The robot vacuum wars are heating up at CES 2025, with the key players showcasing innovations that were inconceivable a few years ago. We take a look at five brands of robot vacuums and the features they offer to address real-life challenges. These five standout models represent a significant leap forward, featuring advanced AI, improved obstacle detection and mopping systems that promise to handle everything from pet hair to kitchen spills. It’s a hugely competitive space as each manufacturer brings unique solutions to common problems but for most people it will come down to getting the most features for the best price. Let’s dive into the new products we saw this week at CES…

ECOVACS

Leading the charge out of CES is ECOVACS, releasing a new flagship DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI. The star of the show is their new roller mop system that spins at 200 rotations per minute while 16 water nozzles keep it clean as it works. With 4000 Pa of mopping pressure, this is reaching the level of a miniature professional floor cleaner at work. A change of surface and hard to reach areas can be a real challenge for robot vacuum cleaners but the TrueEdge 3D sensor helps adapt the X8 PRO OMNI to those challenges ensuring a better overall clean.

What makes the X8 particularly interesting is ECOVACS’ offering both Matter compatibility and Apple HomeKit support. This means it’ll integrate with pretty much any smart home setup you might have. While the demonstration at CES was impressive, we’ll have to see how it handles real-world messes when it hits Australian shelves. 

Roborock

A recipient of EFTM’s Editors Choice Award, Roborock has unveiled its Saros Z70 robot vacuum cleaner. The Saros Z70 is the first mass-produced robot vacuum featuring the OmniGrip Mechanical Arm, a five-axis robotic arm capable of unfolding, extending and twisting to pick up small household items like socks, small towels and tissues. This unique functionality allows the Saros Z70 to clean areas previously blocked by clutter.  Using advanced sensors, a camera and an LED light, OmniGrip identified objects, moves them aside, and resumes cleaning.

Narwal

Narwal has unveiled their upcoming products at CES 2025, showcasing advancements in smart cleaning technology. The all-new Flow Series introduces a rolling pad mopping system (named the FlowWash Mopping system) that actively cleans its rolling mopping plate while simultaneously cleaning your floors. This ensures spotless floors without dragging dirty mops around. With dual water tanks for clean and dirty water, the mop stays fresh and effective without the need to return to the dock. Additionally, the extendable mop design tackles edges and sneaks under furniture for maximum floor coverage.

Not content with improvements to mopping, the Deep Carpet Boost feature combines counter-directional brush movement and an adaptive cover that creates “high-pressure air zones” to extract dirt and hair deeply embedded in carpet. The Narwal Flow is paired with an all-in-one docking station that empties dustbins, washes mops with hot water, and dries them with warm air. The tangle-resistant brush design and upgraded obstacle avoidance means the Narwal Flow is ready to tackle any mess. Launching in June 2025, with pricing details expected soon. Narwal is currently being stocked locally at Bing Lee and Costco

Tapo

Tapo, part of the TP-Link family, has revealed the new Tapo RV70 Pro Ultra, a robot vacuum and mop designed to be truly hands-free. Featuring a Self-Circulating Station that extracts moisture from the air, purified sewage water and replenishes its tanks for continuous and eco-friendly operation. You can forget refills and wastewater hassles – this self-sustaining system keeps your home clean while maintaining optimal humidity levels. The RV70 Pro Ultra even boasts AI Stain Detection, and an extendable robotic arm for even better mopping coverage.

The RV70 Pro Ultra will use its AI Cleaning Strategy to intelligently map rooms, recognising layouts and furniture to customise its cleaning. The AI Obstacle Avoidance system ensures items like cables, toys and shoes don’t interfere with its cleaning efficiency. With the inclusion of AI in the RV70 Pro Ultra, this is a robot vacuum worth considering. We will update further when pricing and availability is confirmed.

Eureka

Eureka’s CES 2025 flagship robot vacuum, the J15 Max Ultra, introduces spill detection capabilities through its IntelliView AI 2.0 system. By combining infrared and Full HD cameras, the vacuum achieves what they claim to be an industry first: reliable detection of transparent liquid spills, even in challenging lighting environments. The dual-camera approach enables the vacuum to automatically switch from vacuuming to mopping mode when encountering spills, preventing liquid being drawn into the dust bin – a feature that could be valuable to households with pets or young children.

Building on last year’s model, the J15 Max Ultra enhances corner cleaning with its new SweepExtend feature. The vacuum’s side brush incorporates a V-shaped “DragonClaw” design that uses centrifugal force to actively prevent hair tangling. These improvements offer a practical solution to cleaning challenges as they move to establish themselves in the premium robot vacuum market. Eureka is currently being sold through Amazon in Australia with new availability and pricing to be provided in the coming months.



EFTM’s Coverage of CES 2025 is made possible by the ongoing support of our regular advertisers and CES supporters including Samsung, Hisense, TCL, LG, Roborock, ASUS and Ecovacs