Robot vacuums have improved steadily, but many still leave users wondering whether floors are truly clean or simply passed over. A newer approach is now focusing on detecting what the eye cannot see.

Shark’s latest robot vacuum and mop, the PowerDetect UV Reveal, combines ultraviolet light with a colour camera to identify hidden residue such as dried spills or pet-related mess that standard sensors often miss. The system highlights these areas during cleaning, allowing the device to focus on problem spots rather than relying on general coverage.

Once a stain is detected, the robot switches to a more intensive scrubbing mode. This targeted cleaning is designed to be significantly stronger than traditional flat-pad mopping, followed by a second pass to check whether the residue has been removed.

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal

Navigation is handled through a multi-sensor system that adapts to floor types, edges and obstacles, while onboard processing allows the robot to move effectively even in low-light environments.

Maintenance is managed through a self-contained base unit that empties debris and sanitises the mop system after use. It also aims to trap allergens within the base during disposal.

With a runtime of up to three hours, the system is designed to clean most homes in a single cycle, reflecting a shift towards more precise and verifiable automated cleaning.

Australian pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.