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Why Triple-Arm Side Brushes Have Become the Standard in Robot Vacuum Cleaners

  • ccc220886
  • May 23
  • 3 min read


In the rapidly evolving world of home automation, robot vacuum cleaners have transitioned from novelty gadgets to indispensable household tools. Among the critical components driving their efficiency, the design of side brushes has undergone significant innovation. While single- and dual-arm brushes once dominated the market, triple-arm side brushes have emerged as the industry standard. 



  1. Enhanced Coverage and Cleaning Efficiency

The primary role of side brushes is to sweep debris from edges, corners, and hard-to-reach areas into the vacuum’s main suction path. Traditional single-arm brushes often struggle with uneven coverage, leaving behind dust and particles along walls or under furniture. Dual-arm designs improved this marginally but still faced limitations in balancing speed and precision.

Triple-arm brushes solve these challenges by creating overlapping sweeping patterns. With three arms spaced at 120-degree angles, the brush achieves continuous contact with surfaces, even as it rotates.


Side brush structure comparison
Side brush structure comparison

  1. Optimized Performance on Mixed Floor Types

Modern homes often feature a mix of flooring types—hardwood, tile, carpets, and rugs. Triple-arm brushes adapt seamlessly to these variations. The additional brush arm increases downward pressure distribution, allowing the robot to maintain consistent contact across uneven surfaces. For example, when transitioning from a hardwood floor to a thick carpet, the third arm compensates for height differences, preventing the "skipping" effect common in simpler designs.


Overcome obstacles with the help of the Triple-Arm side brush
Overcome obstacles with the help of the Triple-Arm side brush

  1. Durability and Cost-Effectiveness

A common misconception is that more moving parts equate to shorter lifespans. However, triple-arm brushes are engineered with advanced materials like anti-static nylon fibers. These components resist tangling, reduce wear from friction, and withstand repetitive collisions with furniture.

From a manufacturing standpoint, the longevity of triple-arm brushes lowers replacement rates. Consumers also appreciate the extended lifespan, as frequent brush replacements are a pain point in robot vacuum ownership.


    iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Edge bristle details
iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Edge bristle details

  1. Quiet Operation and Energy Efficiency

Noise levels are a key consideration for homeowners. Triple-arm designs distribute rotational torque more evenly across three arms, reducing strain on the motor. This not only minimizes operational noise but also conserves battery life. Independent tests show that robots equipped with triple-arm brushes operate 15–20% longer per charge compared to dual-arm counterparts, thanks to optimized energy use.


    low-noise operation
low-noise operation

  1. Meeting Consumer Expectations

The shift toward triple-arm brushes isn’t purely technical—it’s also driven by market competition. As brands like iRobot, Ecovacs, and Roborock began adopting triple-arm designs in premium models, consumers started associating additional brush arms with superior cleaning power. This perception has trickled down to mid-range and budget-friendly models, making triple-arm brushes a baseline expectation.


irobot Roomba Max 705 Vac side brush
irobot Roomba Max 705 Vac side brush

  1. Conclusion about Triple-Arm Side Brushes

Triple-arm side brushes represent a convergence of engineering precision and consumer demand. They address longstanding pain points in coverage, adaptability, and durability while aligning with the market’s push for smarter, more autonomous home devices.

For robot vacuum brands, adopting triple-arm brushes is no longer just an option—it’s a strategic necessity to remain competitive. As a manufacturer dedicated to innovation, we’ve refined our triple-arm brush designs to offer partners customizable solutions, from anti-tangle bristle configurations to eco-friendly materials.

If you are interested in this, please feel free to contact us——techTongBo.


techTongBo (also named: Nanjing TongBo / NJTB) is a Chinese company specializing in the manufacture and sales of vacuum cleaner accessories. We offer replacement accessories for the global market that are compatible with mainstream vacuum cleaner brands and have stronger price advantages.

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