TL;DR
Narwal unveiled the Flow 2 robovac with refreshed hardware and an AI-driven floor-scanning mode that tags valuables and pets. It captures photos and map locations in the companion app, keeps a safe distance from detected items, and launches in April 2026 with pricing not yet announced.
What happened
Narwal introduced the Flow 2, the follow-up to its edge-mopping Flow robot vacuum, featuring a revised exterior and new software modes that scan and identify objects on the floor. Using dual RGB cameras with a 136-degree view and on-device AI, the unit can recognize items such as jewelry, phones, keys and wallets, then avoid them by keeping at least 5 cm clearance. When an object is flagged the device sends a photo and its position on a mapped floorplan to the Narwal app. New pet- and child-focused behaviors include toy reminders, avoiding crawl mats, entering a quiet mode near cribs, and detecting and deep-cleaning pet-frequented spots. Hardware updates include stronger suction (up to 30,000Pa) and hot-water mopping up to 158°F. Docking options mirror the prior model’s choices but now add a reusable dust bag alongside washable and disposable debris filters. The company plans an April 2026 launch; pricing has not been shared.
Why it matters
- On-board AI object recognition could reduce instances of the vacuum accidentally picking up or damaging small valuables.
- Automatic photo and location alerts may save users time searching for lost items and provide a new use case for robovacs beyond cleaning.
- Pet- and child-aware modes aim to improve safety and reduce disruptions in homes with infants or animals.
- Higher suction and hotter mopping temperatures represent a step up in raw cleaning capability compared with the original Flow.
Key facts
- Device: Narwal Flow 2, successor to the edge-mopping Flow robovac.
- Object tagging: scans floors with dual RGB cameras and an AI system that Narwal describes as enabling “unlimited” object recognition.
- Detection behavior: Flow 2 keeps a minimum distance of 5 cm from detected valuables to avoid vacuuming them.
- App alerts: sends a photo and the item’s location on a home map in the Narwal companion app when objects are detected.
- Pet/child modes: provides toy reminders, avoids crawling mats, enters quiet mode near cribs, can locate pets and deep-clean pet areas.
- Hardware upgrades: up to 30,000Pa suction (up from 22,000Pa) and hot-water mopping up to 158°F.
- Docking: two dock options remain — basic water tank or automatic refill/drain — now with a reusable dust bag plus washable and disposable filters.
- Launch timing: scheduled for April 2026; price has not been announced.
What to watch next
- Pricing and regional availability ahead of the April 2026 launch (pricing not confirmed in the source).
- Whether Narwal will enable targeted search missions for specific items in a future update — currently you cannot send the Flow 2 to find a particular object.
- Potential privacy or data-storage details for the photos and map locations captured by the device (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Robovac: A robotic vacuum cleaner that autonomously navigates and cleans floors with suction and sometimes mopping functions.
- RGB camera: A standard color camera that captures red, green, and blue channels to produce full-color images for visual recognition.
- Suction (Pa): Measurement of vacuum suction power expressed in pascals (Pa); higher numbers generally indicate stronger suction.
- Docking station: A base the robovac returns to for charging and, in some models, for automatic water refill, draining, or debris handling.
- Object recognition: Software that identifies and classifies items in images using algorithms or machine learning models.
Reader FAQ
Can the Flow 2 be sent on a mission to find a specific item on command?
No. The Flow 2 cannot be directed to search for a particular object, according to the source.
When will the Narwal Flow 2 be available and what will it cost?
Launch is planned for April 2026; pricing has not been disclosed.
Will the Flow 2 vacuum up valuables it detects?
The robovac maintains at least a 5 cm distance from detected valuables to help avoid vacuuming them.
How much more powerful is the Flow 2 compared with the original Flow?
The Flow 2 offers up to 30,000Pa of suction, up from 22,000Pa on the previous model.
Does the coverage or storage policy for photos and location data appear in the announcement?
not confirmed in the source
NEWS GADGETS TECH Narwal’s Flow 2 robovac might help you find that earring you lost It can also locate your pet while you’re away from home. by Emma Roth Jan…
Sources
- Narwal’s Flow 2 robovac might help you find that earring you lost
- This robot vacuum at CES 2026 can find lost items on your …
- Robot Vacuum Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Explained
- Narwal Flow Robot Vacuum and Mop
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