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CES 2026 Vacuum Wars Coverage: Stair-Climbing Robot Vacuums, Hot Water Mops, and the Future of Cleaning

Welcome to Vacuum Wars and to our special coverage of CES 2026, the biggest technology trade show in the world. We attend the Consumer Electronics Show primarily for vacuum and robot vacuum news, and CES 2026 turned out to be one of the most exciting shows we’ve seen in years when it comes to new technology in the vacuum space.

There was a noticeable shift this year toward more ambitious designs, advanced mobility, and entirely new categories of robotic cleaners. So let’s jump right in, starting with one of the biggest standouts at the show.

Roborock Steals the Show with the Saros Rover

Roborock grabbed the spotlight at CES 2026 with the Saros Rover, a robot vacuum unlike anything we’ve seen before. Instead of relying on traditional wheels alone, the Saros Rover uses wheels mounted on robotic legs that can raise or lower the robot with impressive agility.

Roborock Saros Rover robot vacuum demonstrating robotic leg system climbing and cleaning stairs at CES 2026
The Roborock Saros Rover uses independently articulated robotic legs to climb and clean stairs, maintaining balance and stability while navigating uneven surfaces during a live CES 2026 demonstration. © Vacuum Wars

Each leg moves independently, allowing the Rover to keep its body level while traveling over uneven surfaces. But what really captured attention was its ability to climb stairs and clean them as it goes, something that competing stair-climbing robots introduced so far simply cannot do.

Roborock demonstrated exceptional maneuverability and stability with the Saros Rover, and if this technology performs in real homes the way it did on the show floor, it could be a major game changer for robot vacuums. Importantly, this is not just a concept. Roborock confirmed that the Saros Rover is a real product currently in development and is expected to reach the consumer market in the near future.

Roborock Expands Its Lineup with Qrevo Curv 2 Flow and New Saros Models

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

Roborock also introduced the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, which features the company’s first-ever roller mop system. The Spiral Flow Mop, as Roborock calls it, sprays clean water onto the roller through eight nozzles. The roller then scrubs the floor at 220 rotations per minute with 15 newtons of pressure, while used water is collected in an onboard tank to minimize dirty water left behind on the floor.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow robot vacuum and docking station displayed at a trade show, featuring a curved white dock design.
Roborock unveiled the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, its first robot vacuum with a roller mop system designed to reduce dirty water residue during mopping. © Vacuum Wars

Roborock Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic

In addition to that, Roborock unveiled two more Saros models: the Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic. These next-generation S-series robots introduce advanced threshold climbing through Roborock’s new Adaptive Lift Chassis 3.0.

Roborock Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic robot vacuums displayed on a circular showroom platform at a product unveiling event.
Roborock unveiled two additional Saros models—the Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic—introducing next-generation S-series robots equipped with the new Adaptive Lift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. © Vacuum Wars

The Saros 20 uses dual spinning mop pads and ships with an advanced base station. Roborock also shared that a future variant dock will support three interchangeable mop pads, designed to adapt automatically based on the room being cleaned, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

A future Roborock Saros 20 dock concept supports three interchangeable mop pads that automatically switch based on the room being cleaned.
A future Roborock dock concept supports three interchangeable mop pads that automatically switch based on the room being cleaned. © Vacuum Wars

The Saros 20 Sonic shares many of the same upgrades but stands apart with its mopping system, which uses the fifth generation of Roborock’s VibraRise technology.

Underside of the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic robot vacuum showing its brush assembly and vibrating mop pad.
The Saros 20 Sonic differentiates itself with a mopping system powered by the fifth generation of Roborock’s VibraRise technology. © Vacuum Wars
  • Best Robot Vacuums – Vacuum Wars’ always up-to-date rankings of the best robot vacuums. Whether you call it a robot vacuum, a robotic hoover, or an automatic vacuum cleaner, our top picks will help you find the perfect cleaning companion for your home!

Dreame Showcases a Massive Lineup and New Stair-Climbing Tech

Dreame returned to CES this year with one of the largest booths on the floor, showcasing everything from hair dryers to televisions. On the robot vacuum side, Dreame demonstrated its Cyber X adaptive stair-climbing module, which first debuted at IFA 2025.

Dreame robot vacuum prototype demonstrating the Cyber X adaptive stair-climbing module on a stepped display at CES.
Dreame showcased its Cyber X adaptive stair-climbing module at CES, a technology that first debuted at IFA 2025 and is designed to allow robot vacuums to navigate stairs. © Vacuum Wars

Dreame also showed the Cyber 10 Ultra, a robot vacuum equipped with a robotic arm capable of lifting items weighing up to 1.1 pounds.

Dreame Cyber 10 Ultra robot vacuum with an extended robotic arm lifting a small object during a CES demonstration.
Dreame also showcased the Cyber 10 Ultra, a robot vacuum equipped with a robotic arm designed to lift items weighing up to 1.1 pounds. © Vacuum Wars

One entirely new product from Dreame was the X60 Ultra robot vacuum. Dreame highlighted its ultra-slim design at just 3.13 inches, making it the lowest-profile robot Dreame has ever produced. Combined with its improved threshold climbing, the X60 Ultra can scale thresholds up to 88 millimeters, which is the highest we’ve seen so far if you don’t count the Rover.

Dreame X60 Ultra robot vacuum displayed with its docking station at a CES exhibit.
Dreame introduced the X60 Ultra, an ultra-slim robot vacuum measuring just 3.13 inches tall and capable of climbing thresholds up to 88 millimeters. © Vacuum Wars

Dreame also debuted the Aero Pro, a new line of wet-dry vacuums. Dreame says this is their slimmest floor washer yet at 3.88 inches, and with its ability to lay flat at 180 degrees, it’s designed to reach far under low-profile furniture.

Dreame Aero Pro wet-dry vacuum models displayed at CES, including a demonstration of the unit lying flat under furniture.
Dreame debuted the Aero Pro, a new line of wet-dry vacuums designed to lie flat at 180 degrees and reach under low-profile furniture, with a slim profile measuring 3.88 inches tall. © Vacuum Wars

Don’t miss Vacuum Wars’ full CES 2026 coverage: Get expert insights, previews, and analysis of the newest robot vacuums and floorcare products unveiled at CES. Explore CES News

Ecovacs Brings Roller Mops, Lawn Robots, and a Pool Cleaner

Ecovacs introduced the Deebot X12 OmniCyclone and the T90, both built around the new OSMO Roller 3.0 system. The roller is now 26 centimeters long, which Ecovacs says is about 50 percent longer than the previous version.

Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuums displayed with docking stations at a CES exhibit under the Ecovacs Robotics sign.
Ecovacs introduced the Deebot X12 OmniCyclone and T90, both built around the new OSMO Roller 3.0 system with a 26-centimeter roller designed for improved mopping coverage. © Vacuum Wars

The X12 also adds a new deep-clean feature called Focus Jet. According to Ecovacs, this system uses an infrared stain detector and two high-pressure nozzles to spray water ahead of the robot, breaking down dried residue before the roller mop scrubs it.

Close-up of the Ecovacs Deebot X12 robot vacuum demonstrating its front-mounted water spray system during a CES display.
The Deebot X12 adds a new deep-clean feature called Focus Jet, which uses an infrared stain detector and dual high-pressure nozzles to spray water ahead of the roller mop to help break down dried residue. © Vacuum Wars

Ecovacs arrived at CES 2026 with a wide range of products, including updated GOAT robotic lawnmowers, a new Winbot window cleaner, and their first-ever robotic pool cleaner, the Ultramarine. Ecovacs also unveiled something completely different called Lil Milo, their first robotic companion. Ecovacs describes it as a pet-like robot designed for interactive companionship using multisensory perception and expressive behaviors.

Ecovacs Li Milo robotic companion displayed at CES, designed with a pet-like appearance and expressive features.
Ecovacs unveiled Li Milo, its first robotic companion, designed to provide interactive companionship through multisensory perception and expressive behaviors. © Vacuum Wars

MOVA Demos High-Concept Ideas and New Mop Technology

MOVA came to CES with some high-concept demonstrations, including a prototype drone module called the Pilot 70, which is designed to fly a robot vacuum around. It’s still firmly in the concept phase, but it’s one of the more unusual ideas we’ve seen, and we’re curious to hear what practical applications you think something like this could have.

MOVA Pilot 70 prototype drone module demonstrated at CES, lifting and transporting a robot vacuum while attendees watch.
MOVA showcased the Pilot 70, a high-concept prototype drone module designed to fly a robot vacuum, highlighting one of the more unconventional concepts on display at CES 2026. © Vacuum Wars

MOVA also demonstrated the Zeus 60, another stair-climbing module first shown at IFA 2025.

MOVA Zeus 60 stair-climbing robot vacuum module displayed on a stepped platform at CES.
MOVA also demonstrated the Zeus 60, a stair-climbing module that was first shown at IFA 2025 and designed to help robot vacuums navigate stairs. © Vacuum Wars

In addition, they showcased the Mobius 60, a robot vacuum and mop that uses three interchangeable mop pads with specialized textures designed for different floor surfaces.

MOVA Mobius 60 robot vacuum and mop displayed at CES, showing three interchangeable mop pads inside the docking station.
MOVA also showcased the Mobius 60, a robot vacuum and mop that uses three interchangeable mop pads with different textures designed for specific floor surfaces. © Vacuum Wars

Narwal Pushes Suction, AI, and New Product Categories

Narwal arrived at CES 2026 with several new products, most notably the Narwal Flow 2, an upgrade to last year’s flagship. The Flow 2 increases rated suction to 30,000 Pascals and continues to use warm water on its roller mop, a feature first introduced on the original Flow.

Narwal Flow 2 robot vacuum and docking station displayed at a CES 2026 exhibit with award signage.
Narwal showcased the Flow 2 at CES 2026, an update to its flagship robot vacuum that increases rated suction to 30,000 Pascals while continuing to use warm water on its roller mop. © Vacuum Wars

Narwal also highlighted its updated NarMind 2.0, which combines a vision-language model, Omni Vision AI, and dual RGB cameras to achieve what the company calls unlimited object recognition.

Narwal NarMind Autonomous System 2.0 display shown at a CES exhibit, illustrating its AI-based object recognition system.
Narwal highlighted its updated NarMind 2.0, which combines a vision-language model, Omni Vision AI, and dual RGB cameras to expand object recognition capabilities. © Vacuum Wars

In addition to robot vacuums, Narwal is also entering the stick vacuum market with its new V50 series, a compact cordless vacuum that weighs about 3.1 pounds, includes carpet-adapting suction, and supports an auto-empty base station.

Narwal V50 cordless stick vacuum being demonstrated on a show floor at CES.
Narwal also previewed its new V50 series, a compact cordless stick vacuum weighing about 3.1 pounds that supports carpet-adapting suction and an optional auto-empty base. © Vacuum Wars

Tineco Debuts Foldable and Hot Water Floor Cleaners

Tineco was also at CES this year, where it debuted the Floor ONE i7 Fold, a slim, foldable wet-dry vacuum designed for compact homes. It weighs just under 8 pounds and features a 180-degree foldable base.

Tineco Floor One i7 Fold wet-dry vacuum lying flat under furniture during a CES demonstration.
Tineco debuted the Floor One i7 Fold at CES, a slim wet-dry vacuum with a 180-degree foldable base designed for compact homes. © Vacuum Wars

We also got a closer look at the Floor ONE S9 Master, which uses 126-degree hot water mopping. The S9 Master also features a pressurized spray system that sends hot water ahead of the cleaning head to dissolve stubborn messes before the mop reaches them.

Tineco Floor One S9 Master wet-dry vacuum demonstrating its front-mounted hot water spray system during a CES display.
  • Best Hard Floor Cleaners – Vacuum Wars’ always up-to-date rankings of the best hard floor cleaning machines. Whether you’re dealing with everyday messes, stuck-on spills, or routine maintenance on sealed hard floors, our top picks make it easy to find the right cleaner for the job.

Samsung Introduces AI-Powered Steam Cleaning

Samsung came to CES with the Bespoke AI JetBot Steam Ultra. The robot’s intelligence is powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor, which enables deep-learning-based object recognition. Samsung says this system can also recognize liquids, allowing the robot to either clean them or avoid them depending on user preferences.

Samsung Bespoke AI JetBot Steam Ultra robot vacuum navigating a threshold near its docking station during a CES demonstration.
Samsung showcased the Bespoke AI JetBot Steam Ultra at CES, powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor that enables deep-learning object recognition and liquid detection for adaptive cleaning behavior. © Vacuum Wars

Startups, Newcomers, and CES Novelties

CES isn’t just about established brands. It’s also where newcomers and novel ideas take center stage, and CES 2026 delivered plenty of that.

xLean TR1

One new brand that stood out was xLean, which showcased the TR1 floor washing robot. The TR1 can transform from an autonomous robot into a manual floor cleaner by clicking in a handle. xLean says the TR1 uses self-evolving intelligence to adapt to a home’s floor plan. It handles wet and dry messes with dual rollers and 17,000 Pascals of suction, while its Omnistation dock uses 167-degree water to flush the entire mop system pathway.

xLean TR1 floor washing robot demonstrated in manual mode with an attached handle at a CES exhibit.
xLean showcased the TR1 floor washing robot, which can switch from autonomous operation to a manual floor cleaner and uses dual rollers with 17,000 Pascals of suction for wet and dry messes. © Vacuum Wars

Robotin R2

Another newcomer was the Robotin R2, a robotic carpet cleaner funded on Kickstarter in November 2025. The R2 uses two removable modules, one for deep vacuuming and another for carpet washing and drying. It claims to recycle 70 percent of the water it uses, heats cleaning water to 140 degrees, dries carpets with 110-degree warm air, and uses 12 sensor types combined with AI for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Robotin R2 robotic carpet cleaner displayed at CES, showing its compact design and top-mounted navigation sensor.
The Robotin R2 is a modular robotic carpet cleaner that uses separate modules for vacuuming and carpet washing, with heated cleaning, warm-air drying, and AI-assisted navigation and obstacle avoidance. © Vacuum Wars

Clutterbot Rovie

Another interesting product was Clutterbot’s Rovie, a clutter-cleaning robot designed to pick up toys and floor obstacles and place them into a designated container, potentially making homes more robot-vacuum-friendly.

Clutterbot Rovie clutter-cleaning robot displayed at CES, shown collecting small toys into its front-mounted bin.
Clutterbot showcased Rovie, a clutter-cleaning robot designed to pick up toys and floor obstacles and place them into a designated container to help keep floors clear for robot vacuums. © Vacuum Wars

Deglace Fraction

Deglace, a French brand, showcased its Fraction cordless vacuum, a fully modular design that can be completely disassembled without tools. Every component, including the battery and motor, can be replaced individually, reducing waste and extending product lifespan.

Deglace Fraction cordless vacuum components displayed at CES, showing a fully modular design with detachable parts.
Deglace showcased the Fraction cordless vacuum, a fully modular system designed to be completely disassembled without tools, allowing individual components to be replaced to extend product lifespan. © Vacuum Wars

Switchbot Onero H1

SwitchBot unveiled the Onero H1, a home-assistant robot designed to perform physical tasks like grasping, opening, and pushing household items.

SwitchBot Onero H1 home-assistant robot displayed at CES, shown standing in a staged living room environment.
SwitchBot unveiled the Onero H1, a home-assistant robot designed to perform physical tasks such as grasping, opening, and pushing household items. © Vacuum Wars

LG CLOid

LG also revealed its vision of a zero-labor home with CLOid, a robot featuring two articulated arms with seven degrees of freedom and five actuated fingers per hand, designed to operate using sensors, voice interaction, and personalized learning.

LG CLOid home-assistant robots demonstrated in a staged kitchen and living room environment at CES.
LG presented its vision of a zero-labor home with CLOid, a robot designed for sensor-based, voice-controlled interaction and personalized learning. © Vacuum Wars

Final Thoughts on CES 2026

CES 2026 was bigger and more ambitious than ever, especially in the vacuum and robotics space. From stair-climbing robot vacuums to modular cordless designs and robotic companions, the industry is clearly pushing beyond incremental upgrades.

You can find more detailed coverage of CES 2026 and many other vacuum and robot vacuum news stories right here on the Vacuum Wars website.

Robot Vacuum Buyer’s Guides by Brand

If you’re researching robot vacuums featured at CES 2026, we maintain in-depth buyer’s guides for the major brands below, focused on models that are currently available and independently evaluated.

Dreame robot vacuum buyer’s guide

Ecovacs Deebot buyer’s guide

MOVA robot vacuum buyer’s guide

Narwal robot vacuum buyer’s guide

Roborock robot vacuum buyer’s guide

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Christopher White
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Christopher White CEO
Christopher White is the CEO of Vacuum Wars, the premier YouTube channel dedicated to vacuum cleaner reviews. Over the past eight years, Vacuum Wars has become a trusted resource, meticulously reviewing hundreds of robot vacuums, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and various floor care products. Known for their comprehensive in-house testing, Vacuum Wars has built one of the most extensive databases of vacuum cleaner metrics available. Under Christopher’s leadership, the channel has maintained a strict no-sponsorship policy, ensuring that all reviews remain unbiased and trustworthy. This dedication to integrity has garnered a loyal following of over 300,000 subscribers who rely on their expert advice. Christopher is also a recognized authority on robot vacuums, boasting one of the largest private collections of these devices worldwide. Learn more

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