Roborock's new robot vacuum, the Saros Z70, features a mechanical arm capable of picking up objects. This development marks a significant step towards robots handling more complex household tasks. The robot can pick up socks, beanies, and small towels.
The dream of a truly autonomous home is edging closer to reality, and it's not just about voice-activated lights anymore. At CES 2025, Roborock unveiled the Saros Z70, a robot vacuum that doesn't just suck up dust; it tidies up. This isn't your average robovac; it features a five-axis robotic arm, dubbed OmniGrip, capable of picking up and moving objects weighing up to 300 grams. This development marks a significant step towards robots handling more complex household tasks.
The Saros Z70's mechanical arm is the star of the show. During demonstrations at CES, it was shown picking up socks, beanies, small towels, and even pieces of paper. While the arm might not always grab an item on the first attempt, its ability to locate, grip, and deposit objects is a significant advancement.
The robot uses its StarSight navigation and object recognition system to identify and avoid obstacles, ensuring it doesn't accidentally grab a pet or a child. According to Roborock, the arm is not strong enough to cause harm, and the device has a child lock and safety stop button for extra precaution.
The company representative noted that the current version of the arm is better at recognizing black socks than white ones, indicating that there is still room for software upgrades and improvements. The final version of the vac will autonomously seek out and remove debris during regular cleaning cycles. Initially, the Saros Z70 will perform normal vacuuming and mopping, while simultaneously detecting and marking objects it can lift. It will then circle back to pick up items like socks and tissues.
The Saros Z70 can detect up to 108 different obstacles, and Roborock plans to add more objects to the list of items it can manipulate through software upgrades. Future improvements could enable the robot to pick up cat toys or shoes and place them where they belong, making the robot a more comprehensive cleaning assistant.
The robot's ability to problem-solve was also on display. Even when it missed a sock, it would rotate and look behind it, then successfully pick up the object. However, not every attempt was successful, and sometimes it would spontaneously start mapping the room, showcasing that this is still a product in development.
Beyond its unique arm, the Saros Z70 is designed as a high-performing robot vacuum. It boasts 22,000 Pa of suction power and a dual anti-tangle system to prevent hair from getting stuck in the vacuum. The dual-spinning mops can lift up to 2.2 centimeters, allowing for better air circulation and quicker drying, while also preventing the dragging of dirt across clean surfaces. All of these features are packed into a slim design, just 7.98cm high.
The Roborock Saros Z70 is not yet available on the market, but Roborock expects it to be released sometime in the first half of the year. While the price hasn't been announced, high-end robot vacuums typically cost $1,500 or more. To stay updated on its release, it is recommended to regularly check the Roborock website. Once available, the robot can be controlled through a mobile app, where users can designate areas for the robot to deposit picked-up items.
The Roborock Saros Z70 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of robot vacuums. Its ability to manipulate objects, combined with its advanced navigation and cleaning capabilities, suggests that robots are becoming more adaptable and capable of handling complex household tasks. While it is still in the early stages of development, the Saros Z70 demonstrates the potential for future robots that can truly assist us in our daily lives. It prompts us to consider what other tasks we might delegate to robots in the future and how that might change our concept of home and work. What tasks would you like to see a robot handle?
Okay, let's be real. The first time I saw a robot vacuum with an arm, I chuckled. It looked like a toddler trying to use chopsticks – endearing, but not exactly efficient. Was this really the best use of our advanced algorithms? A glorified sock picker-upper? But after the initial skepticism, I have to admit, I'm intrigued. This isn't just about picking up socks; it's about the potential for so much more. Imagine a future where these robots can sort laundry, load the dishwasher, or even help with simple meal prep.
Think about the impact on the elderly or individuals with mobility issues. A robot that can pick up dropped items, retrieve medication, or even assist with dressing could significantly improve their quality of life. In industrial settings, these robots could handle delicate tasks in manufacturing, or even assist with hazardous material handling, reducing risk for human workers. The possibilities are extensive. We could see these robots integrated into smart homes, working in tandem with other AI to create a truly autonomous living space.
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