Dyson, a name synonymous with innovative vacuum technology, has finally entered the competitive world of robotic wet & dry cleaning with the launch of the Spot+Scrub Ai. This marks Dyson’s second serious attempt at a modern robot vacuum, building on lessons learned from the 360 Vis Nav, and represents a significant shift for the company, incorporating features commonly found in rivals like Dreame and Roborock.
The Spot+Scrub Ai distinguishes itself immediately with several key design elements characteristic of Dyson products. These include a bagless cyclonic dust container – a departure from the bagged systems used by some competitors – and a laser-illuminated dust detection system that highlights even microscopic particles. The docking station, finished in black with signature purple and red accents, is also visually distinct.
The user experience begins smoothly. Connecting the Spot+Scrub Ai to the Dyson app is straightforward, involving a quick mapping process utilizing LiDAR technology and advanced visual recognition. This allows the robot to create a detailed floor plan, automatically labeling rooms based on their function. Dyson’s decades of experience in robotics, dating back 25 years, are evident in this refined setup process.
The robot’s cleaning process is designed to mimic human cleaning habits, unfolding in three stages. First, the AI-powered system detects stains and dirt, leveraging a camera capable of recognizing up to 200 different objects and substances. This allows the robot to intelligently determine the appropriate cleaning method and intensity for each area. The Spot+Scrub Ai can extend its mop roller or lift it 10mm to avoid wetting carpets.
Upon completion of a cleaning cycle, the robot automatically returns to its dock to empty the collected debris into the bagless cyclonic container and deposit dirty water into a 2.1-liter tank. Crucially, the dock also features a self-cleaning function, washing the microfiber roller with a 60°C antibacterial detergent solution and drying it with warm air to prevent odors.
The MyDyson app offers a high degree of customization. Users can select specific rooms for cleaning, define cleaning modes (automatic, quick, quiet, or boost) for vacuuming, and choose to mop, vacuum, or perform both actions simultaneously. The app also provides an estimated completion time for each task and allows for scheduled cleaning programs.
Dyson’s choice of a microfiber roller instead of traditional rotating mop pads is a notable design decision. While the roller ensures greater hygiene through a constant supply of clean water, it may be less effective in corners and along edges, despite its ability to extend up to four centimeters.
A significant advantage of the Spot+Scrub Ai is the elimination of disposable bags, preventing dust leakage thanks to filters that capture 99.5% of microscopic particles (down to 0.1 microns). The dust container is large enough to hold three months of collected debris, minimizing the need for frequent emptying. However, the dock station itself is substantial in size (440mm x 508mm x 455mm), which may be a consideration for users with limited space. The robot itself, standing 11 centimeters tall, may also struggle to fit under lower furniture, although Here’s justified by the powerful 18kPa motor, particularly effective on carpets.
The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a substantial investment, priced at £1049.99. While expensive, it offers a compelling combination of advanced features, intelligent cleaning capabilities, and Dyson’s renowned engineering quality. It’s a serious contender in the high-end robot vacuum and mop market, though potential buyers should carefully consider their space constraints and cleaning needs.
