Las Vegas, Nevada – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, which kicked off this week in Las Vegas, Jackery unveiled a quirky innovation in portable power: the Solar Mars Bot, an autonomous battery backup designed to roll after users like a loyal pet while soaking up sunlight to stay charged. The device, showcased on the exhibition floor amid a sea of gadgets from major tech firms, combines a 5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery with four retractable solar panels capable of generating around 300 watts of power. Jackery representatives described it as a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike, emphasizing its ability to track the sun and follow its owner without manual intervention.
The Solar Mars Bot stands out in the typically utilitarian world of power stations, where excitement is often unwelcome due to safety concerns like potential fires. According to a hands-on review from CNET, the product's mobility comes from built-in wheels that allow it to roam freely outside homes, at beaches, or campsites. 'It can move around outside your home, or at the beach or campsite, and track the sun, making sure it's always getting as much sunlight as it can,' the CNET report stated, highlighting how the bot uses clever cameras to monitor and pursue its user's movements.
During the demonstration at CES, Jackery played a video showing the bot trailing a humanoid robot, a scenario that underscored its potential integration with advanced robotics. The footage depicted the Solar Mars Bot smoothly navigating terrain to keep pace, ready to supply power on demand. This feature, reps explained, could extend battery life for robots or other devices in dynamic environments, though they cautioned that the technology is still in development.
Jackery, a California-based company known for its line of portable power stations since its founding in 2012, has built a reputation for reliable solar generators aimed at camping and emergency backup needs. The Solar Mars Bot builds on this foundation by adding autonomy, a response to growing demand for off-grid solutions amid climate concerns and increasing outdoor recreation. CES 2026, attended by over 100,000 visitors from more than 150 countries, features hundreds of sustainability-focused exhibits, with Jackery's bot fitting into a broader trend of smart, eco-friendly energy tech.
Hands-on impressions from the show were positive, with the CNET reviewer noting the device's polished design. 'My first look at it showed a well-polished product,' the report quoted, though it pointed out a limitation: only three AC outlets for power delivery, with a call for more USB-C ports to better accommodate modern devices like smartphones and laptops. Jackery officials acknowledged this feedback, saying they are considering enhancements based on user input.
The bot's solar panels, which retract for portability and protection, deploy automatically to optimize energy capture. According to Jackery, the 5kWh capacity can power essentials like lights, fans, or small appliances for hours, depending on usage and sunlight availability. In a demo, it was shown charging a drone mid-flight preparation, illustrating real-world versatility for hobbyists and filmmakers.
While the excitement around the Solar Mars Bot is palpable, Jackery has not announced a firm release date. Representatives told attendees it will launch in the United States and Europe, but timelines remain fluid amid supply chain considerations for components like the advanced cameras and wheels. Pricing details were also withheld, though similar Jackery models retail between $500 and $2,000, suggesting the bot could command a premium for its unique features.
Experts in renewable energy see potential beyond consumer use. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a solar technology analyst at the Renewable Energy Institute, commented in a separate CES interview that autonomous chargers like this could revolutionize worksites. 'Imagine construction crews with power that follows them, reducing downtime and cable hazards,' she said, aligning with Jackery's vision for commercial applications.
However, not all feedback is unanimous. Some attendees at CES expressed skepticism about the bot's practicality in rugged terrains, where wheels might struggle against mud or sand. A representative from a competing firm, EcoPower Solutions, noted that while innovative, the device may face battery efficiency challenges in low-light conditions, a common issue in solar tech. Jackery countered that the panels' 300-watt output is competitive, and software updates could refine tracking algorithms over time.
The unveiling comes at a time when portable power demand is surging, driven by events like wildfires and hurricanes that have left millions without electricity in recent years. In 2025 alone, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency reported over 200 power outage declarations, prompting innovations in mobile energy. Jackery's bot addresses this by blending portability with intelligence, potentially appealing to emergency responders as well as campers.
Looking back, CES has long been a launchpad for energy breakthroughs, from the first solar calculators in the 1970s to modern foldable panels. Jackery's entry continues this legacy, but with a playful twist – the CNET piece likened it to a 'cute little power puppy,' capturing the device's endearing mobility. This anthropomorphic appeal could broaden its market, drawing in families for beach outings or picnics where constant charging is key.
For commercial users, the implications are significant. At construction sites or film sets, where power needs shift constantly, the bot's ability to follow workers could streamline operations. Jackery demoed it powering tools for a simulated outdoor workshop, with the battery maintaining charge even under partial cloud cover thanks to its sun-tracking.
As CES 2026 progresses through January 10, more details may emerge on the Solar Mars Bot. Industry watchers anticipate partnerships with robotics firms, given the demo video's focus. For now, Jackery urges interested parties to sign up for updates on their website, promising notifications as release plans solidify.
In a broader sense, the Solar Mars Bot exemplifies how CES fosters whimsy in essential tech, turning a mundane battery into an active companion. Whether it becomes a household name like previous Jackery hits remains to be seen, but its debut has sparked conversations about the future of autonomous energy in everyday life.
With global pushes for sustainable tech under initiatives like the European Green Deal and U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, devices like this could play a role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels for portable power. Jackery's innovation, if realized affordably, might encourage wider adoption of solar solutions, bridging the gap between novelty and necessity.