Robot vacuums are evolving, with the tech world's latest advancements pushing the market to answer household needs like never before.
Every September, Berlin becomes the stage for the latest in home technology – and this year’s IFA has been dominated by robots promising to transform floorcare.
From tank-like stair-climbing vacuums to all-in-one cleaning solutions, brands are racing to overcome the biggest limitations of even the best robot cleaners. As a home tech editor and professional vacuum tester, here's what I was most excited about seeing at IFA.
The robot vacuums announced at IFA, pushing the boundaries of home cleaning
Among the exciting announcements I witnessed at IFA, including the AI home systems that are beginning to look after us, the latest innovations in the robot vacuum market stole the show.
Dreame and ECOVACS have announced some of the most exciting advancements, with stronger cleaning performances and measures to overcome what previous robots have failed at. It marks a significant step towards these automated helpers doing more work, with less input from us.
Dreame Cyber X
One major downside to robot vacuums is their inability to traverse stairs. Dreame's latest innovation solves this automated cleaning nuisance, with huge, almost tank-like legs that can roll up and down steps without any intervention from humans.
Instead of adapting their robot vacuums to do the job, Dreame's created a robust stair-climbing shell for its floor cleaning robots. These can attach to existing models, instantly upgrading how easily they can move across your home. Gone are the days when you had to carry your robot upstairs to clean your first or second floor. Now, it can do it by itself, sensing the height and depth of each step and climbing up like a smooth, silent mini tank.
The Cyber X can climb stairs up to 9.8 inches in height at 7.9 inches per second. That's impressive considering it's a world-first for steps of this size. Its rubber treads avoid damaging hardwood floors or delicate tile, meaning you won't have to worry about unintended scratches dampening the convenience.
There's no word just yet on exactly which models the Cyber X will be compatible with, and there isn't an official release date either. But I'm excited to witness such exciting developments in the world of automated cleaning and see with my own eyes how smoothly this contraption works.
Before the Cyber X is released, the Dreame X50 Ultra is already capable of climbing steps up to 2.36 inches using retractable legs that glide over obstacles. It also boasts a massive 20,000Pa suction – one of the highest in the market.
ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OMNICYCLONE
ECOVACS, one of the global leaders in robotic cleaning, unveiled their brand new flagship: The ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OMNICYCLONE that can climb steps and thresholds up to 1.57 inches. It's similar tech to what we've seen in Dreame's X50 Ultra that can climb small steps.
It does this using ECOVACS' new TruePass Adaptive 4WD Climbing System. It's a mechanical lift system that doesn't rely on cameras or sensors, but small levers that automatically engage when needed.
This is a direct response to the common robot vacuum fault of steps and different floor types posing issues for a robot's navigation path.
Climbing abilities aside, this robot boasts some impressive specs for vacuuming and mopping your floors. The DEEBOT X11 OMNICYCLONE's 19,500Pa suction is stronger than any robot we've tested at Homes & Gardens – with our current favorite the eufy Omni S1 Pro only boasting 8,000Pa.
It also has a high-density nylon, reinforced mop to break down tough stains, that can adapt up to 0.6 inches to reach into corners and tight spots.
And in between cleans, the cleaning station has fast charging, which can power up the robot while simultaneously rinsing the mop pads or emptying the dustbin.
With the highest suction and most advanced mopping system ECOVACS has ever produced, the new DEEBOT X11 OMNICYCLONE is more than a small step-climber – it's a complete cleaning solution to make your life easier.
Next, discover how immaculately the best Dyson vacuums can clean your floors, or consider the best Dyson alternatives to do so on a budget.
