Despite iRobot’s ongoing financial troubles, the robot vacuum industry shows no signs of slowing down. At CES 2025, Roborock made waves by unveiling its latest innovation, the Saros Z70. This Roomba rival introduces what Roborock believes to be the future of robotic vacuums: a built-in arm.

The concept of equipping robot vacuums with a manipulator arm isn’t new, but previous attempts were hindered by high production costs and unreliable performance. However, advancements in sensor technology and reductions in manufacturing expenses have made this ambitious feature more feasible-though it still comes at a premium price.

The Saros Z70 features a five-axis robotic arm that folds neatly into the vacuum’s top and extends to tackle various tasks. Designed to lift objects weighing up to 300 grams, the arm can twist and maneuver to remove obstacles in its path, such as misplaced laundry. It is equipped with an onboard camera and sensors to precisely navigate and interact with its surroundings. The system works by first vacuuming the floor as usual, then doubling back to address any objects requiring its attention.

Questions remain about the practicality and durability of this feature, particularly regarding its long-term repairability. That said, Roborock is confident in its design.

The company explains that the arm, known as OmniGrip, won’t function straight out of the box. Instead, users will need to activate it through the Roborock app, which offers customization options. Through the app, users can decide which objects the arm can interact with and define the zones for its operation. For safety, the vacuum includes features like a child lock and an emergency stop button, providing users with peace of mind.

The Saros Z70 is set to hit the market on February 10, carrying a hefty price tag of $1,600. Whether this next-gen robovac truly transforms home cleaning remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly sets a high bar for innovation in the field.