Roborock Unveils Next-Gen Cleaning Tech at CES 2024, Featuring Stair-Climbing Robot
At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Roborock showcased a diverse array of new cleaning devices. The highlight was undoubtedly the Saros Rover, a prototype robotic vacuum engineered for advanced stair navigation and cleaning. The company also updated its popular Saros and Qrevo robotic vacuum series, introduced a new handheld wet/dry cleaner, and announced its strategic entry into the robotic lawnmower market.
Saros Rover: Revolutionizing Stair Cleaning
Roborock unveiled the Saros Rover, a robotic vacuum prototype distinguished by its innovative wheel-leg design. This device incorporates hinged legs, each equipped with a wheel, capable of independent operation, and utilizes sophisticated software for maintaining balance. It is designed to navigate obstacles, ascend and descend stairs, including curved staircases, and clean each step during its movement. Its unique stair-cleaning method involves extending one leg for stability before climbing the next step.
According to Katie Leonowitz, Roborock's public relations manager for North America, the Saros Rover is intended to be the first robot model capable of cleaning stairs while climbing them, addressing areas between floors that traditional robotic vacuums cannot access.
The Saros Rover is currently in research and development, with potential availability projected around 2027. Pricing and specific launch details are yet to be announced.
New Robotic Vacuum Series: Enhanced Cleaning Power
Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic Series
The Saros 20 model integrates Roborock’s AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 system, facilitating transitions over obstacles up to 3.3 inches in height. Navigation is expertly managed by the StarSight Autonomous System 2.0, which generates 3D home maps and identifies over 200 object types for obstacle avoidance. This vacuum offers a formidable 35,000 Pa suction power and includes a FlexiArm for cleaning close to edges. Its advanced mopping function utilizes dual heads that spin at up to 200 RPM with 12N downward pressure. The accompanying RockDock provides comprehensive cleaning capabilities for the mop with 212°F water, followed by 131°F warm air drying.
The Saros 20 Sonic variant retains the AdaptiLift climbing system and vacuum capabilities of the Saros 20. However, it is optimized for fitting into confined spaces with a reduced height of 3.1 inches. It can temporarily retract its LiDAR sensor to pass under furniture, relying on its cameras for navigation. The 20 Sonic's VibraRise 5.0 Mopping System vibrates up to 4,000 times per minute, featuring a single mop head designed to clean floor edges with 14N of downward pressure. Pricing and availability for both Saros 20 models are anticipated in 2026.
Qrevo Curv 2 Flow
The Qrevo Curv 2 Flow delivers 20,000 Pa suction and features a continuously self-cleaning SpiraFlow mop. The mop's 10.6-inch roller spins at up to 220 RPM and applies 15N of pressure. The device's onboard intelligence allows it to adapt cleaning strategies based on detected mess types. The accompanying dock supports over two months of use before dust bin emptying is required and includes 167°F water cleaning and 131°F warm air drying for the mop. Additional features include pet recognition and remote video call support. Sales for the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow begin on January 19, 2024, with an introductory price of $849, increasing to $999 in February.
F25 ACE Pro Handheld Wet/Dry Vacuum
The F25 ACE Pro is a handheld wet/dry vacuum offering 25,000 Pa suction. Its wet cleaning function combines 430 RPM rotation speed with 30N downward pressure and an enlarged water tank, capable of generating ultra-dense foam for specific cleaning tasks. For maintenance, it includes hair-rejection scrapers to prevent brush jams. The base dock provides 203°F high-temperature washing and 203°F hot-air drying. Sales commence on January 19, 2024, at an initial price of $549, which will rise to $699 in February.
Roborock Enters Robotic Lawnmower Market
Roborock is expanding its product portfolio to include outdoor solutions with new robotic lawnmowers. Three models were introduced, utilizing satellite navigation and lidar technology to manage various yard sizes and complexities. These lawnmowers feature four-wheel drive, enabling them to ascend steep terrains.
Industry Context and Roborock's AI-Driven Vision
Alongside Roborock's introductions, other companies also showcased robot vacuum innovations at CES. Ecovacs Robotics introduced new DEEBOT models with features such as stain pretreatment and smart mop covers. Samsung's Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra featured advanced navigation, while LG presented a model with a built-in station designed to fit under kitchen counters, which received a CES Innovation Award for its steam mop and sterilization system.
Roborock states its core approach involves using AI as the underpinning for all its technology. This AI, combined with lidar-based mapping, is intended to enable its machines to perceive environments and adapt over time.