Roborock pushed home robotics into unexpected territory at CES 2026 with the debut of the Saros Rover — a robot vacuum that doesn’t just roll around your floors but walks on mechanical legs. The prototype uses articulated “wheel‑legs” that allow it to hop, rotate in place, and even balance on a single leg without tipping over. But the company’s boldest promise is this: the Rover can climb stairs and clean them as it goes.
Yes, it’s a real product — at least according to Roborock
In a press release shared with the media, Roborock insists the Saros Rover is “a real product in development,” though it doesn’t yet have a confirmed launch date. And if you’re imagining a robot vacuum with legs, that mental picture is surprisingly accurate.
AI, sensors, and 3D mapping keep it steady
Roborock says the Rover relies on a mix of AI, motion sensors, and 3D spatial data to stay upright and react precisely to different surfaces. According to the company, the robot performs well in homes with stairs of all kinds — straight, curved, sharp‑edged, or rounded.
The Saros Rover is also designed to handle slopes, raised thresholds, and multi‑level floor transitions. Still, all these claims should be taken cautiously. Even the most advanced flat‑floor robot vacuums often struggle with the unpredictable realities of a lived‑in home.
A new attempt at conquering stairs
Until now, the closest we’ve come to stair‑capable robots were models that lift themselves slightly to climb small transitions. Last year, we even saw early concepts of robots using mechanical “exosuits” to climb stairs — but none of them could clean while doing it. Those prototypes haven’t reached the market yet, and Roborock is already promising something more ambitious.
The big question: will it work outside the lab?
If the Saros Rover delivers on its promises, it could become the first robot vacuum capable of cleaning an entire home — including staircases, which have long been the ultimate obstacle for home robots. But in the still‑developing world of consumer robotics, impressive demos don’t always translate into real‑world reliability.
For now, the Saros Rover is an exciting idea — and one of the boldest concepts showcased at CES 2026.
