The future of the robot vacuum industry

The robot vacuum cleaner industry has gained considerable momentum in recent years, having evolved into a highly competitive market. Our research shows that the industry is in a period of fast adoption, with global shipments climbing by 39% year-on-year in 2023. Major tech brands such as Samsung and Dyson have recognised the potential of this segment, launching their own branded robot vacuums. Meanwhile, a hotbed of smaller vendors are also vying for share, offering low-cost alternatives and subsequently creating more selection for consumers. Now, the market spans budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features like AI integration and mopping capabilities. 

Competition pushes prices down and innovation forward 

This fierce competition has led to noticeable product discounts, a factor that should help encourage first-time adoption. Amazon Prime Day, for example, saw brands such as Eufy and Ecovacs offering substantial discounts, with some models carrying savings of nearly 50%. This aggressive price positioning is being leveraged to gain an edge in the market, further intensifying the battle between brands. 

As competition hots up, brands are rushing to innovate and carve out unique selling points. These features include enhancements in cleaning performance, improved navigation, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify stains for removal.  

Ownership rates of robot vacuums has doubled 

Heightened awareness, product development, and competitive pricing have caused ownership rates to double between 2021 and 2023, according to our latest research. Drawn in by the substantial discounts offered in the recent Amazon Prime Day sales, I invested in a robot vacuum and haven't looked back. It’s proven to be incredibly effective, eliminating the need for manual vacuuming and fully automating a time-consuming household chore. What started as a novelty product has become an indispensable household tool, and I can only imagine that busy families, the elderly or even property management companies would find even more value in robot vacuums.  

AI drives robot vacuum product development 

Despite their benefits, robot vacuums still have some way to go. Lower-end models can struggle with navigation, get stuck under furniture, and fail to map homes effectively. Battery life also is a concern, particularly for units without self-charging capabilities, requiring frequent manual intervention. Some models lack sufficient suction power, compromising on cleaning effectiveness. Finally, all models need human assistance to move between floors – an issue we expect brands to address in the longer term. 

While software is unable to overcome some challenges, such as the ability to move between different floors, vendors are pushing AI features as a key area for product development. AI has become a buzzword in the consumer electronics industry, and robot vacuums are no exception, with the term widely used in promotional materials. In the robot vacuum market, “AI” is used to describe advancements in navigation, cleaning algorithms, smart home integration, and user personalisation. However, marketing these features as “AI” is arguably an overstatement. Regardless, the technology continues to evolve, paving the way for a future of fully automated and intelligently managed homes. 

Consumer adoption of robot vacuums expected to grow 

Robot vacuums have been well-received by consumers, and this trend shows no signs of abating, with adoption expected to continue to rise. Brands are eager to capitalise on this momentum by quickly introducing upgrades to enhance their products and address current frustrations with the product segment. With IFA 2024 approaching, we can expect a variety of new product launches showcasing the next steps in the robot vacuum industry. 

For more information about our research into this dynamic sector, please get in touch with Ben at ben.thrussell@futuresource-hq.com.