Dyson has unveiled its first robotic cleaner capable of handling both wet and dry messes, introducing the Spot+Scrub Ai as a machine built to recognise what is on the floor and respond accordingly while steering clear of everyday obstacles.

The new robot relies heavily on artificial intelligence to assess its surroundings. Using a combination of AI vision, laser lighting and onboard sensors, it can identify close to 200 different types of substances and household objects, allowing it to adjust how it cleans until surfaces are left spotless. The same technology is used to improve navigation, helping the robot move efficiently through rooms without unnecessary repetition.

At the heart of its wet cleaning system is a self-washing roller designed to scrub floors with heated fresh water. A 12-point hydration setup ensures the roller is constantly supplied with clean water, while the roller itself is rinsed during every rotation so dirt is not spread back across the floor.

Dyson founder James Dyson said the company’s work on robotic cleaning stretches back decades. He noted that Dyson began developing robotic machines in the 1990s and revealed its first model, the DC06, in 2001. According to him, years of progress in vision systems have led to a robot that can recognise spills, debris and stubborn marks, repeatedly cleaning problem areas until they are removed. He described the Spot+Scrub Ai as persistent, intelligent and adaptable, adding that it can vacuum carpets, wash hard floors and clean itself in a hygienic way.

The Spot+Scrub Ai follows a three-stage cleaning process. It first scans the floor using green laser illumination to reveal dirt and stains that are difficult to see. An AI-powered camera then determines the level of cleaning required and adjusts its behaviour in real time. Once the area has been treated, the robot checks again and continues until the stain is gone.

Control and monitoring are handled through the MyDyson app, which allows users to send the robot to a specific spot for targeted cleaning. After each run, the app generates a detailed map showing where obstacles were detected and which areas required the most attention.

To build these maps, the robot combines LiDAR with AI vision to understand the layout of the home and automatically label rooms, making zone cleaning simpler. A dual-laser setup and adaptive software help it recognise and avoid objects such as socks and pet waste.

The microfiber wet roller applies heated water during cleaning and can extend up to 40mm beyond the body of the robot, enabling it to reach edges and clean close to skirting boards where grime often builds up. Dry debris is handled by a bagless, cyclonic docking station that empties the robot hygienically without the need for disposable bags.

The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai is available now with a recommended price of $1,999.