This shapeshifting cleaner can transform into a robot vacuum, a stick vacuum or a mop — and I almost couldn't believe my eyes

As TechRadar's Homes Editor for floorcare I've seen my fair share of unusual contraptions among the ranks of the best robot vacuums – but I've never seen anything quite like the xLean TR1. This is a robot vacuum that can also be used as a manual stick vacuum – and it can mop and vacuum in both modes.

The shapeshifting design isn't the only interesting thing about this gadget though: it's also kitted out with a 'self-evolving intelligence system' that means it learns your own cleaning techniques while it's being used in manual mode, and can then replicate them in robot mode.

I had a chance to check it out at CES 2026, and it's certainly an intriguing prospect (it's currently still in development, and not yet available to buy). When it's time to switch from robot to manual mode ...