In my CES 2026 preview, I highlighted how Chinese tech companies are steadily gaining ground in the U.S. market, particularly in the robotics space. Zeroth Robotics is a clear example of this trend, having made a notable debut at CES 2026. The Shenzhen-based company has introduced a pair of robots designed for everyday use at home and in the workplace.
The first is the W1, an all-terrain robot that The Verge points out resembles Pixar’s WALL-E. The robot uses tank-like treads to navigate uneven surfaces such as untamed grass, gravel, and even indoor flooring, making it suitable for both home and commercial environments. The robot relies on Lidar, RGB cameras, and various sensors to move around and understand its surroundings. As a result, it can follow its owner, avoid obstacles, and carry loads of up to 110lbs, double its weight. Not to mention, it can take photos using its built-in 13-megapixel camera.
Alongside the W1, Zeroth Robotics has introduced the M1, a miniature humanoid robot designed to live indoors and interact closely with people. In terms of functionality, it’s more or less akin to the Yonbo robot and similar interesting Kickstarter campaigns we’ve seen in the past. Standing roughly 15 inches tall, the M1 is built around the idea of daily assistance and companionship. The M1 is powered by Google’s Gemini AI for conversations and can provide reminders, detect falls, and help monitor people inside the home.
The company also emphasizes that both W1 and M1 will improve over time through software updates and support customization for developers and hobbyists. The M1 robot starts at $2,900, while the W1 is priced at $5,600. We’ll share more on this in the coming days.
