> At a Glance
> – Roborock unveiled the Saros Rover, the first robot vacuum with wheel-legs that climb stairs
> – The brand also showcased last year’s Saros Z70, the first mass-produced vac with a robotic arm
> – 8% of annual revenue fuels R&D; AI team has worked on cleaning algorithms for a decade
> – Why it matters: Roborock’s leap from disc-shaped cleaners to autonomous, perceptive helpers signals a new era of truly hands-off home maintenance
Roborock turned CES 2026 into a live robotics demo: stair-climbing vacuums, obstacle-grabbing arms, self-driving lawn mowers, and a blockbuster Real Madrid partnership-all backed by ten years of AI investment.
From Floor Discs to Stair-Climbing Robots
The Saros Rover steals the spotlight with wheel-legs that scale curved staircases and roll down ramps while vacuuming each step. Inside, 3D spatial sensors and AI algorithms let it “see,” map, and adapt in real time.
Last year’s Saros Z70 still turns heads as the first mass-produced vac with a built-in robotic arm. It identifies stray socks and slippers, lifts them out of the way, then continues cleaning-eliminating one of the last manual chores robot vacs required.
Roborock president Quan Gang explains:
> “Robotic modules can be found in the supply chain… but without a brain, the robotic arm or legs are just metal pieces. We’re building the most robust stack of cleaning-related AI algorithms.”
Navigation Brainpower Honed Over Ten Years
Long before language models hit headlines, Roborock was channeling AI into dirt detection and path planning. Its StarSight Autonomous system-3D ToF sensor plus RGB camera-now recognizes 200+ household objects and decides whether to drive over a cord or steer clear.
Recent models with StarSight include:
- Saros 20
- Saros 10R
- Qrevo Slim
SmartPlan then studies past runs to boost suction in chronically dirty zones, schedule mop rinses after kitchens, and dial back power where little traffic occurs. CarpetBoost automatically ups suction or performs a second deep-clean pattern when rugs are detected.
AI Moves Outdoors With Autonomous Mowers
Roborock’s new RockMow line brings the same spatial intelligence to lawns. Two flagship models target different terrain challenges without requiring perimeter wires:
| Model | Key Hardware | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RockMow X1 | 4WD, active steering, RTK navigation | Large, uneven properties |
| RockMow X1 LiDAR | 360° LiDAR + vision fusion | Intricate gardens, satellite-free zones |
Both adapt to real-world slopes, tight turns, and obstacles-proof Roborock sees its AI expertise extending well beyond living-room floors.
Global Partnership With Real Madrid
The company capped CES by announcing a multi-year collaboration with Real Madrid, making Roborock the club’s official vacuum partner. The tie-up places Roborock branding inside the Bernabéu stadium, joint fan activations, and content reaching hundreds of millions of supporters-a statement that the former vacuum specialist now sits at the top table of global AI robotics.
Key Takeaways
- Roborock reinvests ~8% of revenue in R&D and has pursued cleaning-focused AI for a decade
- Saros Rover introduces the first wheel-leg architecture, conquering stairs autonomously
- Saros Z70’s robotic arm removes obstacles, solving a core robot-vac limitation
- New RockMow mowers export indoor navigation tech to complex outdoor terrain
- Partnership with Real Madrid underscores Roborock’s shift from vacuum brand to AI robotics powerhouse
With 22 million households across 170 countries already served, Roborock’s CES showing positions it to lead the next wave of perceptive, home-maintaining machines-both inside and out.
