A New Era of Home Robotics: The Onero H1 Unveiled at CES

Switchbot's Laundry Robot: A Glimpse at Practical Innovation

The annual CES 2026 in Las Vegas introduced another fascinating parade of robots. Yet, this year is memorable for an influx of humanoid robots accomplishing practical tasks. Among the standout innovations was Switchbot's Onero H1, a household robot that piqued interest, primarily because the company plans to launch it commercially by the year-end, albeit at a premium price.

Switchbot, a company hailing from China, has carved a niche for itself with robot vacuums and smart home gadgets. The Onero robot embodies this expertise, featuring a charming design with a wheeled base akin to their vacuums, complemented by flexible arms capable of handling various household duties.

At CES, Onero managed to showcase its proficiency in handling clothes. It was demonstrated picking up garments from the couch, moving towards and opening a washing machine, placing the clothing inside, and shutting the door. Despite its deliberate pace—it takes nearly two minutes to complete the task—the robot exemplifies the convenience of a helper that manages chores in your absence.

It’s unclear if the slow movements were due to the suboptimal CES Wi-Fi conditions, a ploy to captivate the audience, or a limitation of the robot's current design. Nevertheless, when the objective is automating chores, the time taken matters less than the fact that the task gets done without personal involvement. It’s the essence of robotic assistance—returning home to completed tasks is incredibly appealing.

Internally, the Onero is equipped with sophisticated RealSense cameras and a variety of sensors. These tools, in conjunction with onboard AI, enable the robot to navigate its environment effectively.

Versatile Capabilities Beyond the Demonstration

The exhibition provided just a limited view of Onero's potential. A promotional video from Switchbot suggests that the robot can perform an array of household activities. It can serve food and drinks, tidy dishes, clean windows, fold laundry, and more, each task exemplifying its dexterity and versatility. In contrast to the rudimentary claw-hand at CES, the video version features a more advanced hand with five fingers, enhancing its precision.

Switchbot's promise to release Onero this year was confirmed, with sales anticipated to start in late 2026. While the precise pricing remains undetermined, expectations are set below $10,000. This price tag positions Onero as a niche product, likely more an investment for specific users than a mass-market device.

Despite the cost, if Onero delivers on its promises of autonomous household management, it could garner interest from both individuals and businesses seeking innovative solutions to everyday chores. The prospect of such intelligent domestic robots is no longer science fiction; it's a luxury on the horizon for those willing to adopt early.