In January, a demonstration of the Saros Z70 by the engineers at Roborock caught attention when its lid popped open to reveal a robotic arm resembling a snake emerging from a basket. This remarkable presentation sparked immense enthusiasm, prompting applause and unprintable expressions of excitement. However, high expectations were tempered by the reality of the product, which, while innovative, fell short in practical use. The arm proved to be challenging to set up, seldom operated autonomously, and could only grasp a limited range of items. Moreover, when it did function, it frequently mismanaged the placement of those objects.

Aside from the arm’s novelty, the core vacuuming capabilities of the device should have been commendable, especially considering it represents the top tier of the generally dependable Roborock line. Unfortunately, the performance was merely adequate, falling short of expectations for a flagship model. While it was a decent vacuum and an acceptable mop, it didn’t significantly outshine its recent predecessors, the Saros 10 and 10R. Problems such as frequent clogs during operation also marred the experience. Although mapping, navigation, and obstacle avoidance were comparable to the improvements noted in the 10R, the overall user experience felt lacking.

Despite ongoing interest in the potential of robotic arms, the Z70 did not justify its exorbitant cost, which stands at a staggering $2,599. This price point feels unjustified, especially given the overall performance and functionality limitations observed.