The robot vacuum market is already in a fierce competition over features. Products that can be controlled via apps, automatically empty dust bins, and manage mopping functions are common. When I received the Dyson 'Spot and Scrub Ai,' my primary curiosity was not about the number of features, but whether Dyson's renowned cleaning power, built on its cordless vacuum technology, would translate to this robot vacuum.
After several days of use, my impression is straightforward: this product cleans exceptionally well. It has strong suction power for picking up floor dust, and the areas cleaned by the mop are noticeably different to the touch. It feels less like a robot vacuum and more like a Dyson vacuum moving around on its own.
When cleaning begins, a green light illuminates the floor from the front of the unit. This resembles the dust detection light seen in Dyson's cordless vacuums. Dust and stains that usually go unnoticed become visible under this light. From the first day, I felt that it moves not just along a predetermined path but reads the condition of the floor as it goes.
What I liked most was the mopping function. Unlike common pad-style mops, the Spot and Scrub Ai uses a roller mop. Instead of dragging a flat pad across the floor, the rotating roller continuously scrubs the surface. After testing it in the living room and kitchen, the difference between areas the roller has passed and those it hasn't is visually apparent.
The difference was even more pronounced in the kitchen. After cleaning areas prone to food stains, like in front of the sink and under the dining table, I walked barefoot on the floor. The usual slight stickiness I felt on my soles was significantly reduced. It felt more like a thorough scrubbing than just a quick swipe with a mop.
It was also convenient that the dirty mop is automatically taken care of. After cleaning, the unit returns to the docking station to wash and dry the roller. One of the most unpleasant aspects of using a mop robot is dragging around a dirty mop and the distinct smell of a wet mop, but this product handles the washing and drying process automatically, significantly reducing the need to rinse the mop manually.
Dyson explains that this product uses AI to distinguish between wet liquids and dry debris, repeating cleaning up to 15 times in heavily soiled areas. In practice, near the kitchen, it did not immediately move on to the next area after passing through once. It went back over the same spot, resembling how a person would scrub a stained area a couple of times.
The suction power also reflects Dyson's reputation. It never misses floor dust or hair. When the side brush picks up dust from corners, the main unit quickly sucks it in. The results were particularly noticeable in areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as the edges of kitchen mats or under the dining table.
The driving performance was particularly tested under the dining table, where chair legs often trap robot vacuums. The Spot and Scrub Ai did not stop once it entered; it navigated through the chair legs by adjusting its direction slightly. There was no need to manually extricate it or reposition it.
When it came into contact with chair legs, it did not crash into them blindly. It moved slowly, as if measuring the width of the passage, and found its way through. The fatigue of constantly worrying about where it might get stuck was significantly reduced. This is where the term AI goes beyond marketing jargon and translates into user convenience.
The app is user-friendly once you get the basics down. After completing the initial mapping, it is easy to select desired areas for cleaning. You can run it through the entire living room and then just the kitchen again, or use the mopping function separately.
The design is unmistakably Dyson, featuring strong color contrasts and a docking station that stands out from typical robot vacuums. The exposed dust and water tanks may be a matter of personal preference. However, for those who appreciate Dyson's signature transparent mechanical design, this aspect may be appealing.
There are some drawbacks. I wish the distinction between the clean water tank and the dirty water tank were more intuitive. Currently, it is indicated by an empty circle and a filled blue circle, which can be confusing at first regarding which side holds clean water. The noise produced during cleaning or when the docking station is in operation should also be considered.
Nevertheless, the impression that it is faithful to the fundamental function of cleaning remains strong. This product combines the convenience of a robot vacuum with Dyson's suction power and roller mop technology. For those who prioritize effective floor cleaning results, the advantages offered by the Spot and Scrub Ai are likely to be felt.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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