New two-legged robotic vacuum signals home automation shift

At the CES trade show in Las Vegas, robotics emerged as a central focus as companies presented new concepts aimed at daily household use. Among them, robotics company Roborock unveiled a prototype that signals a new direction for home automation.

The Chinese firm, formally known as Beijing Roborock Technology Co., introduced the Saros Rover, a robotic vacuum designed with two independent wheel-legs. The company said the system allows the machine to climb stairs and move across uneven surfaces.

Roborock described the Rover as the first robotic vacuum cleaner to use wheel-legs. The device relies on artificial intelligence, motion sensors, and three-dimensional spatial mapping to navigate indoor spaces.

During a media demonstration at the show, the Rover climbed a short staircase, descended a ramp, and executed a small jump. A company spokesperson said the jumping capability could help the robot clear obstacles encountered in homes.

The Rover replaces last year’s Saros Z70, which gained attention at CES for its mechanical arm. That earlier model was designed to pick up small objects, including socks, but later drew criticism after its U.S. launch at $2,599 for limited object recognition.

Learning from that response, Roborock is taking a more cautious approach with the Rover. The company has not announced a release date or pricing for the new device.

As with the previous model, the Rover moves slowly while operating on its legs. Roborock declined to provide details on battery life or overall endurance.

Questions also remain about durability. During the presentation, it was unclear how the Rover would recover after a fall. The spokesperson said the robot is programmed to attempt to right itself without human assistance.

Robotics has become increasingly prominent at CES, leading the event’s organizer, the Consumer Technology Association, to establish a dedicated exhibition area. Alongside robotic vacuums, companies are also showcasing humanoid robots designed to perform tasks such as folding laundry.

Despite growing interest, industry participants continue to face obstacles to widespread consumer adoption. High prices, limited battery performance, and challenges in reliable mobility remain unresolved issues.