Smart vacuums are growing in demand with the global market surging by 20.5 percent year-over-year to reach 6.17 million units shipped in Q2, according to IDC.
Driving the increase are innovative features such as AI, robotic arms and advanced mopping that redefine the expectations for modern home cleaning.
Today’s smart vacuums go far beyond simple automated sweeping. Top-tier models now integrate advanced AI for smarter navigation, object identification and real-time adaptation to home layouts.
Some high-end products feature robotic arms and bionic technologies that can clean hard-to-reach areas, lift objects and even perform more intricate tasks such as targeted spot cleaning or handling delicate surfaces.
Major players like Roborock, Ecovacs and Dreame are leading the way in incorporating these features, with Dreame emphasising its latest AI-driven robotic arm advancements. These vacuums can now automatically switch modes for mopping and vacuuming, avoid obstacles intelligently, and recognise when extra cleaning is needed such as on carpets or in pet-heavy zones.
The market is seeing greater pricing diversity, with entry-level smart vacuums starting at a few hundred dollars and premium, feature-rich models costing around US$3,000. This shift has opened up smart vacuum technology to a wider demographic, while appealing to consumers in mature markets seeking advanced solutions to rising manual labour costs.
“Smart vacuum vendors have increasingly prioritised international expansion, with a strong emphasis on premium product development and innovation. In addition to smart vacuums, leading manufacturers are broadening their portfolios to include a wider range of robotic cleaning solutions and traditional home appliances,” said Claire Zhao, Senior Analyst of IDC China.
More manufacturers are prioritising tight integration with broader smart home platforms, improving connectivity through ecosystem development, and offering enhanced post-purchase support. Once exclusive to luxury models, these features are increasingly available in mainstream devices, thanks to industry-wide innovation and new competitors entering the field.
Market leaders are aggressively expanding their offerings. Roborock shipped 1.34 million units in Q2, growing rapidly in regions such as Northern Europe and North America, and customising features to match local preferences like improved carpet cleaning in the US.
Ecovacs strengthened its retail partnerships and offline channels to grow international market share, while Dreame and Narwal are focusing on underpenetrated emerging markets and debuting in global top-five rankings.
“Vendors are also shifting from a volume-driven approach to one focused on ecosystem development and brand differentiation. This includes tighter integration with smart home platforms, exclusive retail partnerships, and a stronger emphasis on post-purchase services — all of which are helping brands build long-term customer loyalty and recurring revenue in an increasingly competitive market,” said Jitesh Ubrani, Research Manager of IDC.
Entelechy Asia 