Roborock’s Saros Z70 is the first robot vacuum that is mass-produced with a groundbreaking feature—a 5-axis robotic arm known as OmniGrip. This innovation is designed to address a longstanding challenge: clearing small obstacles that interfere with cleaning cycles. As we anticipate its release in early May, let’s take a moment to examine how users activate and control the OmniGrip through the Roborock app as well as its specific capabilities (and limitations).
Activating the Robotic Arm: How to Get Started
When you first receive the Saros Z70, the OmniGrip is deliberately deactivated as a precaution. Users must activate it manually via the Roborock app. To do this, navigate to Settings → Robotic Arm Settings → Enable Robotic Arm. Activation requires two steps: enabling the option in the app, and pressing a combination of buttons on the device itself. This two-step process allows only a registered user with physical access to the robot can enable the arm.
The app is the main control center for the robotic arm’s behavior. Through the app, you can set the arm’s object settings, determining which types of items will be automatically marked for pickup during cleaning. The items the robot can recognize and move are, as of this writing, limited to socks, small towels, tissues, and sandals/slippers under 300 grams. The items can then be moved to storage areas, which are also designated in the app.
At launch, two storage types are available: the Roborock Storage Box, for general small items, and the Shoe Storage Area, dedicated to slippers. These storage setups are managed exclusively through the app, ensuring that when the vacuum clears an obstacle, it deposits the item in the correct location. If you prefer not to use the official Roborock storage box, you can designate the zone anyway, and items will be placed there on the floor.
See our Roborock app guide for more information about map editing and general Roborock app controls.
What the OmniGrip Can—and Cannot—Do
Automated Sorting and Manual Control
During its a cleaning session, the Saros Z70 performs an initial vacuuming and mopping routine while detecting and marking objects that it is capable of picking up. If the “Automatic Sorting” option is enabled in the app, the robot will return after its first pass to pick up flagged objects one at a time. However, because its object recognition system is limited, it will only automatically identify socks, small towels, tissue papers, and sandals under 300 grams. (300 grams comes to about 10 ounces, or a little over half a pound. More than this can cause injury to the robot). Roborock anticipates more object recognition and moving in a future update.
If you do not enable “Automatic Sorting” in the app, the robot will not move the objects to the storage zones. It will then be up to you to select “Manual Sorting” to select the items for the robot to sort. For users seeking more control, the Remote Control feature offers a camera view from the robot’s perspective. With a joystick-like interface in the app, users can manually maneuver the arm along each of its five axes. This is particularly useful for objects below the 300-gram threshold that might not be automatically recognized.
Operational Limitations
The OmniGrip, while innovative, is not without its limitations. If socks or tissue are trapped under a low couch, the arm cannot reach them because it needs clearance to work. Its object recognition system only works on specific types of small objects, although Roborock has plans to expand this in future updates. For most people, the process of identifying, deploying, and picking up an object takes considerably longer than if you just did it yourself. But with the ability to clear its own path of small debris, this design will reduce the need for manual intervention, which has been the aim of robot vacuums from their invention.
Integration with Proven Navigation Technology
While the OmniGrip is the headline innovation in the Saros Z70, it is supported by technologies in models like the Saros 10R, which we have already tested and found to be very effective. The Saros Z70 shares advanced features including StarSight™ 2.0 navigation and VertiBeam™ lateral obstacle avoidance—technologies that have demonstrated reliable performance in avoiding obstacles and mapping household environments. In essence, while the OmniGrip has enhanced abilities with its robotic arm, the core cleaning performance is expected to match that of its predecessors, bolstered by impressive suction power and advanced navigation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robot Vacuums with Robotic Arms
The introduction of a robotic arm in a mainstream product marks a significant step forward. Though the OmniGrip currently comes with weight and clearance limitations, continued firmware updates via the Roborock app are expected to improve its efficiency and broaden its capabilities. As robotic technology continues to evolve, such innovations could further reduce manual cleaning requirements, paving the way for even more multifunctional home robots in the future.
Conclusion
Roborock’s Saros Z70, with its OmniGrip 5-axis robotic arm, represents a fascinating advancement in robot vacuum technology. While the arm is currently limited to lifting specific lightweight objects and requires careful configuration via the app, it offers a glimpse into the future of autonomous home cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate the OmniGrip robotic arm on the Saros Z70?
To enable OmniGrip, go to the Roborock app, then navigate to Settings → Robotic Arm Settings → Enable Robotic Arm. This is a two-step activation process: you must both enable the arm in the app and press a specific button combination on the robot itself. This ensures that only a registered user with physical access can activate it, preventing accidental or unauthorized use.
What objects can the OmniGrip arm pick up?
As of launch, the robotic arm can recognize and move socks, small towels, tissue papers, and sandals or slippers that weigh less than 300 grams (about 10 ounces). These items can be automatically flagged and moved to designated storage zones set up in the app. Objects outside of this list or above the weight limit are not currently supported.
What are the available storage zones, and how do I configure them?
You can create storage zones in the Roborock app under the Edit Map section. There are two official storage types:
- Roborock Storage Box – for general small items like socks and tissues
- Shoe Storage Area – for slippers
Even without the official box, you can still set a storage zone and the robot will place the item on the floor in that area.
Can I manually control the OmniGrip arm?
Yes! The app includes a Remote Control mode with a joystick interface and camera view from the robot or arm’s perspective. You can extend, retract, bend, turn, and grip using the five-axis system. This is ideal for picking up supported items the robot didn’t recognize automatically or objects in tricky spots.
What are the limitations of the OmniGrip arm?
While innovative, the OmniGrip arm has a few key limitations:
- It cannot reach under low-clearance furniture.
- It only recognizes a few object types automatically.
- The 300g weight limit restricts larger object handling.
- Manual control or setup can be time-consuming compared to picking up items yourself.
That said, it’s a promising step toward more autonomous cleaning with ongoing firmware updates expected to improve functionality.
