Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (2025)


Litter-Robot 4 is equipped with OmniSense™ detection that utilizes laser and weight sensor technology to provide real-time litter and waste drawer levels. OmniSense™ also supports the SafeCat system, which continuously analyzes four safety zones to ensure your cat is always safe.

There are three sensors located in the top of the bezel, as well as a cat sensor weight scale located in the base of the unit. These sensors detect when a cat has entered or exited the unit.

Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (1)

Let’s take a closer look at the three sensors, called curtain sensors, located in the bezel.

Debris, such as dust or cat fur, can interfere with the operation of these sensors. This can cause the unit to inaccurately measure the waste drawer level and litter level, as well as falsely detecting a cat.

  1. Wipe the bezel area where the sensors are located with a dry clean cloth to remove debris such as hair or dust.
  2. Vacuum the inside perimeter of the bezel with a brush attachment, passing over the holes at the top of the bezel where the curtain sensors are located.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (2)
  3. Now, let's run a test cycle. Short press the Resetbutton, then short press theCycle button to run a Clean cycle.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (3)

After Litter-Robot cycles, it should return to the Home position, displaying a solid blue light.

Successful: If your unit displays a solid blue lightbar, you've been successful.

Unsuccessful: If your unit is not displaying a solid blue light bar, please follow these troubleshooting steps.

Issue not resolved?

Let’s check for any additional debris or foreign objects that may interfere with the sensors during the cycle.

First, we will remove the bonnet and globe to look for any issues.

Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (4)

Removing the bonnet
  1. To open the bonnet, press and hold the latches on both sides of the bonnet, then lift and rotate the bonnet to its open position.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (5)
  2. Set the bonnet aside.
  3. If you have a fence installed, remove this from the bezel.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (6)

Note: You typically need to remove the bonnet completely only during deep cleaning or bonnet replacement.

Removing the globe
  1. To remove the globe, grab the black handle located on top of the globe, lift the globe out of the base, and set it aside.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (7)
  2. Remove the waste drawer and empty it or set it aside.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (8)

If you had to replace the base, this is when you’d remove the new base from the box and place it in the desired location near a power outlet.

A firm, level surface is required for accurate detection of cats and weight readings.

Inspect the seal strips

Cat fur can get stuck in the seal strip located at the lower front of the globe. When the globe rotates, fur can interfere with the curtain sensors.

Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (9)

Ensure the seal strips on the inside of the globe are not peeling up or have any debris stuck to them. You may purchase replacement seal strips at Litter-Robot.com.

Cleaning the sensors

With the globe, bonnet, and drawer removed, lean the unit backward so that you can look into the holes on the bezel to see each sensor.

Using a clean, dry cotton swab, carefully clean the surface of each sensor to remove any dust.
Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (10)

It is important to note that it will be very difficult to see any dust, specifically on the sensors. Lightly cleaning the surface will help remove any debris that might be interfering with them.

Now that we’ve checked for any obstructions let’s re-install the waste drawer, globe, and bonnet and check for proper operation of the unit.Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (11)

Installing the globe
  1. To install the globe, hold the globe by the black handle and set it into the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (12)
  2. When installing the globe, keep the globe handle and waste port oriented toward the top to ensure the globe is close to the Home position.
  3. The large black gear on the rear of the globe should easily engage with the smaller white drive gear in the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (13)
Installing the bonnet
  1. If the bonnet was completely removed, rotate the bonnet upward and align the hinge feature of the bonnet at the back of the base.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (14)
  2. To close the bonnet, rotate the bonnet downward over the globe, applying slight inward pressure at the latches to align the bonnet within the base. You should hear the latches snap into place.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (15)
  3. Check to make sure the center tab at the top of the bonnet is secured in its pocket by pushing down on the bonnet at the tab location.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (16)
Final steps
  1. Reinstall the fence by snapping it onto the bezel at the globe entrance.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (17)
  2. Plug the unit in and power it on.
    Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (18)
  3. The Litter-Robot will then perform a clean cycle and return to the Home position with the blue light on.

Successful: After your Litter-Robot cycles, it should return to the Home position, displaying a blue light bar.

Need technical support?

Our Troubleshooting Wizard will solve most issues and is the fastest way to get help.

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Litter-Robot 4: Laser Sensor Cleaning Instructions (2025)

FAQs

Where is the DFI sensor on Litter-Robot 4? ›

There are three laser sensors located in the top of the bezel, called curtain sensors, that accurately measure the capacity of the waste drawer. During each Clean cycle, the DFI sensor will measure the level of waste within the waste drawer as the waste port passes over the waste drawer.

How to recalibrate Litter-Robot sensor? ›

Litter-Robot 4: Calibrating the drawer full indicator
  1. Press the Cycle button on your Litter-Robot to ensure there are no dirty clumps in the globe before starting the calibration process.
  2. Make sure your unit is plugged in.
  3. Make sure your unit is connected and online.
  4. Make sure your firmware is up-to-date.

How often should I deep clean my litter in Robot 4? ›

We recommend a deep clean every 3 months. We have deep cleaning instructions available in our Litter-Robot 4 manual that can be found on our company website. The unit is comprised of 3 different parts and will need to be disassembled when you are doing a deep clean.

Why is my Litter-Robot 4 blinking purple and blue? ›

If the Litter-Robot 4 light bar is alternating blue and purple, this indicates an error with the LitterHopper motor. You will also receive a notification on your phone if you use the Whisker app. LitterHopper errors, from most common to least common, include: Motor Fault Disconnected.

Can you take Litter-Robot apart to clean? ›

Litter-Robot is built in a modular way to make troubleshooting and maintenance simple. We'll show you how to disassemble your unit to access certain areas for ongoing maintenance. Litter-Robot 4 has five main components: the base, the bezel, the globe, the waste drawer, and the bonnet.

What is a DFI sensor? ›

Litter-Robot 3 is equipped with infrared emitters and sensors, called the Drawer Full Indicator (or DFI), located above the waste drawer. The DFI checks if the drawer is full each time the globe returns to the home position.

Why does my Litter-Robot keep saying cat sensor timing? ›

If the timing light is flashing red or you are receiving a "Cat sensor fault" notification in the Whisker app, this indicates the cat sensor has been continuously activated for 30 minutes or more, either by a cat that won't leave the globe or by too much weight in the unit.

How to clean Litter-Robot 4 laser sensor? ›

Cleaning the sensors

With the globe, bonnet, and drawer removed, lean the unit backward so that you can look into the holes on the bezel to see each sensor. Using a clean, dry cotton swab, carefully clean the surface of each sensor to remove any dust.

How often should you change the filter in Litter-Robot 4? ›

Open the filter cover and replace the carbon filter as needed. (Under normal use, 1 filter should last approximately 1 month.)

Can I use crystal litter in Litter-Robot 4? ›

Not recommended for Litter-Robot 4: Translucent or white-colored litter (most often seen in crystal litter) may impact the litter level and Drawer Full Indicator (DFI) accuracy.

What can I use to clean Litter-Robot 4? ›

Clean the globe with Litter-Robot Cleaner Spray or Cleaner Wipes, or with water and a mild soap.

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