The latest CES event highlights the ongoing evolution of household robots, emphasizing specialized, single-task machines rather than the all-encompassing robotic butlers of science fiction. Companies like Roborock and Dreame are advancing robot vacuums with features like legs for better navigation, while others like Anker are enhancing functionality with additional features such as fragrance diffusion. Despite advancements, the market remains focused on single-purpose robots, similar to trends in industrial robotics, where efficiency in specific tasks takes precedence over versatility. While humanoid robots like Boston Dynamics' Atlas and LG's CLOiD are being developed, they remain prototypes or limited in functionality, suggesting that a future of multifunctional home robots is still distant. This matters because it reflects the current trajectory of robotics in domestic settings, highlighting the gap between consumer expectations and technological reality.
Roborock introduced the Saros Rover at CES 2026, a groundbreaking robot vacuum equipped with articulating legs that enable it to climb stairs and clean them, addressing a long-standing limitation of robot vacuums. The Rover's legs move fluidly, allowing it to navigate stairs by lifting its body and pivoting to vacuum each step, although it operates slowly and cautiously. While still in development and lacking a mopping system, the Rover represents a significant evolution in robotic cleaning technology, hinting at a future where robot vacuums can access every room in a house, including those with complex staircases. This advancement matters because it marks a step towards more autonomous and versatile home cleaning robots, potentially leading to fully capable humanoid home robots.