Latest news with #JunbinZhang
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Narwal's Self-Cleaning, AI-Enhanced Robot Vacuum and Mop From CES Is Finally Ready to Buy
Narwal has a pretty extensive lineup of robot vacuums, many of which we've tested in our roundup of the best robot vacuums. One of the latest additions to the lineup is the Narwal Flow, first announced at CES 2025. As the name suggests, the Flow is another high-end robot vacuum that focuses on mopping, but it also comes with more advanced AI navigation and the ability to self-clean and detangle itself. It's now available for sale at $1,499 full price and $1,099 for presale. According to Narwal CEO Junbin Zhang, the goal is to provide a hands-free experience. Many robot vacuums aim for this by incorporating auto-emptying docks, self-cleaning and drying mop pads, and even robotic arms and lift systems to help sort items or navigate obstacles. We're currently still testing the Narwal Flow in CNET's Louisville lab, but in the meantime, here's what we know the Flow brings to the table. Narwal/ Zooey Liao/CNET Narwal Flow features There's a lot of jargon in robot vacuum technology, but ultimately, all the terminology is fairly straightforward. The Narwal Flow can mop with 12 newtons of downward pressure. Narwal/CNET FlowWash Mopping System: Mopping is the selling point of the Flow. Its mopping system uses a track mop design that cleans itself in real time with 113-degree Fahrenheit fresh water while also collecting dirty water, so the mopping pads are always rinsed with clean water between cycles. It also applies 12 newtons of downward pressure to tackle tougher stains, though we're still testing its mopping performance using a new method where we spread raspberry jelly on various surfaces. Mopping is the selling point of the Flow. Its mopping system uses a track mop design that cleans itself in real time with 113-degree Fahrenheit fresh water while also collecting dirty water, so the mopping pads are always rinsed with clean water between cycles. It also applies 12 newtons of downward pressure to tackle tougher stains, though we're still testing its mopping performance using a new method where we spread raspberry jelly on various surfaces. Twin-Al Dodge Obstacle Avoidance: Every robot vacuum is trying to incorporate AI obstacle avoidance in some capacity and Narwal is no exception. The robot comes equipped with dual 136-degree ultra-wide RGB cameras and an AI chip that allows it to recognize and avoid more than 200 different types of objects, including pet waste, socks, plastic bags and cables. According to Narwal, this system allows for precise navigation with 5mm accuracy. Every robot vacuum is trying to incorporate AI obstacle avoidance in some capacity and Narwal is no exception. The robot comes equipped with dual 136-degree ultra-wide RGB cameras and an AI chip that allows it to recognize and avoid more than 200 different types of objects, including pet waste, socks, plastic bags and cables. According to Narwal, this system allows for precise navigation with 5mm accuracy. CarpetFocus Technology: This is an adaptive solution for cleaning carpets. When the robot detects carpet, its brush cover automatically lowers to create a sealed, high-pressure zone, which boosts suction power and extracts deeply embedded dirt. Think of it being similar to pressing down harder with a vacuum cleaner head. The robot also lifts its mop to avoid wetting carpets and uses a dual-pass zigzag cleaning path for a more thorough clean. This is an adaptive solution for cleaning carpets. When the robot detects carpet, its brush cover automatically lowers to create a sealed, high-pressure zone, which boosts suction power and extracts deeply embedded dirt. Think of it being similar to pressing down harder with a vacuum cleaner head. The robot also lifts its mop to avoid wetting carpets and uses a dual-pass zigzag cleaning path for a more thorough clean. DualFlow Tangle-Free System: Narwal calls this a system, but it's a fairly common feature among robot vacuums, which use various methods to prevent brush tangles or to disentangle themselves. Narwal's system consists of a tangle-free floating roller brush and dynamic auto-detangling side brushes, both of which are SGS-certified to prevent hair tangles. Narwal calls this a system, but it's a fairly common feature among robot vacuums, which use various methods to prevent brush tangles or to disentangle themselves. Narwal's system consists of a tangle-free floating roller brush and dynamic auto-detangling side brushes, both of which are SGS-certified to prevent hair tangles. Water hookup: This is a new feature we haven't seen on a robot vacuum before. Flow Series models offer an optional refill and drainage dock that connects to your home's plumbing to automatically refill and empty the vacuum's water tank. There's also a 480mm detergent reservoir that should last for two months before needing to be refilled. The Narwal Flow's mop can pop out to clean edges up to 0.19 inches. Narwal/CNET Other features Other parts of the Flow's feature set are more standard and ones we typically expect to see on robot vacuums. It comes with 22,000 pascals of suction, which should translate to solid performance on our sand pickup test if competitor results are anything to go by. While mopping, the Flow's mop pops out to clean within 0.19 inches of walls and corners for full edge-to-edge coverage. For corners, the side brushes will also dynamically reverse rotation to extend the bristles to widen their cleaning diameter. Obstacle crossing is a big new addition. Like the Dreame X50 Ultra, the Flow has a lift system that lets it cross thresholds, table legs and other obstacles up to 1.6 inches. The robot itself is 3.7 inches tall, allowing it to navigate under lower furniture such as beds and sofas. Narwal/ Zooey Liao/ CNET As expected, there's also a multi-function base for the Flow, a common feature on most high-end robot vacuums. The 11-inch tall, 8-in-1 base will automatically empty the 2.5-liter dustbin, letting you store up to 120 days of dust before needing to empty. The base station is also where the robot will automatically do hot water mop washing, adjusting the water temperature from 113 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 degrees Fahrenheit for sterilization, followed by hot air drying and water refilling. Finally, the Flow has a built-in voice assistant that's activated by the 'Hey Nawa' command and compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri and Matter. The Flow comes with FlowWash mopping and EdgeReach technology. Narwal Pricing and availability The Narwal Flow is available in two versions: Water Tank Version: Priced at $1,499.99, it's available during the presale for a launch discount of $1,099.99. Priced at $1,499.99, it's available during the presale for a launch discount of $1,099.99. Compact Version: This model's regular price is $1,599.99, but it's on sale for $1,399.99 during the presale period. The presale runs from August 7 through August 27, 2025, after which the Flow will be sold at its regular price. Customers that buy during the presale can get an extended three-year warranty and an accessory bundle. Our testing and evaluation of the Narwal Flow should also be completed around the same time, so stay tuned as we put it through its paces.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Narwal Launches the Freo Z10 for Tangle-Free Hair Cleaning and Spotless Corners
The New Robot Solves Common Cleaning Challenges, Designed With Detangling System and Full Corner Coverage Technology KIRKLAND, Wash., April 8, 2025 /CNW/ -- Narwal, the international leader in smart home cleaning, launched its Freo Z10 model today, introducing a game-changing DualFlow Tangle-Free System and MopExtend paired with EdgeSwing technology. Narwal's latest innovation boasts professional washing, analyzes the pain points of housekeeping, and leverages industry-exclusive features to create an autonomous home maintenance experience. "Although the robot vacuum industry continues to evolve, we've observed that users still encounter challenges when using robot vacuums," said Junbin Zhang, CEO of Narwal. "Common issues such as brush roll tangling, side brush entanglement, and difficulties in cleaning corners and edges often require additional time and effort from users. As a response, the Freo Z10 is not just an incremental industry upgrade; it elevates the home-cleaning experience through advanced technology. Narwal's new robot effectively eliminates hair tangling and ensures flawless edge and corner cleaning, which are common pain points for other robot vacuums. It's the self-sufficient, smart solution that consumers have been waiting for." Narwal Introduces DualFlow Tangle-Free System, MopExtend and EdgeSwing Technology Narwal's Zero-Tangling roller-brush system has been proven effective in tackling hair entanglements, but side brush entanglement technology has been an ever-present difficulty for households with pets and long-haired family members. Narwal's engineers have made strides to refine the side brush design, creating a movable side brush mechanism to actively work against hair build-up. By allowing the side brushes to shift dynamically, the Freo Z10 loosens trapped hair and guides debris to the suction port, preventing it from wrapping around the brushes. Working with Narwal's single-arm roller structure, this innovation seamlessly creates the fully integrated DualFlow DeTangling System for a one-of-a-kind tangle-free cleaning experience. The MopExtend and EdgeSwing Technology are designed to tackle hard-to-reach spots like wall edges, corners, and even kitchen toe kicks. EdgeSwing technology equips the robot's extendable mop, applying 8N of downward pressure. This combined approach delivers significantly better cleaning performance than simply extending the mop outward. When approaching hard-to-reach corners of the house, it extends the mop and moves backward for full coverage. "Narwal's systems are advancing, ensuring powerful, comprehensive, tangle-free cleaning for an effortless user experience because we know this is what matters most to our user base," said Icey Bin, Head of Product GTM at Narwal. "The Freo Z10 is the most detail-oriented, comprehensive smart home robot – underscoring our commitment to performance and innovation. Our team develops robots that fit the needs of the modern home while also achieving breakthroughs when addressing common industry pain points. Narwal continues to upgrade what users can expect out of their cleaning routines." Additional Intelligent Designs for a Superior Clean The robot includes a 120-Day Hands-Free Self-Empty Base Station, which compresses debris into a 2.5L bag, requiring disposal just two to three times per year. AI-adaptive cleaning adjusts mop washing temperature between 113℉-167℉ based on the type of dirt detected, eliminating 99.99% of bacteria—all while operating at a whisper-quiet 71dB. The Narwal Freo Z10 reimagines home cleaning with a suite of cutting-edge features designed to eliminate hassles and minimize manual intervention. Boasting 15,000Pa Hyper Suction Power, the Freo Z10 captures over 99% of particles on carpets and hard floors, ensuring a powerful, single-pass clean. Its Tri-Laser Millimeter-Level Obstacle Avoidance system cleans along objects within 5mm and recognizes hazards as low as 1cm. The robot navigates seamlessly in the dark, avoiding obstacles without using a camera for enhanced privacy. This ensures precise cleaning without collisions. Pricing and Availability Consumers can experience the Narwal Freo Z10, designed to alleviate the burden of everyday home cleaning, with an exclusive pre-sale offer from April 8 to April 27, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada. By placing a small deposit—$29 in the U.S. or $39 in Canada—shoppers can secure a significant discount, saving $330 in the U.S. and $440 in Canada. From April 28 to May 4, customers can redeem their purchase, bringing the final price to $769.99 (U.S.) or $1,109.99 (Canada), compared to the regular price of $1,099.99 and $1,549.99. Visit for U.S. shoppers and for Canadian shoppers to take advantage of this limited-time deal. About Narwal Narwal is known for using its cutting-edge technology to realize its objective of bringing flawless floors to users. It's one of the top 5 robotic cleaning manufacturers. Narwal has raised substantial funds from investors including Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Capital, ByteDance (parent of TikTok), and Tencent, among others. With over 700 researchers and scientists from across the globe, Narwal has made numerous breakthroughs in multiple fields and won prestigious international awards, including the Edison Gold Award, which honors innovation, and Time Magazine's Best Inventions. 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Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Narwal Launches the Freo Z10 for Tangle-Free Hair Cleaning and Spotless Corners
The New Robot Solves Common Cleaning Challenges, Designed With Detangling System and Full Corner Coverage Technology KIRKLAND, Wash., April 8, 2025 /CNW/ -- Narwal, the international leader in smart home cleaning, launched its Freo Z10 model today, introducing a game-changing DualFlow Tangle-Free System and MopExtend paired with EdgeSwing technology. Narwal's latest innovation boasts professional washing, analyzes the pain points of housekeeping, and leverages industry-exclusive features to create an autonomous home maintenance experience. 'Although the robot vacuum industry continues to evolve, we've observed that users still encounter challenges when using robot vacuums,' said Junbin Zhang, CEO of Narwal. 'Common issues such as brush roll tangling, side brush entanglement, and difficulties in cleaning corners and edges often require additional time and effort from users. As a response, the Freo Z10 is not just an incremental industry upgrade; it elevates the home-cleaning experience through advanced technology. Narwal's new robot effectively eliminates hair tangling and ensures flawless edge and corner cleaning, which are common pain points for other robot vacuums. It's the self-sufficient, smart solution that consumers have been waiting for.' Narwal Introduces DualFlow Tangle-Free System, MopExtend and EdgeSwing Technology Narwal's Zero-Tangling roller-brush system has been proven effective in tackling hair entanglements, but side brush entanglement technology has been an ever-present difficulty for households with pets and long-haired family members. Narwal's engineers have made strides to refine the side brush design, creating a movable side brush mechanism to actively work against hair build-up. By allowing the side brushes to shift dynamically, the Freo Z10 loosens trapped hair and guides debris to the suction port, preventing it from wrapping around the brushes. Working with Narwal's single-arm roller structure, this innovation seamlessly creates the fully integrated DualFlow DeTangling System for a one-of-a-kind tangle-free cleaning experience. The MopExtend and EdgeSwing Technology are designed to tackle hard-to-reach spots like wall edges, corners, and even kitchen toe kicks. EdgeSwing technology equips the robot's extendable mop, applying 8N of downward pressure. This combined approach delivers significantly better cleaning performance than simply extending the mop outward. When approaching hard-to-reach corners of the house, it extends the mop and moves backward for full coverage. 'Narwal's systems are advancing, ensuring powerful, comprehensive, tangle-free cleaning for an effortless user experience because we know this is what matters most to our user base,' said Icey Bin, Head of Product GTM at Narwal. 'The Freo Z10 is the most detail-oriented, comprehensive smart home robot – underscoring our commitment to performance and innovation. Our team develops robots that fit the needs of the modern home while also achieving breakthroughs when addressing common industry pain points. Narwal continues to upgrade what users can expect out of their cleaning routines.' Additional Intelligent Designs for a Superior Clean The robot includes a 120-Day Hands-Free Self-Empty Base Station, which compresses debris into a 2.5L bag, requiring disposal just two to three times per year. AI-adaptive cleaning adjusts mop washing temperature between 113℉-167℉ based on the type of dirt detected, eliminating 99.99% of bacteria—all while operating at a whisper-quiet 71dB. The Narwal Freo Z10 reimagines home cleaning with a suite of cutting-edge features designed to eliminate hassles and minimize manual intervention. Boasting 15,000Pa Hyper Suction Power, the Freo Z10 captures over 99% of particles on carpets and hard floors, ensuring a powerful, single-pass clean. Its Tri-Laser Millimeter-Level Obstacle Avoidance system cleans along objects within 5mm and recognizes hazards as low as 1cm. The robot navigates seamlessly in the dark, avoiding obstacles without using a camera for enhanced privacy. This ensures precise cleaning without collisions. Pricing and Availability Consumers can experience the Narwal Freo Z10, designed to alleviate the burden of everyday home cleaning, with an exclusive pre-sale offer from April 8 to April 27, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada. By placing a small deposit—$29 in the U.S. or $39 in Canada—shoppers can secure a significant discount, saving $330 in the U.S. and $440 in Canada. From April 28 to May 4, customers can redeem their purchase, bringing the final price to $769.99 (U.S.) or $1,109.99 (Canada), compared to the regular price of $1,099.99 and $1,549.99. Visit for U.S. shoppers and for Canadian shoppers to take advantage of this limited-time deal. About Narwal Narwal is known for using its cutting-edge technology to realize its objective of bringing flawless floors to users. It's one of the top 5 robotic cleaning manufacturers. Narwal has raised substantial funds from investors including Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Capital, ByteDance (parent of TikTok), and Tencent, among others. With over 700 researchers and scientists from across the globe, Narwal has made numerous breakthroughs in multiple fields and won prestigious international awards, including the Edison Gold Award, which honors innovation, and Time Magazine's Best Inventions.
