Dyson makes some fantastic cordless vacuums, and many of its models have earned top spots in our lab-tested picks. Our lab testing history for Dyson’s robot vacuums is a bit of a mixed bag, with the older models we’ve tested not always offering the cleaning performance of top competitors like Shark, Roborock, Dreame and iRobot.
Dyson’s new Nurovi robot vacuum range, consisting of three new models, may be set to change that by incorporating stain detection and stain-cleaning features we’ve seen on models like the Shark UV Reveal, with improved AI recognition.
“Now we have shifted from purely mechanical devices to intelligent machines that can see, think and respond,” said Jake Dyson, chief engineer at Dyson in a press statement. “We’re using artificial intelligence, vision systems and machine learning to allow the machines to understand the environment they are operating in. The approach is the same, whether it’s operating in your mouth, on your hair or around your home.”
I was able to see all three units in action prior to IFA Berlin 2026 in Dyson’s demo areas, which showcased their ability to clean in tight spaces and avoid obstacles. While the demos were limited in scope, the design changes and improvements were promising.
The $1,199 R3 Nurovi Spot+Scrub UV is the top-end model in Dyson’s Nurovi lineup that will be available on Sept. 15. It uses a mix of UV light, AI vision and the green LED illumination we’ve seen on Dyson’s cordless vacuum models to identify 200 different types of household substances and spills. Once it detects spills, Dyson says it uses a 12-point hydration system to apply 158-degree Fahrenheit water to the self-cleaning roller mop to scrub stains. The roller itself is microfiber and extends 1.6 inches to the edges. It also features a 30,000-pascal motor, a self-emptying cyclonic bagless dustbin, and a self-cleaning dock, as we’ve seen with the other Spot+Scrub models.
I’ve certainly seen more companies try to tackle the problem of cleaning older, tough and dried stains, with differing degrees of success, so I’ll be interested in seeing how the Nurovi lineup fares in our lab testing.
The $699 R2 Nurovi Wash+Dry comes in at the middle of the pack in price. The big feature here is the completely redesigned Reuleaux triangle mopping pads, rather than traditional circular spinning pads or a roller like the R3. It’s certainly the most distinctive mopping pad design I’ve ever seen, and a Dyson representative justified it by pointing out that the triangles have a constant width and movement that allow them to wash directly into square corners, unlike circular mopping pads that miss spots
The R2 also uses 167-degree Fahrenheit heated water to remove more stubborn stains. It has a twin-capture system that can mechanically sweep up larger debris like a broom, while the suction power is reserved for finer dust particles. It also comes with an acoustic piezo sensor that adjusts suction based on the floor type and dust levels. It’ll be available Sept. 3 exclusively at Costco.
The $549 R1 Nurovi Dry is Dyson’s most basic vacuum model. As the name suggests, it’s only for dry cleaning of hard floors and carpet. However, it features the same twin-capture system as the R2 with a side-sweeper that has a web connector to brush or guide debris into the airflow path and reduce hair tangles.
Finally, while it’s not a robot vacuum, Dyson has also updated and improved its PencilWash mop with the new W1 PencilWash+Dok. The new cleaner is slimmer and lighter than the older model, includes a more absorbent roller, a hygienic waste system, and self-cleaning features built into the dock. It will cost $349 and will be available in the fall.
I’m expecting to lab test all of the new models in this lineup, and we should have results in the coming months.
Editors’ note: Ajay Kumar’s travel costs for the IFA conference were covered by Roborock. The judgments and opinions of CNET are our own.
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