In January 2025, Roborock, a robot vacuum manufacturing company headquartered in Beijing, announced a new model. The unique feature of this model is an AI-powered folding arm designed to remove obstacles. The company believes that with the advent of AI, robot vacuum cleaners will become as indispensable as washing machines in the near future, possibly within three years.

Roborock’s new model, the Saros Z70, uses the company’s proprietary AI technology to detect and clear obstructions such as socks, small towels, tissues, and sandals that weigh less than 300 grams. The Saros Z70 is slated for a major global launch in the first half of the year, but the exact price is yet to be disclosed. This announcement precedes the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The evolution of robot vacuums has been remarkable since the launch of the original Roomba by Massachusetts-based iRobot in 2002. These devices have advanced to include features like mopping and automatic return to charging base. Numerous companies, including several from China, now market robot vacuum cleaners.

Roborock began operations in the US in 2018 and experienced a significant growth in sales by 2023. The company also sells its products in Germany, China, South Korea, and other countries, ensuring compliance with local data privacy regulations.

Despite the advancements, the adoption rate of robot vacuums remains low, just over 10% in developed countries and in single digits in the developing nations. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth, which could be bolstered by integrating AI.

Two popular tech publications, The Verge and Wired, rated different Roborock models as the best available robot vacuums last year. However, these high-performing machines come with hefty price tags.

Roborock’s shares rose 2.6% following the announcement of the Saros Z70 and its robotic arm. The company’s operating revenue increased by 23.2% in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching 7 billion yuan ($960 million).

Recognizing the potential of AI early on, Roborock established a dedicated lab in Shanghai and a research institute in Shenzhen soon after its inception in 2014. Their next objective is to expand their research team to about 300 people to continue driving innovation.

Roborock also announced updates to its washing machines, which can now dry clothes within the same unit.