Imagine a future where robots seamlessly handle household chores — it sounds like something out of science fiction, yet at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we're starting to get a glimpse of just how close that vision may be. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these humanoid machines truly ready to take over tasks like laundry, or are they still a long way from practical use? This question is at the heart of a fascinating exploration of robotic innovation.
This year’s CES showcased humanoid robots that seem to have stepped up their game, advancing closer than ever to integrating into our everyday lives. LG introduced CLoiD, a household robot claiming it can manage activities such as meal preparation and loading the washing machine. Meanwhile, SwitchBot presented the Onero H1, designed specifically to be a versatile home assistant capable of tackling daily chores. Even more impressive robots from Boston Dynamics, WIRobotics, Zeroth, and others made their debut, each pushing the boundaries of what humanoid robots can do.
Thanks to rapid progress in artificial intelligence and robotics technology, these machines are smarter, more adaptable, and increasingly capable of performing complex tasks. Yet, the question remains: are they capable enough to shoulder the burdens of our household chores? We already have robots vacuuming floors and mowing lawns, but laundry continues to be a tricky job for machines to master.
Laundry involves multiple steps—gathering clothes, sorting them appropriately, loading the machine, unloading, folding, and carrying. It might sound simple, but each step involves nuanced movements and decision-making that many robots still struggle with. At CES, almost every manufacturer claimed that their household robot could handle laundry, demonstrating abilities like loading washers and folding clothes during live showcases.
The Verge decided to put these claims to the test, practically evaluating whether these robots are as prepared for real-world laundry tasks as they appear on stage. Our goal was to determine if the future of household robotics is dominated by advanced humanoids or if smaller, specialized devices are destined to be the real game-changers. We explored whether the trend toward creating robots that look and move like humans is inevitable or merely a shiny spectacle that masks ongoing limitations.
Join Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, our senior smart home reviewer, as she embarks on a mission to assess just how close we are to having a robot that can do her laundry. Along the way, she interviews industry leaders, including the president of the popular robot vacuum company Roborock, the CEO of the emerging humanoid startup Zeroth, and other experts in the field. The goal? To uncover whether this humanoid robot trend is a genuine evolution or just another piece of CES hype.
Check out the video to see her journey, and then consider: how much would you actually want a robot to do for you? Are we on the cusp of a robot-powered household revolution, or are these innovations still a work in progress? Share your thoughts — do you believe masterful laundry automation is coming soon, or is it a future best left imagined?
