Introducing the xLean TR1: A New Kind of Cleaning Robot
Most consumer technologies are designed to simplify our lives. Yet, many people find it challenging to change their cleaning habits. Take robot vacuums, for instance—they’ve certainly improved, but we still often reach for a paper towel when we spill something or track mud inside. This discrepancy is where a new player comes in.
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, xLean introduced the TR1, which is more than just a robot vacuum and mop combination. It’s being touted as the world’s first two-form deformable floor cleaning robot, capable of tackling both routine cleaning and unexpected messes without needing to switch tools.
Why Robot Vacuums Often Miss the Mark
Despite advancements, most robot vacuums still operate on the same basic premise—they follow a set path while attempting to clean up dirt and debris. This method does okay for crumbs and dust, but not for more pressing situations like coffee spills or pet accidents.
User research from xLean suggests that households typically run their robot vacuums just a few times each week, opting to clean up sudden messes by hand multiple times a day. Essentially, current robots only manage a small portion of household cleaning needs, which is the gap the TR1 aims to address.
A Dual-Function Design
The xLean TR1 offers both a robot mode and the ability to switch to mobile mode within a second. In its robotic form, it can navigate the home autonomously, handling daily cleaning tasks as well as corners. When switched to handheld mode, users can address spills and quick messes similarly to traditional upright cleaners, maintaining suction power and cleanliness.
This dual design enhances its learning capabilities, enabling it to adapt more effectively to changing cleaning needs.
Cleaning in Tune with Human Needs
The self-evolving intelligence of xLean TR1 employs reinforcement learning from human input. This means it learns directly from how people handle cleaning tasks.
When used in handheld mode, the TR1 gauges your cleaning style—how long you focus on a specific area, the pressure applied, and when you deem a spot is clean. This data informs its robot mode, allowing it to replicate those actions autonomously later.
Rather than rigidly sticking to a fixed routine, the TR1 adapts in real-time, responding to minor disturbances with quick passes and deeper cleans for heavier messes. According to xLean, this could boost cleaning efficiency by around 50% compared to standard robot vacuums.
Designed for Liquids, Not Spreading Them
The TR1 diverges from traditional methods with its cleaning technology. Many robot mops use pads or rollers that can spread liquid around, but the TR1 incorporates Dual Motor DirectSuction™ technology along with a solid-liquid separation system, allowing it to extract both liquid and dirt simultaneously.
The accompanying Omni Station manages waste separation, flushes the system with hot water, and dries both the robot and its dock. This allows users to avoid the hassle of dealing with messy rollers or unpleasant tanks post-cleaning.
Addressing Privacy and Smart Integration
As cameras and sensors become more frequent in household robots, privacy issues arise. The TR1 includes a physical shutter for the camera that ensures complete visual privacy when closed. It utilizes vision and LiDAR sensors to detect obstacles, pets, and people, thus minimizing accident risks.
For those using smart home systems, the robot is compatible with Matter and Apple HomeKit, allowing for app-based control and integration into existing setups.
A Broader Vision for Robotics
Founded in 2022, xLean Robotics combines researchers and engineers from notable hardware companies. While the TR1 is designed for floor cleaning, the overarching aim is to leverage real homes for testing more general-purpose robots.
CES 2026 will showcase this vision for the first time on a large scale. If the TR1 performs as expected, it could signal a shift from rigid automation to robots that can adapt to our actual lives.
