Imagine a world where robots seamlessly handle your most tedious chores, from cooking dinner to folding laundry. Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: at this year’s CES, tech giants like LG, SwitchBot, and Boston Dynamics unveiled humanoid robots promising to do just that—including tackling the one household task that’s long eluded automation: laundry. LG’s CLOiD, SwitchBot’s Onero H1, and even Zeroth’s Wall-E-inspired robots all claimed to master the complex, multi-step process of washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes. And this is the part most people miss: while robots already vacuum floors and mow lawns, laundry remains the ultimate test of their dexterity, decision-making, and adaptability.
The hype was palpable, with demos showcasing robots loading washing machines and neatly folding shirts. But are these humanoids truly ready to take over our laundry rooms, or is this just another case of CES vaporware? Here’s the kicker: The Verge’s senior smart home reviewer, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, decided to put these claims to the test on the show floor. She didn’t stop there—she also grilled industry leaders like the president of Roborock and the CEO of Zeroth to uncover whether humanoid robots are the future or if smaller, single-purpose machines are the smarter bet.
Advances in AI and robotics have undeniably made machines smarter, but laundry isn’t just about following steps—it’s about recognizing stains, sorting fabrics, and adapting to unpredictable scenarios. Bold claim: If robots can conquer laundry, they can conquer almost any household chore. But is that future closer than we think, or are we still years away? Watch the video to see Jennifer’s findings and ask yourself: How much are you willing to trust a robot with your dirty clothes—and your daily life?
Controversial question for you: Do humanoid robots represent the pinnacle of innovation, or are they an overhyped distraction from more practical, task-specific solutions? Let us know in the comments! Follow this story to stay updated on the latest in robotics and join the debate on whether these machines are ready to fold—not just clothes, but the future of home automation.
