The Roborock Saros Z70: A Promise of Automation Meets Reality
As technology continues to evolve, the appliances we once deemed as mere conveniences are transforming into sophisticated devices capable of handling various tasks. Take, for instance, the buzz generated by the Roborock Saros Z70 at CES 2025. Touted as a revolutionary smart vacuum, it incorporates a robotic arm aimed at tackling the often frustrating prerequisite of tidying up before a robotic vacuum can begin its work.
The concept immediately captures your imagination: a vacuum capable of sorting out small items and handling clutter on its own. Unfortunately, as many early adopters soon discovered, the execution of this potentially groundbreaking feature falls short, leaving consumers questioning whether they are getting their money’s worth.
A Leap Forward… or a Misstep?
At its core, the Saros Z70 shares many attributes with its predecessors, including the Saros 10 and Saros 10R. With a staggering 22,000 Pa suction power, it excels in terms of raw performance, making it one of the most formidable players in the robovac market. The dual spinning mop pads, one of which can extend away from the body, further aids in ensuring a thorough clean, particularly along wall edges.
Yet, despite these impressive features, consumers are left grappling with a fundamental question: does the addition of the robotic arm, which Roborock has dubbed "OmniGrip," genuinely add value? The answer, in this case, seems to be a resounding "no."
Misguided Innovations
While many will agree that integrating a robotic arm into a vacuum is an innovative approach, its performance leaves much to be desired. The premise sounds fantastic: the arm is designed to engage with loose items, declare “Sorting item,” and declutter your living space by transporting these items to designated zones. However, in practice, the Saros Z70 stumbles at nearly every hurdle.
Early tests showed that while the vacuum could somewhat recognize objects like crumpled paper, its sorting capabilities were abysmal. Out of more than forty attempts, it succeeded in depositing a paper ball in the designated sorting box just once. The more it worked, the more it became a source of frustration—often dropping items mere inches away from the box and failing to deliver the user experience it promised.
Performance regarding larger items, such as slippers, was even less competent. The robotic arm would occasionally initiate its process to grab a slipper, only to leave it behind without completion. This level of unreliability is not just disappointing; it raises questions about the rigors of testing and quality assurance that Roborock applied before bringing the product to market.
A Step Backward in Cleaning Efficiency
Beyond the disappointing arm functionality, the Saros Z70’s vacuuming capability represents a step backward. The new brush design—a single roller rather than the effective two-part roller system found in previous models—lacks the efficiency of its predecessors. During various cleaning tests, it struggled to pick up small debris like crumbs, often leaving a trail rather than providing a thorough clean.
For example, in a self-created "Snack Gauntlet Test," the Z70 displayed an uncharacteristic inability to efficiently pick up common messes. Unlike previous models that effectively handled both heavy debris and fine particles, the Z70 often resorted to dragging items rather than suctioning them up, which ultimately compromises cleaning efficacy.
Navigation and User Experience
While the primary function of a robotic vacuum is cleaning, navigation capabilities hold significant importance in how well these devices perform their tasks. The Saros Z70’s navigational issues are glaringly apparent. Users have reported that it often takes convoluted routes and misses out on cleaning specific areas, a problem that adds to user frustration.
When using voice commands to initiate specific cleaning tasks—like commanding the robot to clean a kitchen—the Z70 occasionally falters and fails to complete the job as intended, only targeting the front of the kitchen rather than the space as a whole. Given the competitive landscape, this level of subpar navigation and execution can significantly hinder user satisfaction.
Additionally, the overall design of the Z70, while visually appealing to some, may not suit all aesthetics. The bulky dock and exposed water tanks can be a visual distraction compared to more streamlined designs from competitors.
An Eye-Popping Price Tag
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the Saros Z70 is its price—around $2,600, making it significantly more expensive than other robovacs currently available. This hefty price hike, particularly when compared to the Saros 10R, raises questions about its value proposition. For consumers seeking an efficient cleaning solution, paying top dollar for a robot that fails to meet basic expectations can lead to buyer’s remorse.
The initial price tag was already among the highest on the market, but external factors such as tariffs further inflated costs for consumers. The rationale behind this pricing may revolve around the development costs associated with the OmniGrip arm; however, the market also demands that core functionalities are met consistently.
The Potential for Improvement
Roborock acknowledges the shortcomings faced by the Z70. There are promises of upcoming updates aimed at improving the arm’s functionality and overall performance. This acknowledgment can inspire some confidence, although it raises concerns about whether future modifications can resolve fundamental design flaws and operational inefficiencies.
Moreover, the Z70 seems to be more of an experimental endeavor, one that may pave the way for more refined iterations in the future. Future versions might be able to leverage consumer feedback to introduce enhancements and a fully functional robotic arm that fulfills expectations.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
In summary, the Roborock Saros Z70 presents an intriguing concept but ultimately fails to live up to its ambitious promises. While the application of innovative technology is commendable, the execution lacks the finesse required to make it truly effective.
As the landscape of home cleaning technology continues to advance, it becomes imperative for manufacturers to strike a balance between innovation and practicality. The Z70 serves as a reminder that even groundbreaking ideas must be backed by solid performance in core functionalities.
The future of home automation is exciting but fraught with challenges. Hopefully, the lessons learned from the Saros Z70’s shortcomings will guide Roborock and similar companies in fine-tuning their approaches, ensuring that the innovations they bring to market are not only imaginative but also meet consumer demands for efficiency and reliability.
With rising expectations for smart home products, one can only hope that the next iteration will rectify these issues while maintaining the spirit of inventiveness that consumers crave. For now, the Saros Z70 remains a lesson in ambition, a glimpse into possibilities fraught with the complexities of implementation.
