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.
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
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.64
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow impressed in several areas, but it ultimately fell short of expectations for its price. Vacuuming was a clear strength, with above-average carpet deep-clean performance (87%), a larger dustbin, dual side brushes, and a DuoDivide main brush that earned a perfect 0% hair-tangle score. Its new SpiraFlow roller mop system, which applies clean water and extracts dirty water, handled wet spills well and featured solid hardware like 15 mm mop lift, edge extension, and 15N downward pressure. Navigation and app features were also excellent, with strong LiDAR-based mapping and premium dock automations. However, mopping performance on dried stains was dramatically below average, airflow and suction were unimpressive, obstacle avoidance lagged behind the CurvX, and battery efficiency and height were drawbacks. See additional info
Roborock Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic
Roborock Saros 20
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.81
The Roborock Saros 20 is a premium flagship robot vacuum with standout cleaning performance, advanced automation features, and impressive obstacle handling. Its dual spinning mop pads operate at 200 RPM with adaptive pressure up to 13N, delivering above-average stain removal while using less water than average, which helped reduce streaking during testing. Vacuuming performance was also strong, with its 36,000Pa suction system clearing debris effectively on hard floors and carpets. In Vacuum Wars testing, it removed 89% of embedded sand in carpet deep-clean tests and picked up 88% of flattened pet hair, while the DuoDivide anti-tangle brush earned a perfect score in the 7-inch hair tangle test. Obstacle avoidance was above average, successfully avoiding 17 of 24 objects, and its Adaptive Lift 3.0 system crossed a record-setting 57mm threshold while maintaining a slim 3.13-inch profile. Additional highlights include boiling-water mop washing, hot-air drying, detergent dispensing, fast charging, automatic mop removal, Matter support, and a feature-rich app. Downsides include average navigation efficiency, slightly below-average battery life, average airflow and suction bench scores, and a relatively small dustbin that may fill quickly in pet-heavy homes. See additional info
Roborock Saros 20 Sonic
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.81
The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic is a premium robot vacuum with strong vacuuming, mobility, obstacle avoidance, battery efficiency, docking automation, and app features, though its mopping and pet-hair performance were weaker. It achieved 92% in our carpet deep-clean test, the fourth-highest result we have measured, and its DuoDivide main brush and anti-tangle side brush earned a perfect score with 7-inch hair. Its AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 cleared a 57mm single threshold, tying the Saros 20 for our all-time best result, while its retractable LiDAR lowers its height to 3.13 inches. Reactive AI 3.0 avoided 19 of 24 obstacles, beating the average and base Saros 20, and battery efficiency was above average, producing higher estimated coverage per charge despite average navigation efficiency. The RockDock washes the mop with boiling-temperature water, dries it and the dustbin channel with 131°F air, dispenses detergent, refills warm water, and supports mop removal and independent washing. The app offers detailed controls, SmartPlan, Matter, voice assistance, live video, and pet finding. However, dried-stain removal and combined mopping were well below average, pet-hair pickup reached only 78%, and the dustbin is much smaller than average in our standardized testing. See additional info
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.
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.
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.
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 also showed the Cyber 10 Ultra, a robot vacuum equipped with a robotic arm capable of lifting items weighing up to 1.1 pounds.
One entirely new product from Dreame was the X60 Ultra robot vacuum (see at Amazon). 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 also debuted the Aero Pro (see on Amazon), 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.
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 X12 OmniCyclone
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.78
The Ecovacs Deebot X12 OmniCycloneis a premium flagship robot vacuum and mop with a bagless OmniCyclone dock and a standout FocusJet pre-soak mopping system that sprays stains before cleaning them with its Osmo 3.0 roller mop. The mop spins at 220 RPM, lifts 15 mm over carpets, cleans itself with fresh water, and earned a very high combined mopping score thanks to above-average dried stain removal and low water usage. Vacuuming performance was also excellent, with strong suction, above-average airflow, perfect first-pass debris pickup, 100% pet hair removal, and zero hair tangles in seven-inch hair tests. Obstacle avoidance was another major strength, avoiding 23 of 24 objects, while the robot also crossed a 25 mm threshold after a second attempt. Additional pros include efficient battery life, rapid charging that restores 13% battery in three minutes, advanced app controls, Matter compatibility, live video monitoring, and excellent pet hair handling from the dock. Downsides included only average deep carpet cleaning, below-average crevice pickup, slightly below-average navigation efficiency, a small 250 ml dustbin, and a taller-than-average profile. It currently ranks among the highest-performing robot vacuums tested by Vacuum Wars in recent evaluations. See additional info
Ecovacs Deebot T90 Pro Omni
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.92
The Ecovacs T90 Pro Omni impressed in Vacuum Wars testing as one of the brand’s best-performing robots to date, combining powerful vacuuming, excellent mopping, and premium automation features. Powered by Ecovacs’ latest Blast technology, it delivers a claimed 30,000Pa suction level and achieved airflow and debris pickup results well above average, including excellent carpet deep-cleaning performance. In pet hair testing, it earned a rare 100% pickup score versus the 82% average, while its ZeroTangle 4.0 brush system also achieved a perfect score in seven-inch hair tangle tests. Obstacle avoidance was another standout, successfully avoiding 23 of 24 objects in testing. The Osmo Roller 3.0 mopping system scored 157 points in dried stain tests, nearly 50% above average, giving it the second-highest combined mopping score ever recorded by Vacuum Wars. Additional pros include Matter compatibility, hot-water mop washing, fast charging, strong battery efficiency, and a low-profile embedded LiDAR design. The main drawback was its very small 250ml dustbin, roughly 30% smaller than average, though frequent auto-emptying helps reduce the issue. Navigation efficiency was slightly above average and threshold crossing reached 32mm though navigation quirks still occasionally appeared during testing sessions. See additional info
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.
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.
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 also demonstrated the Zeus 60, another stair-climbing module first shown at IFA 2025.
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.
January 2026 Update: See our full review of the MOVA Mobius 60
Mova Mobius 60
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.95
The Mova Mobius 60 is a premium robot vacuum-mop combo built for hands-off cleaning, pairing up to 30,000Pa suction with a MopSwap™ system that can automatically select among three interchangeable pads (ThermoHold for greasy kitchens, Plush for wood floors, and HyperClean for all-around use). It boosts carpet pickup with a pressure-retention baffle, uses triple anti-tangle mechanisms for hair, and employs StepMaster 2.0 retractable legs to clear obstacles up to 80mm (about 3.14″). FlexScope™ navigation uses a retractable sensor for better low-clearance reach, while AI SmartSight with a structured-light 3D scanner (plus LED fill light) can recognize 240+ obstacles. For edge work, the side brush extends and lifts 10mm, and the RoboSwing mop extends with a 10.5mm lift to avoid carpets. The all-in-one base auto-empties into a 3.2L bag, auto-refills, and hot-washes pads at up to 212°F, with JetSpray Dryboard nozzles, 100°C PTC heating, UV sterilization, and dust-bag drying; onboard capacity includes a 6,400mAh battery, 300mL dust box, and 5.5L/4.0L clean/used-water tanks, plus “Hey, MOVA” voice control. See additional info
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
Vacuum Wars Stars 3.88
The Narwal Flow 2 is Narwal’s latest flagship robot vacuum and introduces several notable upgrades, highlighted by its Visual Language Model (VLM) system with dual HD cameras and a 10-TOPS AI processor that can recognize a virtually unlimited range of objects, detect items as small as 5 mm, and even locate valuables such as keys and wallets. In testing, it excelled at obstacle avoidance, avoiding 20 of 24 obstacles, and delivered above-average navigation efficiency despite its unconventional cleaning pattern. Vacuuming performance was another strength, with a powerful 31,000 Pa suction rating, airflow slightly above average, 84% sand removal in the carpet deep-clean test, excellent flattened pet hair pickup, and perfect anti-tangle results with 0% hair wrap in the 7-inch hair test versus a 26% average. Additional advantages include robust mopping hardware with a self-refreshing roller mop, 10 mm mop lift, edge extension, strong threshold crossing up to 38 mm, an excellent multifunction dock, Matter compatibility, and extensive app features. The main drawbacks were mopping performance, which scored just 68 points in the dried-on stain test compared to a 108-point average, and concerns about app reliability, with some users reporting mapping and connectivity issues. Despite these weaknesses, the Flow 2 earned a place on our Top 20 robot vacuum list. See additional info
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.
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.
Best Cordless Vacuums – Vacuum Wars’ always up-to-date rankings of the best cordless vacuums.
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.
We also got a closer look at the Floor ONE S9 Master (see at Amazon), 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.
Top Hard Floor Cleaners
Explore Vacuum Wars’ always up-to-date rankings of the best hard floor cleaners, based on independent testing. Whether you’re dealing with everyday messes, stuck-on spills, or routine maintenance on sealed 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Switchbot Onero H1
SwitchBot unveiled the Onero H1, a home-assistant robot designed to perform physical tasks like grasping, opening, and pushing household items.
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.
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
MOVA robot vacuum buyer’s guide
