Dyson’s New Spot+Scrub AI Vacuum: A Familiar Design?
▼ Summary
– Dyson introduced new products at its Berlin store during IFA 2025, including the Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum and mop, which received significant attention.
– The Spot+Scrub Ai is Dyson’s second cleaning robot, developed with consumer feedback from the previous 360 Vis Nav model, and it features AI to identify and repeatedly scrub stains until removed.
– Unlike the 360 Vis Nav, the Spot+Scrub Ai has a self-emptying base station with separate bins for clean water, dirty water, and debris, plus it incorporates LiDAR for navigation but lacks visual distinctiveness.
– The robot is not expected to launch in the US until 2026, and while its price was not announced, it follows the 360 Vis Nav’s premium pricing approach.
– The author expressed disappointment with the robot’s lack of innovation and conformity to existing combo units, noting its development timeline of 18 months and potential collaboration with Picea Robotics.
Even without an official booth at IFA 2025, Dyson managed to capture attention by unveiling several new products at its Berlin store. Among haircare, fans, and air purification devices, the Spot+Scrub AI robot vacuum and mop emerged as a major talking point. Ahead of a formal presentation by founder James Dyson, attendees got a firsthand look at demos and had the chance to ask questions about the upcoming releases.
The Spot+Scrub AI represents Dyson’s second attempt in the robotic cleaning category, following the 360 Vis Nav. That earlier model had its merits but fell short in areas like navigation and the absence of a self-emptying bin. James Dyson confirmed that user feedback directly influenced the new model’s development. He emphasized that washing and vacuuming in one device was a clear improvement, but the real innovation lies in its ability to detect and persistently treat stubborn stains. “If we haven’t cleared a stain, we go back and go over it until we have,” he explained.
While the 360 Vis Nav felt distinctly Dyson, with its signature purple accents and bagless design, the Spot+Scrub AI takes a more subdued approach. Its all-black exterior gives it a generic look, a departure from the brand’s usual flair. Underneath, a purple roller brush offers a subtle nod to the company’s identity, but overall, the design feels less original. The robot relies on LiDAR for navigation and appears bulkier than many competing models.
A live demonstration of the AI stain detection feature wasn’t available, but Dyson claims the robot can recognize over 200 objects and clean around them autonomously. It moved more smoothly than its predecessor during the demo, hinting at improved navigation. The base station includes three separate compartments: one for clean water, another for dirty water, and a bagless debris bin that purportedly holds up to 100 days of waste. It also features detergent storage and can wash and dry the mop brush automatically.
An updated version of the MyDyson app will accompany the robot, introducing 3D mapping and real-time cleaning visuals. This should address criticisms of the previous app’s user experience. The Spot+Scrub AI is slated for a US release in 2026, with pricing yet to be announced. For reference, the 360 Vis Nav launched at $1,199.99.
Initial impressions of the new robot leaned toward disappointment, largely due to its conventional appearance and feature set, which closely mirrors other combo units on the market. The resemblance to products like the iRobot Roomba Combo is hard to ignore. Still, final judgment should be reserved until its cleaning performance can be thoroughly evaluated.
Interestingly, a Dyson engineer mentioned that development on the Spot+Scrub AI began just 18 months ago, a notably short timeline for a product of this complexity. Online speculation suggests a collaboration with Picea Robotics may have accelerated the process, a strategy similar to one employed by iRobot earlier in the year.
This direction feels somewhat ironic given James Dyson’s own comments on originality. He has been vocal about his disdain for copycats, arguing that imitation limits consumer choice and stifles innovation. “Do your own motors. Do your own designs,” he insisted. “Don’t copy ours.” Yet with the Spot+Scrub AI, Dyson itself appears to be following a well-trodden path, leaving some to wonder whether the company is prioritizing speed over distinctiveness.
(Source: PC Mag)
