When I first heard about the Ecovacs Winbot W2S Omni, my excitement was palpable. The idea of a machine tackling mundane tasks seemed like a win-win. However, after giving it a go, my enthusiasm quickly turned to despair.

The robot’s design is impressive; its smart case and retractable cable are indeed handy. Yet, the first window I tested didn’t yield great results. Corners were smudged, and there was an unnecessary residue left behind. Even larger windows presented their own challenges, with the Winbot struggling to navigate around handles.

Trying it on a traditional bay window proved disastrous. The Winbot got stuck at the top, causing damage in its attempt to clean the window. Despite its smart features, it couldn’t handle the intricacies of my Victorian home’s textures and fittings. I could feel the frustration building as I tried to retrieve it from an awkward position, with anxious passersby watching on.

Much like a clumsy housekeeper, the Winbot failed to deliver the clean results promised by its high ratings. For most homes, the investment in this robot seems unwarranted given its limitations. It’s a testament to the challenges of automating tasks that require adaptability and precision – something my trusty old sponges can still manage.