1 min readDreame's latest X50 Ultra robot vacuum can't climb stairs, but it can use its itty bitty legs to clear between 4.2 - 6cm. Dubbed the ProLeap System, the latest Dreame tech uses two "swing arms" (not to be confused with Roborock's OmniGrip robotic arm) that can push the device off the floor, and up to another surface. Provided that surface is 6cm or less off the floor that is. If it is 4.2cm or lower, the legs allow the device to traverse it instead.
Now, 6cm is no small feat. It is the biggest leg up a robot vacuum has taken towards climbing stairs as of yet, but 6cm does not make a stair. It can clear bulky rugs, it can avoid a sleeping pet's paw, it can mount a threshold, but it won't be manouevering split level homes any time soon.
Still, the X50 Ultra's abilities are almost double that of other robot vacuums reaching for the stars. Roborock's Qrevo Curv (which is coming to Australia soon) is capable of handling 4cm thresholds, and most other robovacs we've tested can handle around 2cm. It seems like we're making steps towards climbing robots, but there is still a ways until the summit.
Little legs aside, the latest Dreame vacuum has some other big features. It boasts 20,000Pa suction power, detangling rollers, and VersaLift Navigation tech that allows the camera periscope to retract into the body of the device so it can fit under low spaces.
The global release is set for 2025, starting on February 14th with the device set to hit Australia and New Zealand in March 2025. The US retail price is $1,699, so we anticipate the X50 Ultra will be around $2,799 locally - the same starting price as the X40 Ultra.
