Robot vacuums just leveled up—literally. Eufy unveiled the MarsWalker at IFA 2025, a four-armed stair-climbing robot that shuttles vacuum cleaners between floors. The device promises to solve the multi-story cleaning dilemma that's plagued smart homes, though it raises questions about whether two robots truly beat one.
Eufy just turned robot vacuums into passenger elevators. The company's surprise MarsWalker reveal at IFA 2025 showcases a robotic stairlift system that physically carries vacuum cleaners between floors—because apparently, teaching robots to walk upstairs was easier than giving them legs. The four-armed carrier represents Anker's boldest smart home gambit yet, tackling the persistent multi-story cleaning challenge that's forced homeowners to either haul their robots around or buy multiple units. The device operates through a sophisticated drive-track system, gripping compatible vacuum models and navigating various staircase configurations with independent arm control. According to The Verge's hands-on coverage, the MarsWalker builds comprehensive 3D maps of homes to understand optimal cleaning routes across floors. The standalone unit includes its own charging base and promises compatibility with several Eufy robot vacuum models, though exact specifications remain under wraps ahead of the Spring 2026 launch window. Market analysts are already buzzing about pricing implications, especially given the premium positioning alongside Eufy's flagship offerings. The MarsWalker's debut coincides with the RoboVac Omni S2 launch, hitting US markets in January 2026 at $1,599. The S2 boasts impressive specifications including 30,000Pa suction power, 3.3 pounds of downward mopping pressure, and a unique fragrance system offering citrus, basil, bergamot, and lychee scents during cleaning cycles. Its self-cleaning roller mop extends 15mm for baseboard coverage while obstacle detection identifies over 200 objects including rug tassels. The engineering challenge behind stair-climbing robotics has stumped manufacturers for years. While competitors like iRobot and Roborock focused on mapping and suction improvements, Eufy took a radical approach by creating a dedicated transport system. Industry experts suggest this modular philosophy could reshape smart home automation, though practical concerns about storage space and cost-effectiveness remain. The timing aligns with Anker's broader push into premium home automation, following successful expansions in charging technology and audio products. Consumer reception will largely depend on pricing strategy, given that the MarsWalker essentially doubles the robotic hardware investment for multi-story homes. Early IFA demonstrations showcase smooth staircase navigation across different architectural configurations, addressing a key concern about real-world reliability. The 3D mapping integration suggests sophisticated coordination between the MarsWalker and compatible vacuum units, potentially enabling autonomous scheduling across floors without human intervention.
