Las Vegas, NV – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, an obscure startup unveiled what could be a game-changer in home cleaning technology: the Robotin R2, touted as the world's first modular robot vacuum capable of washing and drying carpets. The device, demonstrated on the show floor, addresses a long-standing gap in robotic cleaning by combining vacuuming, mopping, and deep carpet cleaning into one adaptable unit. According to a hands-on review by CNET, the Robotin R2 uses swappable front modules to switch between dry vacuuming and wet carpet cleaning, potentially revolutionizing how consumers maintain their floors without manual intervention.
The innovation comes from Robotin, a startup that flew under the radar until its CES debut. The core of the R2 is a central robot unit that accepts different attachments, allowing users to mechanically slide in modules for various tasks. For standard cleaning, there's a deep vacuum module suitable for hard floors and rugs, while the carpet wash and dry module tackles deeper stains on carpets using water, cleaning solutions, and specialized brushes. CNET reporter Jackson Ryan observed the device in action, noting that the modules attach and detach via simple clips, making the swap "relatively easy to use." Ryan even tested the process himself at the booth, confirming its straightforward design.
During the demonstration, the Robotin R2 successfully cleaned a small strip of carpet laid out on a table, navigating the narrow space without mishap. Ryan touched the cleaned panel to verify it was wet, as the demo used only water rather than a full cleaning solution mixture. The company claims the device can handle up to 400 square feet of carpet in about an hour, followed by a drying cycle that takes around two hours. "It should take approximately 60 minutes to clean the space and around 2 hours to dry," said Jimson Zhu, partner and vice president of product at Robotin, in an interview with CNET. Zhu emphasized that this timeline is efficient compared to traditional carpet shampooing, which often requires hours of manual work and extended drying times.
The carpet washing mechanism features a brush underneath the module that applies the cleaning solution, followed by suction to remove dirt and water. After washing, the robot circulates hot air heated to 110 degrees Fahrenheit to dry the carpet, monitored by humidity sensors for optimal results. For hard floors, the R2 supports hot water mopping at up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with subsequent hot air drying. Robotin equips the device with a dozen sensors, AI-driven navigation, and lidar for mapping and obstacle avoidance, including cliff detection to prevent falls. It can also climb thresholds up to 2 centimeters high, a capability that's become standard in the robot vacuum market.
Supporting the robot's functionality is a substantial base station, described by Ryan as "massive" and comparable in size to a portable air conditioner. Measuring 31.73 inches in height, 18.46 inches in width, and 25.33 inches in length, the station includes a 2.4-gallon clean water tank, a 1.6-gallon dirty water tank that recycles water, and a 2-liter auto-empty dustbin. The company estimates users might go up to two months without manually emptying the bin, thanks to its capacity. However, the bulkiness raises questions about practicality in smaller living spaces like apartments, where storage could be an issue.
Performance specs position the R2 as a competent vacuum beyond its carpet-washing novelty. It boasts 115 air watts of suction power and an anti-tangle brush to handle pet hair and debris effectively. App control allows users to schedule cleanings, view maps of their home, and monitor progress. Zhu highlighted the device's hands-free maintenance, with the base station handling most refilling and emptying tasks automatically. "The base station makes most maintenance hands-free," Ryan reported after examining the unit up close.
Robotin’s path to market has been steady but unassuming. The company launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, leading to trial production of the units. Early backers are slated to receive their devices between March and April 2026, with mass production for wider consumer release targeted for April to June 2026. This timeline aligns with CES announcements, where prototypes often preview products hitting shelves within the year. While Robotin remains relatively unknown, its modular approach draws parallels to established players like iRobot and Ecovacs, though none currently offer true carpet washing in a robotic form.
The robot vacuum industry has evolved rapidly since the Roomba's debut in 2002, shifting from basic suction devices to multifunctional machines that mop, self-empty, and avoid obstacles with AI. Yet, wet cleaning carpets has remained elusive due to technical challenges, such as the need for specialized brushes and solutions that don't damage floors or the robot itself. Traditional carpet cleaners, like those from Bissell or Hoover, require manual operation and are bulky, often necessitating professional services for larger areas. The Robotin R2 aims to bridge this divide, potentially reducing reliance on such services and saving homeowners time and money.
At CES 2026, held from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, the Robotin booth drew curious onlookers intrigued by the demo. Ryan watched as staff members effortlessly swapped modules, transitioning the robot from vacuum to washer mode. The device separated cleanly from the carpet module, allowing the dry cleaning attachment to slot in seamlessly. This modularity not only enhances versatility but also future-proofs the product, as Zhu revealed plans for expansions. "In the future, Robotin plans to introduce additional modules, including a robot arm module that resembles the Roborock Saros Z70, allowing it to pick up items around your home," Zhu told CNET.
While the R2's threshold-climbing ability is on par with mid-range competitors, it lags behind high-end models like the Dreame X50 Ultra, which handles up to 2 inches, or the legged Saros Rover for uneven terrain. Nonetheless, for carpet-focused cleaning, the R2 stands out. The startup's emphasis on AI navigation ensures it can map homes accurately and avoid common pitfalls, much like leading devices from Roborock or Eufy. Ryan confirmed the robot's stability during the demo, as it traversed the carpet strip without veering off edges, thanks to its sensors.
Consumer interest in smart home appliances continues to grow, with global robot vacuum sales projected to exceed $10 billion by 2027, according to market research from Statista. Innovations like the R2 could accelerate adoption among pet owners and families with high-traffic homes, where carpet maintenance is a perennial chore. However, challenges remain: the device's size and price—yet to be announced—might deter budget-conscious buyers. Robotin has not disclosed retail costs, but Kickstarter backers typically get early pricing, often around $500 to $1,000 for similar tech.
Broader implications extend to sustainability, as the R2's water recycling feature in the base station minimizes waste compared to traditional methods that use gallons of solution per session. The hot air drying process, while energy-intensive, could prevent mold growth in humid climates, a common issue with manual carpet cleaning. As smart homes integrate more appliances, modular designs like this one allow for upgrades without full replacements, aligning with trends toward customizable tech ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Robotin's roadmap suggests the R2 could evolve into a multi-tool robot, with attachments for tasks beyond cleaning. The planned robot arm module echoes advancements in humanoid robotics, potentially enabling the device to sort laundry or organize shelves. Zhu's comments indicate openness to performance upgrades via new modules, keeping the core unit relevant for years. If the Kickstarter success is any indicator, consumer demand exists for such versatility.
While the R2 is still in pre-production, its CES showing has sparked buzz in tech circles. Early reviews like CNET's praise its functionality, though real-world testing will be crucial once units ship. For now, Robotin positions the device as a pioneer in automated deep cleaning, filling a niche that has eluded the industry. As mass production ramps up in spring 2026, homeowners may soon find carpet washing as effortless as scheduling a vacuum run via app.
In a market dominated by giants, this unknown startup's debut reminds observers that CES remains a launchpad for disruptive ideas. Whether the Robotin R2 achieves widespread adoption will depend on execution, but its modular carpet-washing capability marks a bold step forward in robotic home care.