WALL·E is back: Zeroth Robotics unveils affordable home robot

Zeroth Robotics officially debuted at CES 2026, stepping out of stealth mode and entering the US market. The previously little-known startup introduced a complete lineup of five AI-powered robots – including the W1, a versatile, track-driven service robot with a clear visual nod to Pixar’s WALL-E. Designed for households, outdoor use, small businesses, and developers, the W1 uses caterpillar tracks instead of wheels, enabling it to navigate uneven terrain, slopes of up to 20 degrees and minor obstacles. With a payload of up to 44 pounds and a towing capacity of 110 pounds, it can be used for transport tasks, patrols, or as a mobile helper in gardens and commercial settings.

The W1 features GPS and Beidou navigation, several cameras including RGB-D depth sensors, as well as ultrasonic and infrared sensors, all integrated into a 360-degree monitoring system. It can be operated via app, voice control or a dedicated two-hand remote. The 308 Wh battery provides up to 20 hours of standby time and supports 100-watt fast charging, reaching a full charge in around an hour. While its design clearly echoes WALL-E, the W1 is not an officially licensed Disney product. According to the press release, an official WALL-E companion robot is available for families, schools and theme parks – but only in the Chinese market.

The W1 is scheduled to launch in the US in the first quarter of 2026. According to the company, it will be available for pre-order at $4,999, with shipping set to begin on April 15. In China, the model is already on sale, priced at the equivalent of around $5,599.

Update January 7: The manufacturer has corrected the dimensional specifications. An incorrect height of 15 inches was previously stated. According to Zertoh Robotics, the actual height is 19.5 inches.

Other robots in the line-up: from household helpers to humanoids

In addition to the W1, Zeroth Robotics introduced several other models, including the M1 – a compact humanoid robot about 15 inches tall. Designed for interaction, reminders and everyday support, it runs on an AI system based on Google Gemini. Targeted at families and older adults, the M1 is scheduled for release in April 2026, starting at $2,899.

The lineup also includes the A1, a four-legged research robot developed for universities and R&D teams, and “Jupiter,” a large humanoid robot designed for logistics, service and security roles. All models are built on a shared technological foundation that Zeroth refers to as “Technology DNA,” which integrates motion control, interaction features and specially developed actuators.