We Tried The World’s First Robotic Vacuum Cleaner With Legs

Ever watched your robotic vacuum helplessly bump into a step and spin akin to an awkward salsa routine? Same. Because, while the dream of a fully autonomous cleaning assistant is a glorious one, the reality often resembles a dancer with two left feat. With awkward obstacles such as stairs and uneven surfaces. That was pre-Dreame Technology – which has entered the chat with the Dreame X50 Ultra, the world’s first robotic vacuum cleaner with retractable legs. Yes, limbs! We took this little mechanical marvel for a spin, and here’s what happened.

It walks … well, sort of!

The biggest game-changer here is Dreame’s ProLeap technology, which allows the X50 Ultra to navigate steps, door sills, and other tricky terrains that usually stop robot vacuums in their tracks. It can climb up to 6cm – just enough to clear common household obstacles like room transitions and low steps. Watching it lift itself up and over like a tiny, determined climber is oddly satisfying. Unlike traditional bots that get stuck, this one keeps rolling (or, well, stepping) forward.

Smarter than your average bot

The X50 Ultra isn’t just about fancy footwork; it’s packed with brains too. Thanks to the VersaLift Navigation system and DToF sensor technology, it doesn’t just scan your floors – it strategically avoids obstacles and adapts its cleaning path. This means fewer frustrating “rescue missions” when it gets tangled in cables or wedged under furniture. It also optimizes under-bed cleaning, finally tackling the dust bunnies we like to pretend don’t exist.

A robotic butler for your floors

Beyond its impressive navigation, the X50 Ultra is simply a powerhouse vacuum. It tackles carpets and hard floors with ease, offering deep cleaning that rivals high-end traditional vacuums. The retractable legs climb and allow it to adjust to different surfaces, providing consistent suction and mop pressure. This means no more half-hearted swipes at your floors – it gets the job done properly.

Th future of cleaning

Dreame is clearly on a mission to revolutionise household cleaning. Alongside the X50 Ultra, they showcased some other futuristic gadgets at CES 2025, including the Bionic Multi-Joint Robotic Arm, which promises to pick up clutter (finally, a robot that tidies!), and next-gen robotic pool cleaners that take the hassle out of pool maintenance. It’s a glimpse into a world where cleaning is fully automated, and we’re here for it.

Final verdict

So, is the Dreame X50 Ultra the future of robotic vacuuming? If you’ve got a home with multiple surfaces, annoying transitions, or low steps, this could be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. The retractable legs are more than a gimmick – they genuinely make a difference in coverage and efficiency. While we’re still waiting for a robot that can climb choreograph an entire dance routine, this is a major step (literally) in the right direction.