service area. If water is connected, confirm supply, drainage and leak protection. Test the robot’s return path under normal furniture conditions, not only in an empty room.