When I first saw the Roborock Saros Z70 robotic vacuum and mop at the Consumer Electronics Show early this year, I was floored by the device. Dozens of robotic vacuums and mops are usually unveiled at events like this, but I had never seen one with a mechanical arm.

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According to the brand, the five-axis retractable arm could identify, pick up, and move items weighing up to 300 grams—about the weight of two and a half sticks of butter. The list of objects it can identify includes socks, small towels, tissue paper, and lightweight footwear. If true, this could be a game-changer for many households.

For my small NYC apartment, I wanted to see if the arm could help clear my cat Frank’s toys from the floor. I usually spread the dozen toys he enjoys around the living room floor for playtime. Picking up each stuffed mouse when I want to vacuum or mop is at the top of my “things I’d like to never have to do again” list, so to say I was “eager” for it to work is an understatement. 

At CR, we buy the products that we test, just like you do, but when I had the opportunity to try the Saros Z70 at home before it was officially available for purchase, I gave it a preliminary spin around my apartment before it goes through our rigorous formal lab testing. 

Amazon, Best Buy, and Roborock

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