The innovation marks a significant step in the evolution of household robotics, with Roborock President Quan Gang predicting that robot vacuums will become as indispensable as washing machines within three years, CNBC reported.
“If the era of AI flourishing has really arrived, I’m confident that robot vacuum cleaners will be the first category to apply AI,” Quan said in an interview, highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the industry.
Set to launch globally in the first half of the year, the Saros Z70 combines advanced AI capabilities with Roborock’s established expertise in autonomous cleaning. The announcement precedes the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Roborock aims to showcase its cutting-edge developments.
Since debuting in 2002 with the iRobot Roomba, robot vacuums have evolved significantly. Roborock entered the US market in 2018, with sales surging by 2023. Despite low penetration rates—just over 10% in developed countries and even lower in developing markets—Quan sees significant growth potential, driven by AI integration.
Roborock has garnered acclaim, with outlets like The Verge naming its S8 MaxV Ultra (US$1,799.99) the best hands-free robot vacuum, while Wired praised the more affordable Qrevo S for its AI-powered navigation and surface-specific cleaning. Yet competition remains fierce, with rivals like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo and iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus vying for market dominance.
In 2024, Roborock reported a 23.2% increase in operating revenue, reaching 7 billion yuan (US$960 million), alongside a 10.3% stock rise. The company attributes its success to a strong focus on AI, supported by dedicated research labs in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Roborock plans to expand its team of 60 researchers to 300, though finding skilled talent remains a challenge.
As it pioneers new innovations, Roborock also announced updates to its washing machines, further solidifying its role as a leader in household automation.
