Chinese Robot Vacuums Unveil Robotic Arms, While Samsung and LG Highlight 'Security' [IFA 2025]

Chinese Robot Vacuums Showcase Advanced Technologies
From Robotic Arms to Stair-Climbing and Pool Cleaning
Samsung and LG Counter Chinese Rivals
Focusing on Security Solutions and Data Protection

South Korea and China faced off in the European market with their robot vacuum cleaners. While Chinese companies, which have already dominated the global market, focused on technological advancements such as robot vacuums equipped with robotic arms and stair-climbing capabilities, they also centered their marketing around robot lawn mowers targeting the European market. In contrast, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics sought to differentiate themselves by highlighting their proprietary security solutions, targeting Chinese companies' weaknesses in personal data protection and safety.

At the International Funkausstellung (IFA) 2025, which opened in Berlin, Germany, on September 5 (local time), the most attention-grabbing home appliance was undoubtedly the robot vacuum cleaner. Since Chinese companies have already seized control of the global robot vacuum market, visitors flocked to the Chinese exhibition halls, including Roborock. According to market research firm IDC, Roborock led the way, and all of the top four companies in the global robot vacuum cleaner market in the first quarter of this year were Chinese, with Roborock holding a 19.3% market share.

Chinese Robot Vacuums: Robotic Arms for Obstacle Removal and Even Pool Cleaning

Chinese company Roborock unveiled three new robot lawn mower models?Lackmow C1, Lackmow S1, and Lackneo1?targeting the European market at IFA 2025 held in Berlin, Germany, from the 5th to the 9th (local time). Photo by Heejoon Jang

Roborock, the world’s number one, unveiled its Q Revo Curve 2 Pro at this year’s exhibition. It drew attention with its ultra-slim design, measuring just 7.98 cm in height, while offering powerful suction of 25,000 Pa (pascals). The chassis lift function automatically adjusts the height according to the carpet thickness, and the RetractSense navigation system provides precise cleaning performance.

The premium robot vacuum Saros Z70, launched in the market in May, was also demonstrated. While robotic arms are now common in industrial products, the fact that a five-axis robotic arm was installed and operated directly in a household product sparked a strong response. The vacuum, which started operating with a loud noise, extended its arm to pick up socks dropped on the floor, removing obstacles on its own as it cleaned.

At this exhibition, Roborock dedicated more space to its robot lawn mowers, a strategy tailored to the European market, where many homes have yards. Three models were showcased: Rockmow C1, Rockmow S1, and Rockneo 1. All are equipped with AI-based mapping and obstacle avoidance technologies, and the Rockmow C1 features a built-in anti-theft identification module (SIM).

In the Sommergarten, the central garden of Messe Berlin where the exhibition was held, various companies’ robot lawn mowers roamed the grass, demonstrating their driving and turning technologies. A Roborock representative stated, "Robot lawn mowers will be introduced mainly in Europe," adding, "In the Korean market, we plan to focus on robot and cordless vacuum cleaners."

Chinese company Dreame unveiled the world's first stair-climbing robot vacuum cleaner, 'CyberX,' at IFA 2025 held in Berlin, Germany, from the 5th to the 9th (local time). Photo by Heejoon Jang

Dreame unveiled the world’s first stair-climbing robot vacuum cleaner, 'CyberX.' It can climb stairs up to 25 cm high at a speed of 0.2 meters per second. The showcased product was equipped with long, oval-shaped wheels. On flat surfaces, the wheels rolled like those of any other vacuum, but when a stair was detected, the wheels stood vertically and climbed smoothly.

Ecovacs introduced technology that dramatically improves battery charging and usage time. The 'Deebot X11' can charge its battery by up to 6% in just three minutes while the mop is being cleaned, thanks to its Power Boost technology. This allows for continuous cleaning without relying solely on battery capacity. With a single charge, it can clean up to 1,000 square meters.

An Ecovacs representative at the event explained, "Robot vacuums used to stop when the battery was depleted and required hours to recharge, which was inconvenient, but Ecovacs has achieved rapid charging with the industry’s first Power Boost technology."

Notably, Ecovacs also received a great response for its underwater robot vacuum cleaner, 'Ultra Marine,' which automatically cleans foreign substances from the bottom and walls of swimming pools. At the new product launch, Ecovacs CEO David Chan stated, "In line with our business philosophy of 'Robots for All,' Ecovacs will continue to expand into various fields."

Samsung and LG Target Chinese Weaknesses with Proprietary Security Solutions

Samsung Electronics showcased the 'Bespoke AI Steam' robot vacuum cleaner, scheduled for release in the second half of this year, at IFA 2025 held in Berlin, Germany from the 5th to the 9th (local time). A scene demonstrating the obstacle-climbing feature. Photo by Heejun Jang

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics also unveiled new robot vacuum cleaners.

Samsung Electronics showcased its 'Bespoke AI Steam' model, scheduled for release in the second half of this year. It combines powerful suction of about 100 watts with hot steam reaching 100 degrees Celsius. The 'Pop-Out Combo' feature extends the brush and mop to clean up dirt detected in corners or along walls, ensuring thorough cleaning with no missed spots.

Even smarter AI technology was on display. The vacuum could detect even colorless, transparent liquids and, depending on user settings, either clean or avoid the liquid. This was made possible by the combination of object recognition sensors and infrared (IR) LEDs. The vacuum also naturally recognized not only people and pets but also small objects such as phone cables and rugs less than 1 cm in size.

LG Electronics also introduced two new robot vacuum models: the built-in 'Hidden Station' and the freestanding 'Objet Station.' In addition to basic dust suction and mopping, these models automatically wash and dry used mops. For the first time in the world, both the vacuum body and the station feature steam functions, enhancing both performance and hygiene.

Samsung Electronics emphasized the safety of its robot vacuum cleaner, which features its proprietary security solution Knox and other systems, at IFA 2025 held in Berlin, Germany, from the 5th to the 9th (local time). Photo by Heejun Jang

Domestic home appliance companies have been unable to avoid a decline in market share in the robot vacuum market due to the aggressive expansion of Chinese companies. Even in the Korean market, the 'big three'-Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame-accounted for 60% of sales revenue.

However, Chinese products are subject to significant security concerns. Recently, the Korea Consumer Agency reported that some Chinese products were found to allow illegal access or manipulation. Korean products, on the other hand, were evaluated as having well-established functions and policies to prevent illegal manipulation. Korean companies have responded by emphasizing their 'proprietary security solutions' as a key strategy.

At this exhibition, Samsung Electronics highlighted that its new robot vacuum models are equipped with its security solutions, Knox and Knox Vault chips, which protect data even against physical attacks. The new Trust Chain technology of Knox Matrix was also introduced, enabling devices connected via Samsung SmartThings to monitor each other's security status and block threats when detected.

LG Electronics also plans to apply its proprietary security solution, 'LG Shield,' to new products launching this year. LG Shield enhances security by adding separate defense technologies to the existing software security framework.