At CES 2026, Zeroth Robotics officially emerged from stealth, unveiling a lineup of five AI-powered robots. While the flagship M1 humanoid captured hearts, the Zeroth W1—a rugged, wheel-based “Explorer”—stole the show for those looking for a practical, real-world utility bot.
What is the Zeroth W1?
The Zeroth W1 is an autonomous, wheel-based assistant designed for both indoor and light commercial environments. Inspired by the iconic aesthetic of WALL-E, the W1 is built on Zeroth’s proprietary “Technology DNA”—a unified hardware and software stack that combines advanced motion control with multimodal AI.
Key Features and Specifications
The W1 isn’t just a novelty; it is a high-payload powerhouse built to handle the “dirty work” of a modern household.
- All-Terrain Mobility: Equipped with dual-tread wheels, the W1 navigates complex surfaces including grass, gravel, pavement, and slopes.
- Heavy Lifting: Despite weighing only 44 lbs (28 kg), it boasts a 110 lb (50 kg) payload capacity, making it perfect for hauling groceries or gardening tools.
- Advanced Navigation: The robot uses LiDAR, RGB cameras, and vision-fusion algorithms to map its environment in real-time, avoiding obstacles and following users autonomously.
- Smart Eyes: It features a 13MP camera for high-quality photography and a 2MP camera for 360-degree security monitoring (detecting smoke or open windows).
- Battery & Charging: Powered by a 308Wh battery with 100W DC Fast Charging, the W1 offers roughly 20 hours of standby time and can double as a mobile power hub (60–120W via USB-C).
Pricing and Availability
For those ready to bring the future home, Zeroth Robotics has provided a clear roadmap for the U.S. launch:
| Detail | Information |
| Price | $5,599 |
| Pre-orders | Q1 2026 |
| Shipping Date | Starts April 15, 2026 |
| Official Site | zeroth0.com |
Why the Zeroth W1 is Different
Unlike typical “smart home” devices that sit in a corner, the W1 is mobile and emotionally aware. It can recognize human shapes, gestures, and faces, responding to natural language commands. Its ability to transition from a secure indoor monitor to an outdoor camping power source makes it one of the most versatile consumer robots ever released.
