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I saw a two-legged robot vacuum climb up stairs at CES, and it blew my mind

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Roborock Saros Rover
Maria Diaz/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • The Roborock Saros Rover is the first two-legged robot vacuum coming to the market.
  • Roborock also announced the launch of the Roborock Saros 20, Saros 20 Sonic, Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, and F25 Ace Pro.
  • Aside from cleaners, Roborock confirmed the 2026 release of the RockMow X1 LiDAR and RockNeo Q1 robot mowers to the US market. 

CES is the time of year when robots shine. From humanoid robots to robotic pets, this is the biggest technology showcase for robotics. Yet the vast majority of these robots are far from being consumer-ready and are even further from being accessible for household use. Roborock’s mechanical arm, showcased at CES 2025, represents a significant step forward for household robots. The company is now taking it a step further with the new Roborock Saros Rover.

Also: CES 2026 live blog: Latest news on TVs, AI, phones, more 

The Saros Rover is a robot vacuum with what Roborock calls a wheel-leg architecture. Essentially, its main wheels are mounted at the end of foldable legs, so the robot can extend its legs and lift its body almost a foot off the ground. This enables it to navigate up and down stairs, clean multiple stories without user intervention, and stop at each step to vacuum as it proceeds.

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

The bad news? The Roborock Saros Rover doesn’t yet have an estimated date for when it’ll arrive on the market or a price. Considering this case is similar to last year’s Saros Z70 (a robot vacuum and mop with a mechanical arm), I’m confident that this robot will reach the market soon, especially after seeing it in person. Roborock confirmed that the Rover is a real product that is currently in development.

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If nothing else, the Saros Rover is a testament to the market-leading innovation that Roborock is achieving in the robotics sector. The wheel-legs can move independently to reach and lift the robot, as well as adjust its posture in reaction to its environment. Aside from going up and down the stairs, the robot can execute small jumps, sudden stops, and directional changes, and tilt its body to avoid obstacles.

Roborock Saros Rover
Maria Diaz/ZDNET

Roborock achieves this with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that process information gathered by motion sensors and 3D spatial data. 

Roborock’s 2026 robot vacuums

Roborock is also launching three new robot vacuum and mop combinations in 2026, including the Saros 20, Saros 20 Sonic, and Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. 

  • Roborock Saros 20: As part of the new iteration of the Saros flagship lineup from 2025, the Roborock Saros 20 features the upgraded AdaptLift Chassis 3.0, which allows it to climb thresholds of up to 1.77 inches. The Saros 20 can recognize up to 201 objects, thanks to the upgraded AI-powered StarSight Autonomous System 2.0. The Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic both feature a market-leading 35,000Pa of suction power.
  • Roborock Saros 20 Sonic: With an extendable sonic mop, the Saros 20 Sonic can scrub closer to edges up to 4,000 times per minute. This robot features a slim, 3.1-inch-high body that easily fits under furniture, thanks to its retractable navigation system.
  • Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: The latest addition to the Qrevo Curv family, the Curv 2 Flow is Roborock’s first model to feature a roller mop. The mop is continuously washed as it spins in the robot, and it puts up to 15N of downward pressure to remove stains.

Also: This robot vacuum at CES 2026 can find lost items on your floor and alert you of them

Roborock mowers coming to the US market

Roborock had announced its debut into the yard care category with a lineup of robot mowers a few months ago, yet the products hadn’t been planned for the US market until now. Roborock has confirmed that the RockNeo Q1, RockMow X1 LiDAR, and RockMow X1 will be available in the US soon.

  • Roborock RockNeo Q1: As an entry-level robot mower, the RockNeo Q1 is designed to handle yards of small to medium size. The RockNeo Q1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM technology for navigation, complemented by Sentisphere Environmental Perception and Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.
  • Roborock RockMow X1: As a flagship robot mower, the RockMow X1 also utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation. However, the addition of four-wheel drive traction, an Active Steering System, and a Dynamic Suspension System sets it apart.
  • Roborock RockMow X1 LiDAR: This is a new LiDAR variant of the RockMow X1, which eliminates the need for an RTK antenna or boundary wire for navigation. Instead, it uses a combination of sensors and data to scan its surroundings, much like a robot vacuum does inside a home.

Roborock, which also recently announced a strategic partnership with European soccer club Real Madrid, is also releasing a new F25 Ace Pro. This wet/dry vacuum and mop can spray a foam solution that is made within the unit to help remove stubborn stains from hard floors.  

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The F25 Ace Pro will go on the market on January 19 for the introductory price of $550, with an MSRP of $699 after the promotional period expires on January 30.

Pricing and commercial availability information for the remaining devices isn’t yet available.

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