This robot vacuum has legs

Dreame's newest robot vacuum can climb up a step. It's a start! | Image: Dreame

First, they sprouted arms; now, robot vacuums are getting legs. The latest bot from Dreame has two small legs that can push it up and over a step as high as 6cm (about 2.5 inches).

The Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum uses a system called ProLeap, which the company first demoed at the IFA tech show in Berlin, Germany, last year. Dreame calls the device's appendage a motorized swing arm" that enables step navigation up to 6 cm in height." But they're clearly legs.

Image: Dreame Don't try and tell me those aren't legs.

While this isn't quite the stair climbing we've all been hoping for, it could be very useful for helping a robot vacuum reach more areas of your home without manual intervention.

Several current robot vacuums have a lifting capability that can help them get over high room transitions or bulky rugs; Roborock's Qrevo Curv can handle 3cm, and Shark's latest can go up to 2cm. Six centimeters is a big leap.

The Dreame X50 Ultra is the next generation of the company's flagship X40 Ultra (which is our current pick for the best robot vacuum / mop hybrid). A robot vacuum with oscillating mopping pads, the X50 has advanced obstacle recognition and lidar navigation. It comes with a multifunction charging dock that can empty its bin and wash its mops with hot water and heated air. It can also automatically remove and reattach its mops. It will be available for $1,699.99 starting on February 14th. A presale featuring discounts starts on January 7th on Dreame's website.