Dreame, a company known for its smart home cleaning devices, has unveiled its latest robot vacuum, the Aqua20 Pro Ultra Roller X Complete. This device is notable for being the first robot vacuum to incorporate a heated steam mop system that reaches temperatures of 180°C. The steam is generated by vaporizing water and is released through four outlets along the edge of the vacuum’s roller to help loosen stubborn, dried-on stains. However, the steam function is designed for spot cleaning only and can be used on areas no larger than 10 square meters. According to Dawn Chen, a director at Dreame, using the steam function significantly shortens the robot’s cleaning time, reducing it from about four hours to 30 to 40 minutes. Users must manually activate and deactivate the steam function through the accompanying app. During the development of the Aqua20 Pro, Dreame faced technical challenges related to limescale buildup from the steam process and the potential damage heat could cause to internal components. To overcome these issues, the company incorporated a limescale remover into the system and added internal insulation to protect sensitive electronics. These modifications were crucial in ensuring the device’s reliability while maintaining its sleek, compact design. The Aqua20 Pro also includes an upgraded "Proleap" system that allows it to navigate over single steps up to 2 inches (5 cm) or double steps up to 3.9 inches (10 cm). It features enhanced AI vision that enables the robot to detect and respond to moving objects, adjusting its path in real time. The roller can extend up to 3 inches (8 cm) from the robot’s side to clean near room edges, and the main vacuum and side sweeper can lift during mopping to prevent moisture issues. Additionally, the roller can lift 15 mm when moving over carpeted surfaces, ensuring effective cleaning across different floor types. The Dreame Aqua20 Pro Ultra Roller X Complete is scheduled to launch on September 21 in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. The company plans to expand its availability to other European countries by the end of the year. A launch date for the UK has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected before the end of 2023. The release in the United States remains uncertain due to ongoing compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.