Impressive CES Robots: Slow But Significant Autonomous Movement

We’ve been dreaming of the day when a robot like Rosey from The Jetsons would handle our household chores. For over 60 years, the idea of a robotic helper has tantalized us, but judging by recent demonstrations at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, that future still feels a bit distant. However, the robots showcased this year, while not exactly speedy, offer some intriguing glimpses into the potential of autonomous technology.

LG’s CLOiD: A Glimpse of Tomorrow

One robot that caught a lot of buzz is LG’s CLOiD. During the show, LG executive Brandt Varner handed CLOiD a towel, which the robot slowly placed into a washing machine. Let’s just say, the motions were positively leisurely, as many news outlets have pointed out.

Instead of legs, CLOiD moves on a wheeled base, reminding us more of Rosey than traditional bipedal robots. While its speed might leave something to be desired, CLOiD showed some impressive skills off-stage—like fetching a carton of milk from the fridge and handing over keys from a couch. It even folded laundry, but, yes, you guessed it, very slowly.

What’s impressive, though, is that LG claims this robot operates autonomously. The company’s Physical AI technology combines a Vision Language Model (VLM) that translates images and video into understanding, with a Vision Language Action (VLA) model that takes visual and verbal cues and turns them into physical actions. CLOiD can recognize appliances and interpret user intent, making it a step ahead of robots in the past, which often relied on remote control.

What’s Next in Robotics?

Are we heading into a future where we can finally say goodbye to mundane chores? CLOiD’s slow pace aside, its autonomous capabilities offer hope. Unlike older technologies, where operators hid behind curtains, today’s robots are more transparent about their functions.

Another standout at CES was Sharpa’s North, a fully autonomous robot that can play ping pong. With impressive upper-body mobility, North had spectators watching in awe. Not only is it engaging in a delightful game, but it’s also manipulating objects with surprising skill, yet all on its own. The cool factor here is undeniable, as anyone dreaming of a robotic companion can feel a little hopeful after watching these demonstrations.

What are the latest robotic innovations presented at CES 2026?

At CES 2026, innovations like LG’s CLOiD and Sharpa’s North captured the spotlight. CLOiD demonstrates slow but autonomous household tasks, while North showcases agile, human-like movements in playful scenarios.

Are robots like CLOiD really practical for home use?

While robots like CLOiD are not ready for commercial use yet, they’re stepping stones toward realistic household solutions. Their autonomous capabilities set the foundation for future developments.

What makes North robot from Sharpa stand out?

North is designed for human-like upper-body movements, making it capable of activities such as playing ping pong and handling objects with dexterity, marking a significant advancement in robotic design.

What other robots were showcased at CES 2026?

Apart from CLOiD and North, CES featured non-humanoid robots such as iGarden’s robotic pool cleaners and Roborock’s Saros Rover, a vacuum designed to tackle stairs.

It’s clear we are in a fascinating stage of outlandish dreams becoming a gradual reality. While these robots may not be zipping around your home just yet, their development signals that the future of robotic assistants could be closer than we think. If you’re feeling excited about these innovations, what household chore would you wish a robot could tackle first? Let’s chat below!