Robot vacuums can remove dust and dirt from your floors, but they still have to pick up socks and other items scattered around your home. Now, Roborock, a Chinese company that makes robot vacuums and other household cleaning appliances, has announced a new model that can eliminate the need to pick up small objects. Roborock Saros Z70 is equipped with a foldable robotic arm that the company calls “OmniGrip.” It has five axes and can lift and put away objects weighing less than 300 grams, such as socks, light sandals, and small dog toys.
Apparently, the AI-powered vacuum will mark objects that can be picked up as it sweeps the floor, then swivels back to pick them up when it’s done. Then use a second pass to clean the area underneath the object. Omnigrip uses on-board high-precision sensors, cameras, and LED lights to determine its location and whether an item is too heavy to lift. Before use, the arm must be activated through the Roborock app. This app also allows you to set the types of objects that can be manipulated and where they are placed. Although it’s not as good as Rosie the robot, the Saros Z70 has the potential to make cleaning up much easier. And it’s not just a prototype. Roborock plans to make it available for purchase later this year.
In addition to the Saros 270, Roborock has launched two more robot vacuums, a lineup of handheld wet-dry vacuums, and three all-in-one washer-dryers. The company plans to showcase home cleaning products at this year’s CES.
