Dyson’s new robot vacuum abandons signature design for generic look

Dyson unveiled its second robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub Ai, at IFA 2025, promising advanced AI-powered stain detection and cleaning capabilities. However, the device’s generic appearance and features closely mirror existing competitors like iRobot’s Roomba models, raising questions about whether the company known for innovative design has abandoned its originality in favor of market conformity.

Key features: The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a significant departure from Dyson’s first robot vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav, incorporating several industry-standard elements.

• The robot includes LiDAR navigation (a laser-based mapping system), vacuum and mopping functions, and a self-emptying base station with three separate bins for clean water, dirty water, and debris storage.
• Dyson claims the AI can identify 200 objects and will persistently clean stains until they’re completely removed, rather than simply passing over them once.
• The base station can hold up to 100 days’ worth of debris and includes detergent dispensing, brush washing, and drying capabilities.

Design concerns: Unlike Dyson’s typically distinctive products, the Spot+Scrub Ai adopts a conventional all-black exterior that blends in with competitor models.

• “Nothing stood out as original or unique” beyond the purple mopping roller brush, according to PCMag’s hands-on assessment.
• The device appears bulky compared to sleeker alternatives, though specific dimensions weren’t provided.
• James Dyson, the company’s founder, himself has criticized copycats, stating: “I obviously don’t like people who go around copying people… Give the consumer a choice.”

Development timeline: The rapid development cycle may explain the conventional design approach.

• A Dyson engineer confirmed work on the Spot+Scrub Ai began only 18 months ago, unusually fast for bringing a “radically redesigned product to market.”
• Reddit users speculate about a potential collaboration with Picea Robotics, similar to iRobot’s approach with recent models.

What’s missing: The demo at IFA 2025 didn’t showcase the robot’s most important claimed features.

• The AI stain detection and persistent cleaning capability wasn’t demonstrated during the hands-on session.
• Object recognition for 200 different items also wasn’t shown in action.
• The redesigned MyDyson app will include 3D mapping and real-time cleaning visualization.

Market positioning: The Spot+Scrub Ai won’t launch in the US until 2026, with pricing yet to be announced.

• The previous 360 Vis Nav launched at $1,199.99, providing a potential price reference point.
• Dyson’s founder acknowledged consumer feedback about the 360’s limitations, particularly the lack of floor washing capabilities and navigation issues.