I have a strong affection for robotic cleaners, and their capabilities have significantly improved over the years. They began with vacuuming, progressed to mopping, and then included auto-emptying features.
However, this year’s CES reveals seem to push the envelope even further, making me wonder if companies are merely adding features for the sake of having something new to discuss …
A stair-climbing cleaner that can’t actually climb stairs
Dreame kicked off the competition with its latest X50 Ultra, boasting the ability to climb stairs. While this could be an incredibly beneficial feature—it addresses a major challenge of existing cleaners, which is the need for separate devices on each floor or the hassle of transporting them upstairs and downstairs—it’s not quite practical.
As Engadget points out, this is a largely theoretical advantage, as it falls short of being able to conquer real stairs. Its maximum step height capability is only 2.4 inches, whereas a standard stair ranges from 7 to 8 inches.
Gathering socks
Next up is the Saroz Z70, a robotic cleaner equipped with an arm designed to pick up small items, like socks, to clear the cleaning path.
Say goodbye to the annoyance of pre-cleaning. In its initial cleaning session, the Saros Z70 detects and marks items it can lift, then returns during the second cleaning to address missed areas. It effortlessly manages the mess. It can also move obstacles to gain access to previously obstructed spaces, ensuring comprehensive cleaning with minimal effort […]
Socks? Tossed toward the closet. Sandals? Directed to the entrance mat. Crumpled tissues? Guided toward the trash. The Saros Z70 identifies and relocates household items to their designated spots based on its programmed settings.
While this could be handy on occasion, I doubt many people habitually leave socks scattered on the floor. Plus, it lacks the intelligence or reach to actually open the sock drawer and put them away. This feature may add significant cost and complexity without delivering real utility.
Serving drinks because, why not?
But the most outlandish has to be the SwitchBot K20+ Pro (top image). It also features an arm for those who tend to leave their shoes around the house, but that’s only the beginning.
Feeling warm? It can fetch you a fan—provided someone first places the (expensive and custom-made, of course) fan on its carrying platform. It can trail behind you with an iPad for those FaceTime calls that are best conducted while meandering around your home, unable to hold it yourself. You can attach a security camera for mobile surveillance. And, of course …
… it can serve you a drink. As long as you have someone in the kitchen to retrieve the drink from the refrigerator, set it atop the K20+’s table attachment, and don’t forget, the table also doubles as an air purifier to keep your drink dust-free.
Ensure you have a stiff drink in hand before viewing the promotional video. If you’re interested, details regarding pricing and availability remain unknown (and don’t forget to reach out to my bridge sales rep).
Photo: Saroz and SwitchBot
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