At IFA in September 2024, Dreame demonstrated a robot vacuum with retractable legs that could lever itself up and actually climb a step. It wasn’t quite the staircase-climbing robot of our wildest imagination but it’s an impressive feat of engineering that demonstrates just how far robot vacuums have come.
Now, the X50 Ultra robot vacuum, one of the models that features the “ProLeap” system, has a price and release date.
What is the ProLeap system?
While Roborock (with the Qrevo Curv) and Shark (with the PowerDetect Never Touch Pro 2-in-1) have already launched robot vacuums that can lift themselves up to cope with raised thresholds and thick rugs, the ProLeap system takes things a step further – quite literally.
The X50 series robot features two robotic legs that extend to angle the robot vacuum’s body upwards, allowing it to climb a step of up to 4.2cm, or a series of steps of up to 6cm. So no, it can’t handle a staircase. But if you have high thresholds, uneven flooring or a change of floor height between rooms that’s prevented you from getting the most from a robot vacuum, this tech could change the game for you.
Dreame
If you think that bumping around is likely to cause a lot of wear and tear on the robot, Dreame has tested it and reckons that it will be able to clamber over obstacles 30,000 times in its lifespan with no damage.
Which models will feature the ProLeap technology?
Dreame is debuting its ProLeap technology in the X50 series of robot vacuums. At this stage, we only know launch details for the flagship model, the X50 Ultra, In the UK, it’s called the X5O Ultra Complete.
When will the X50 Ultra robot vacuum be available to buy?
The X50 Ultra will be available to buy in the US from February 14. At this stage, the UK release date is set for mid-February, so we expect it to be released at the same time.
What will the price of the X50 Ultra be?
The US launch price will be $1,699. In the UK, the X50 Ultra Complete will be priced at £1,300.
What other features does the X50 Ultra have?
The ProLeap technology isn’t the only top-flight feature that the X50 Ultra has. Not only can it climb, but it can clean under low pieces of furniture, thanks to a clever piece of tech.
You’re probably used to seeing robot vacuums with a raised LiDAR tower on top, and that’s what you’ll get on the X50 Ultra. A raised tower of this kind is one of the best ways to assure accurate object detection and mapping, as it provides a 360-degree vantage point for the DToF (direct time of flight) sensors.
The downside to this feature is that it raises the height of the robot vacuum, which may limit its cleaning potential.
However, the tower on the X50 Ultra is complete with what Dreame calls “VersaLift” technology, which allows the DToF tower to retract into the body of the robot vacuum, so it can clean under low pieces of furniture.
Dreame
It also features another robotic limb – the “Dual Flex” arm, which lets it clean right up to walls and into corners, and beneath low furniture.
The X50 Ultra has 20,000 Pa of suction, which means it should be more than a match for serious mess, even on carpet. But thanks to a silent impeller, it should go about its work quietly.
It can also handle a range of flooring types, thanks to its automatic mop removal, mop lifting and suction boost, carpet avoidance and intensive carpet cleaning – depending on the job and the flooring type it encounters.
We’re currently testing the X50 Ultra Complete and will be reviewing it before release.
Emma Rowley / Foundry
But if you’re looking for a new robot vacuum right now, see our round-up of the best robot vacuums we’ve tested for our top recommendations.
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