TL;DR
Roborock unveiled the Saros Rover at CES 2026, a robot vacuum that uses articulating leg-like wheels to climb full staircases and clean each step. A Verge reviewer saw a live demo where the device climbed five stairs in just under three minutes and handled slopes with controlled braking.
What happened
At CES 2026 Roborock revealed the Saros Rover, a robot vacuum built with articulating wheel-legs designed to climb and vacuum staircases. In a live demonstration reported by a senior reviewer, the unit moved with a froglike gait: each leg can lift and lower independently, perform small jumps, and pivot for direction changes. To ascend a staircase it raised its chassis, lowered onto a tread, pivoted on a single leg to vacuum the step, and then proceeded to the next one. The climb was deliberate rather than fast — the device took just under three minutes to clear five steps — and at times it wobbled near step edges without falling. Roborock also demonstrated the Rover on a slope, saying its drive system lets it brake, stop, turn around, and back up inclines. The reviewer noted the design represents a notable advance while expressing skepticism about complete removal of dirt in stair corners.
Why it matters
- Addresses a common limitation of consumer robot vacuums by demonstrating stair-climbing and step-by-step cleaning.
- Introduces a new locomotion approach (articulating wheel-legs) for floor-care robots, beyond conventional wheeled platforms.
- Demonstrated slope control and braking, suggesting the platform can handle varied home elevations more safely than basic rollers.
- Early impressions show promise but also raise questions about real-world speed and efficacy in tight stair corners.
Key facts
- Roborock introduced the Saros Rover at CES 2026.
- The device uses articulating legs mounted on wheels to move and climb.
- A live demo showed the Rover vacuuming each stair tread as it ascended a staircase.
- The legs move in a fluid, froglike manner and can be raised or lowered independently.
- It can perform small jumps and pivot on a single leg to change direction.
- The demo climb took just under three minutes to clear five stairs.
- The unit sometimes teetered near step edges during the demo but did not fall.
- Roborock said the Rover’s engine allows braking, stopping, turning around, and reversing on slopes.
- The reviewer described the design as a significant step forward but was skeptical it would fully eliminate dirt in stair corners.
What to watch next
- Commercial availability, pricing, and shipping windows: not confirmed in the source.
- Independent lab and long-term home tests of cleaning effectiveness and reliability: not confirmed in the source.
- Battery life, maintenance needs, and how well it reaches stair corners and edges in varied home stair designs: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Articulating leg: A jointed support that can move independently to change height or angle, used here to help a robot traverse uneven surfaces.
- Robot vacuum: An autonomous or semi-autonomous device designed to clean floors with brushes, suction, and navigation systems.
- CES: An annual consumer electronics trade show where companies often unveil new products and prototypes.
- Slope braking: A motor control capability that allows a device to slow, stop, or reverse safely on an incline.
Reader FAQ
Can the Saros Rover clean stairs?
According to a live demo, yes — the Rover can climb a staircase and vacuum each step along the way.
How fast does it climb?
In the demo it took just under three minutes to climb five stairs.
Will it completely remove dirt from stair corners?
The reviewer expressed skepticism that it will fully eliminate dust in stair corners; full effectiveness is not confirmed in the source.
When will it be available to buy?
Not confirmed in the source.
TECH NEWS CES Roborock’s Rover walks, jumps, and vacuums your stairs Who needs humanoids when your vacuum can sprout legs? The Rover uses articulating wheels to clean multiple floors and…
Sources
- Roborock’s Rover walks, jumps, and vacuums your stairs
- Roborock's latest vacuum is reaching new heights, literally …
- I Watched Roborock's Robot Vacuum With Wheel Legs …
- Roborock's Rover Robot Vacuum Has Actual Legs
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