AI-Powered Cleaning Robots Steal Spotlight at Shanghai Tech Expo as iRobot Teeters on Bankruptcy

AI Takes Center Stage in Cleaning Tech

Roborock’s G30 Space Explorer, equipped with the RRmindGPT language model, stunned audiences with its ability to process natural voice commands like “Clean under the sofa but avoid my cat’s toy.” The robot’s 5-axis bionic arm can lift objects up to 1,000 grams, such as scattered socks or toys, and sort them into designated areas—a leap from basic vacuuming to spatial management.

Not to be outdone, Dreame’s X50 Ultra Enhanced Edition showcased an 8cm obstacle clearance capability—industry’s highest—using biomimetic mechanical legs. Integrated with DeepSeek-R1, a large language model, it understands complex instructions like “Deep-clean the kitchen but skip the rug” and adjusts strategies based on floor type and dirt level.

iRobot’s Fall: A Cautionary Tale

While Chinese brands thrive, iRobot, once synonymous with robotic vacuums, reported a 44% year-on-year revenue drop in Q4 2024, with losses hitting $77.1 million. Its global market share plummeted from 35% in 2015 to 22%, eclipsed by cost-effective, tech-savvy rivals like Roborock and Ecovacs.

The DeepSeek Factor and China’s Robotics Ambitions

Central to this disruption is China’s push for AI-industrial synergy. Companies like Dreame and Roborock now collaborate with AI leaders such as DeepSeek to embed multimodal models into hardware.

Global Market Implications

The shift is reshaping consumer preferences. In Japan, Roborock’s models outsell iRobot’s Roomba by 35% due to lower prices and superior carpet-handling algorithms.

Looking Ahead

As iRobot explores potential sales or partnerships to survive, Chinese firms eye higher ambitions. Roborock’s CEO hinted at expanding into service robotics, leveraging its navigation tech for elderly care bots.