Next year's robot vacuums are set to become more efficient and capable, as shown at IFA 2026. Manufacturers are focusing on three major improvements: better navigation over thresholds, the introduction of steam cleaning features, and more effective suction systems. These upgrades aim to make robot vacuums more versatile and suitable for a wider range of home environments. One of the most significant challenges for robot vacuums is navigating over thresholds, such as those found between rooms or between different floor types. These thresholds can be uneven or raised, making it difficult for robots to move smoothly. To address this, many brands are now including models with secondary wheels or specialized chassis designed to handle these obstacles. For example, Dreame's new robot vacuum can clear single steps up to 5cm and double steps up to 10cm. Similarly, DJI's Romo 2 can manage single steps of 4cm and double steps of up to 8.5cm. Roborock's Saros 20 Flow Complete is also notable for its ability to handle double-layer thresholds of up to 8.8cm. In the area of wet cleaning, a new trend is the pre-treatment of dried-on stains by spraying them with moisture before mopping begins. This helps to loosen stubborn dirt and make it easier to clean. Dreame's Aqua20 Pro Ultra Roller X Complete includes a heating element that can blast hard floors with steam at 180°C, though this method uses a lot of energy and is typically limited to zone cleaning. Ecovacs' DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone uses a "FocusJet stain spray" to loosen dried-on stains before mopping, though the exact composition of the spray is not specified. iRobot's Roomba Max 875 emits a "heated mist" to pre-treat muck on hard flooring without significantly draining the battery. To improve suction without increasing power consumption, manufacturers are using innovative techniques. DJI's Romo 2 includes a "pressure plate" that lowers to enhance the pickup of ground-in dirt. iRobot's new flagship model also features a frame that can be lowered to improve suction efficiency. Dyson's R1 and R2 Nurovi robot vacuums use a "Twin-capture system" that separates the cleaning process: a large, open brush bar area for chunky debris and a sealed area for fine dust. This system helps to concentrate suction power more effectively, making the robot vacuum more efficient overall.