When we think about robot vacuums, one limitation has always stood out: stairs. While robotic cleaners have become incredibly smart—navigating rooms, emptying their own bins, and even scrubbing floors—they still stop dead in their tracks when facing a staircase. That could soon change.
MOVA’s Big Reveal at IFA 2025
At the upcoming IFA 2025 trade show in Berlin, MOVA (sub-brand of "Dreame") is expected to unveil the Zeus 60, a robot vacuum capable of climbing stairs up to 25 centimeters (around 10 inches) in height. Unlike traditional vacuums that can only handle small thresholds or carpets, this technology would allow MOVA’s robot to transition between floors without human assistance.
The Zeus 60 relies on advanced 3D perception systems and a unique climbing mechanism that lets it navigate step-like obstacles. For households with multiple floors, this could mean a future where one robot handles the entire home—no more carrying it up and down.
Does It Actually Clean the Stairs?
Here’s the catch: early reports suggest that while MOVA’s Zeus 60 can climb stairs, it doesn’t necessarily clean each step on its way up. The climbing ability seems to be focused on mobility between levels, not dedicated stair-cleaning.
That leaves a gap in the market—one that another startup is trying to fill.
Enter the MIGO Ascender
While MOVA works on mobility, the MIGO Ascender, currently in development through Kickstarter, is designed to both climb and clean stairs. The Ascender can scale steps up to 22 cm (8.66 inches) while vacuuming and mopping each stair in the process. If successful, this would mark the first robot to truly tackle one of the toughest areas in the home.
However, the Ascender is still in its early stages. It’s not yet a mass-market product, and backers will have to wait to see if it can deliver on its ambitious promises.
What This Means for the Industry
The race to build a stair-capable cleaning robot is more than just a gimmick—it represents a major leap in automation and convenience. For years, robotic vacuums have been stuck on a single floor, requiring homeowners to manually relocate them. MOVA’s Zeus 60 and MIGO’s Ascender suggest that limitation could soon be a thing of the past.
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MOVA Zeus 60: Prioritizes mobility between floors, debuting at IFA 2025.
- MIGO Ascender: Promises true stair cleaning, but is still experimental.
Final Thoughts
Whether MOVA’s Zeus 60 will become a household game-changer depends on how well it performs in real-world conditions. If it successfully climbs stairs while maintaining the suction and cleaning power MOVA is known for, it could set a new standard for premium robot vacuums.
And if MIGO delivers on its Kickstarter promises, stair-cleaning robots could soon shift from futuristic concepts to practical household companions.
One thing is clear: 2025 is shaping up to be the year when robots finally conquer the stairs.