Narwal Adds AI to Vacuum Cleaners for Pets and Jewelry
At CES 2026, robot vacuum maker Narwal unveiled a groundbreaking upgrade to its lineup: AI that doesn’t just clean—but watches, listens, and even helps you find lost earrings. The new Flow 2 robot vacuum leverages dual 1080p cameras and on-device AI to identify pets, toys, and valuables like jewelry in real time. Designed for modern smart homes, it promises not only spotless floors but peace of mind for pet owners, parents, and anyone who’s ever lost a wedding ring under the couch.
A Smarter Clean with Onboard Vision
The Flow 2 stands out with its sleek, rounded design and dual RGB cameras offering a 136-degree field of view. Unlike traditional robot vacuums that bump around blindly, Narwal’s latest maps rooms with precision and uses AI models to classify objects on the floor. The system first attempts to recognize items locally for speed and privacy. If it’s unsure, it securely uploads the image to the cloud for deeper analysis—ensuring it learns over time without compromising user data.
Pet Care Mode: More Than Just a Vacuum
For pet owners, the Flow 2’s “Pet Care Mode” is a game-changer. Users can designate favorite napping or play zones, and the vacuum will prioritize cleaning those areas. But it goes further: built-in two-way audio lets you check in or even call your dog while you’re away. While Fido may ignore your commands (some things never change), the feature adds a comforting layer of connectivity—especially for anxious pet parents juggling work and home life.
Baby Care Mode Keeps Playtime Safe
Parents get their own tailored experience with “Baby Care Mode.” When the vacuum detects proximity to a crib or play area, it automatically switches to quiet operation to avoid disturbing naptime. More impressively, it can spot and alert you if toys or small objects are left on the floor—potential choking hazards that often go unnoticed during hectic mornings. It’s a subtle but powerful safety net for families navigating the chaos of early parenthood.
AI Floor Tag Mode: No More Lost Jewelry
Ever vacuumed up a tiny earring or lost a bracelet between sofa cushions? Narwal’s “AI Floor Tag Mode” aims to end those heart-stopping moments. The Flow 2 is trained to recognize high-value, small items like jewelry, watches, or keys. Instead of sucking them up, it halts, sends a photo alert to your phone, and reroutes its cleaning path. Over time, the system can even learn your personal valuables, making it smarter with every use.
Adaptive Cleaning for Real-World Messes
Beyond object recognition, the Flow 2 features four intelligent cleaning modes that adjust based on detected dirt types—whether it’s tracked-in mud, spilled cereal, or pet hair. If an area remains soiled after mopping, the robot returns to its base, rinses its mop with hot water (up to 140°F for deeper sanitization), and re-cleans the spot. This closed-loop system ensures floors aren’t just wiped—they’re truly clean.
Hot Water + Self-Cleaning = Less Maintenance
Narwal didn’t just stop at AI; it re-engineered the entire cleaning cycle. The Flow 2’s base station heats water to a higher temperature than previous models, breaking down stubborn stains and killing bacteria more effectively. Combined with automatic mop washing and drying, it drastically reduces the need for manual intervention—ideal for busy households that want set-and-forget cleanliness.
New Handheld and Cordless Models Expand the Lineup
Alongside the Flow 2, Narwal introduced two new cordless options. The U50 handheld vacuum weighs just 3.1 lbs and features UV-C light plus heat treatment to neutralize allergens—perfect for pet beds or baby gear. Meanwhile, an unnamed slim cordless model boasts a 360-degree swivel head, 50 minutes of runtime, and a 60-day auto-empty station. Together, they position Narwal as a full-home cleaning ecosystem, not just a robot vacuum brand.
Privacy Built In, Not Bolted On
With cameras rolling in living rooms and nurseries, privacy is paramount. Narwal emphasizes that all visual processing starts on-device, and cloud uploads (when needed) are encrypted and anonymized. Users retain full control over what data is shared, and the system never stores identifiable images long-term. In an era of smart home skepticism, this approach builds trust without sacrificing functionality.
CES 2026 Signals a New Era for Home Robots
Narwal’s CES showcase reflects a broader industry shift: home robots are evolving from simple cleaners to attentive household assistants. By embedding emotional intelligence—caring for pets, protecting children, safeguarding valuables—into utilitarian devices, companies like Narwal are redefining what “smart” really means. The Flow 2 isn’t just reacting to messes; it’s anticipating human needs.
Availability and What’s Next
While pricing and exact release dates weren’t disclosed at CES, Narwal confirmed the Flow 2 and U50 will launch globally in Q2 2026. Early impressions from hands-on demos suggest these aren’t gimmicks—they’re thoughtful integrations of AI that solve real, everyday frustrations. As competition heats up in the premium robot vacuum space, Narwal’s focus on care-driven features could give it a decisive edge.
In a world where smart devices often feel cold and transactional, Narwal’s new lineup brings warmth, awareness, and a touch of personality to floor care. Whether you’re chasing a golden retriever or a missing diamond stud, the Flow 2 might just become your new household hero.
