xLean Robotics, a startup originating from CUHK‘s renowned Robotics Institute, showcased its groundbreaking xLean TR1 cleaning robot at the IFA 2025 technology show in Berlin. The TR1 is designed to handle both everyday cleaning and quick spot cleaning.
The robot’s unique dual-form design allows it to transition seamlessly between a robotic mode for autonomous cleaning and a handheld mode for targeted cleaning. This transformation takes only a second, thanks to an integrated electric locking mechanism.
In its robotic form, the TR1 uses advanced multi-sensor fusion and reinforcement learning to navigate spaces effectively. Its square shape and high-speed dual-roller mop system ensure thorough cleaning, even in corners.
When switched to handheld mode, the TR1 provides electric assistance, making spot cleaning easier. It also incorporates a learning function, recording user cleaning techniques and preferences. This data, with user consent, is anonymized and used to improve the robot’s cleaning algorithms through over-the-air updates, a process the company calls Self-Evolving Intelligence.
The handheld mode is critical to this Self-Evolving Intelligence feature. However, existing cleaning mechanisms struggle with heavy messes in handheld form. To overcome this, xLean developed the Dual-Motor DirectSuction™ mechanism. This system uses high negative pressure to simultaneously remove both solids and liquids, solving the challenge of gas-liquid separation in a compact design.
The TR1‘s companion device, the OMNI Station, simplifies the cleaning process by automatically disposing of waste, offering hot water cleaning, and self-drying functionality. Safety features include a privacy-focused camera shutter and vision-LiDAR recognition.
xLean Robotics boasts a team of experienced engineers and researchers. According to Kehan Xue, Founder and CEO, the company aims to create cleaning robots that can tackle complex cleaning tasks, ultimately contributing to the development of more general-purpose robotics. Xue emphasized the company’s focus on perfecting one task with one robot.
Following the IFA 2025 unveiling, xLean Robotics plans a global launch via Kickstarter, making the xLean TR1 available to a broader market.
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