# Data Sources & Honesty Policy — Best Robot Match

Last updated: 2026-07-10

## What the scores represent

All scores on bestrobotmatch.com are **editorial scores** built from public,
verifiable data. We do not run first-person lab tests, and no language on the
site should imply that we do.

Accepted source types, in order of weight:

1. Manufacturer specification sheets and product documentation
2. Warranty, support and returns documentation
3. Published parts/consumables pricing (official stores)
4. SDK / API documentation and public repositories
5. App-store listings and update histories
6. Public reliability reporting and documented incidents (e.g. server shutdowns)

## The server-shutdown risk rating

Each robot carries two editorial fields:

- `serverDependency`: `none` | `partial` | `full` — from product documentation
  (does the robot function without a cloud account?)
- `companyRisk`: `low` | `medium` | `high` — editorial judgement of maker
  longevity from funding history, track record and install base

Documented precedents used as evidence: Anki Vector (2019 shutdown, later
community-revived), Jibo (2019), Embodied Moxie (2024).

## Verification status

**FIRST VERIFICATION PASS COMPLETE — 2026-07-10.** All 27 original records were
audited against manufacturer sites and credible reporting; 14 corrections were
applied (prices, subscriptions, statuses, company risk), and two new records
added (Unitree R1, 1X NEO — preorder). Full audit findings: MISSION-REPORT.md
§13A. Warranty fields remain largely MANUFACTURER CLAIM / EDITORIAL INFERENCE —
treat as "typically 12 months" and re-source before quoting individually.
Notable status facts carried in the data: iRobot Chapter 11 (2026),
Digital Dream Labs receivership (July 2026), several vacuum/mower flagships
superseded by newer models.

Next scheduled pass: monthly price/availability sweep.

## Commercial status

No affiliate programs active. All outbound links are official manufacturer
homepages with `rel="noopener noreferrer"`. See /ethics for the full policy.