Samsung's Robot Vacuums Disappear from US Market Ahead of Ultra Model Launch
Samsung appears to be clearing the decks for a significant upgrade to its robot vacuum lineup. The company has removed its 2024 robot vacuum models from US sales channels while simultaneously teasing the upcoming Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra, suggesting an imminent launch that could address one of the category's persistent limitations.
The Ultra Teaser: Obstacle-Climbing and Steam Cleaning
A recently released teaser video highlights several innovative features of the upcoming Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra. The most notable advancement appears to be a retractable wheel system that enables the vacuum to clear obstacles up to 4.5cm high. This addresses what has long been a fundamental limitation of robot vacuums—their inability to navigate common household barriers like thick rugs, thresholds, and small objects.
The teaser also showcases a hygienic 100-degree Celsius steam cleaning mode, which could represent a significant upgrade for households concerned with deep cleaning and sanitization. Additionally, the vacuum incorporates AI vision technology capable of detecting liquids, potentially preventing messy accidents when encountering spills.
While the teaser doesn't confirm a specific release date, its timing suggests the product's debut is approaching. The Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam was first announced at IFA 2025 and received more detailed showcasing at CES 2026, indicating Samsung has been developing this technology for some time.
Market Implications and Category Evolution
The obstacle-climbing capability could mark a turning point for robot vacuums, narrowing the practicality gap they've traditionally faced compared to wireless stick vacuums. Stick vacuums have maintained advantages in ease of use, maintenance, cost, and ability to handle stairs and thick carpets without getting stuck.
If successful, features like the retractable wheel system could become standard across Samsung's robot vacuum lineup, potentially excluding only the most budget-friendly models. This technological advancement might encourage broader adoption by addressing one of the most common consumer frustrations with current robot vacuum designs.
US Market Preparation and Pricing Unknown
Concurrent with the teaser release, Samsung has removed its 2024 robot vacuum models from its US online store. Currently, only the Bespoke Jet Stick Ultra and Lite stick vacuums remain available, suggesting the company is clearing inventory to make way for the new Ultra model.
Pricing details for the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra remain undisclosed. The disappearance of previous models from the US market indicates Samsung is positioning this as a premium offering, though specific price points and availability timelines have yet to be confirmed.
Conclusion
Samsung's simultaneous removal of existing robot vacuums and teaser for the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra signals a strategic shift in its home cleaning lineup. The obstacle-climbing technology represents a potential breakthrough for the robot vacuum category, addressing a long-standing limitation that has hindered broader consumer adoption. While pricing and exact release dates remain unknown, the market preparation suggests Samsung is positioning this as a significant upgrade that could redefine expectations for automated home cleaning devices.
The coming weeks should reveal whether the Ultra model lives up to its teaser promises and how it will be positioned against both previous robot vacuums and competing stick vacuum alternatives. For now, the disappearing act of current models suggests Samsung is confident its new technology represents a substantial enough advancement to warrant clearing the shelves.