Robot vacuums have become a familiar sight in modern homes, yet many users still keep a mop or paper towels within arm’s reach. That contradiction is what xLean is trying to resolve as it prepares to showcase its new xLean TR1 at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Rather than adding incremental features to an existing formula, xLean has taken a different approach—rethinking the form, intelligence, and daily usefulness of a floor-cleaning robot from the ground up.
What Makes the xLean TR1 Different?
At first glance, the TR1 looks like a compact, square-bodied cleaning robot. But that’s only half the story. With a one-second switch mechanism, it transforms into a handheld cleaner, allowing users to respond instantly to spills and localized messes.
This dual-form design addresses a long-standing issue in home robotics. While autonomous robots are convenient for scheduled cleaning, they’re often useless when a drink spills or a pet makes a mess. xLean’s answer is simple: make one machine that does both jobs well.
Why Dual Form Matters in Daily Use
xLean’s internal research shows that most households use robot vacuums just a few times per week, while manual spot cleaning happens several times per day. In practice, that means traditional robots handle only a small portion of real cleaning needs.
The TR1’s handheld mode is designed for these high-frequency situations. Instead of ignoring spills or smearing them across the floor, users can grab the TR1 instantly and clean with the same power and hygiene as the robot’s autonomous mode. Once finished, the robot returns to its dock and resumes normal operation.
Tackling Liquids the Right Way
One of the biggest technical challenges in robotic floor cleaning is liquid handling. Many robots rely on pads or rollers that push liquids around, leaving streaks or residue behind.
The xLean TR1 uses Dual-Motor DirectSuction™ technology, which vacuums solids and liquids simultaneously. This is supported by a separation system that prevents clogging and secondary contamination. During demonstrations, the TR1 is shown clearing mixed messes—such as soda combined with debris—in a single pass, without spreading residue across the floor.
The OMNI Station: Less Maintenance, Less Hassle
Cleaning robots often require frequent, unpleasant maintenance. xLean’s OMNI Station is designed to minimize that burden. It automatically separates solid and liquid waste, flushes internal components with hot water, and dries both the robot and the station after each cleaning cycle.
The system supports both manual water tanks and direct water refill setups, allowing it to adapt to different home environments without requiring extra accessories.
A Robot That Learns How You Clean
Beyond hardware, the TR1’s most ambitious feature is its Self-Evolving Intelligence. Powered by reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), the robot learns directly from user behavior.
When operating in handheld mode, the TR1 observes how users clean—how long they focus on an area, how aggressively they scrub, and when they decide the job is done. That information is then applied during autonomous cleaning, allowing the robot to adjust its behavior based on real-world human preferences.
Instead of following rigid programs, the TR1 adapts its strategy in real time. Light messes get quick passes, while tougher stains trigger deeper cleaning. xLean claims this results in significantly higher efficiency and more consistent outcomes.
Privacy, Safety, and Smart Integration
The TR1 includes a physical camera shutter for users concerned about privacy, along with vision-LiDAR navigation to recognize obstacles, pets, and people. It also supports Matter and Apple HomeKit, making it easier to integrate into modern smart-home setups.
What to Expect at CES 2026
Founded in 2022, xLean Robotics brings together researchers and engineers with experience from major hardware companies. CES 2026 will be a key moment for the company as it introduces the TR1 to a global audience.
For our readers, the xLean TR1 represents more than another robot vacuum. It’s an attempt to bridge the gap between automation and everyday reality—where spills, surprises, and imperfect floors are part of daily life.
