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| Although Zeroth Robotics’ W1 isn’t an officially licensed product, its design closely resembles Pixar’s WALL-E. |
LAS VEGAS — The bustling halls of CES are no stranger to robotic dreams, but one company’s debut turned heads not just for its technology, but for a powerful dose of nostalgic charm. Zeroth Robotics, a startup previously flying under the radar, officially stepped out of stealth mode at CES 2026 and announced its expansion into the U.S. market with a full lineup of five AI-powered robots. Leading the charge is the W1, a versatile, track-driven service bot whose cheerful, binocular-eyed design is an unmistakable and heartwarming nod to Pixar’s beloved WALL-E.
Forget wheels; this helper means business. The W1 utilizes rugged caterpillar tracks, allowing it to conquer uneven backyard terrain, navigate slopes up to 20 degrees, and handle minor obstacles that would stall a standard robot. With a robust payload of 44 pounds and a towing capacity of 110 pounds, Zeroth envisions the W1 as a multi-role workhorse: a mobile assistant for homeowners hauling garden supplies, a logistic helper in small business warehouses, or even a security patroller for commercial properties.
“We’re building robots to bridge the gap between digital assistants and physical help,” a company representative stated in the official launch announcement. The W1 is packed with the tech to make that happen. It employs GPS and Beidou navigation, a suite of cameras (including RGB-D depth sensors), and ultrasonic and infrared sensors, all fused into a 360-degree monitoring system. Users can command it via a companion app, voice control, or a dedicated two-handed remote.
Power is provided by a 308 Wh battery, offering up to 20 hours of standby and supporting 100-watt fast charging for a full top-up in about an hour. While the Pixar inspiration is visually clear, Zeroth is quick to note that the W1 is not an officially licensed Disney product. The company’s press release mentions that an official WALL-E companion robot does exist for families and institutions—but it’s exclusively available in the Chinese market.
An important update was issued on January 7 regarding the W1’s dimensions. The manufacturer corrected initial specifications, stating the robot's actual height is 19.5 inches, not the 15 inches previously reported.
The W1 is scheduled to launch in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026. According to Zeroth, it will be available for pre-order at $4,999, with shipping set to begin on April 15. For context, the model is already on sale in China at a price equivalent to roughly $5,599.
Beyond WALL-E: A Glimpse at Zeroth’s Full Robotic Family
The W1 may be the headline-grabber, but Zeroth Robotics introduced a spectrum of robots targeting different needs:
- The M1: This compact, 15-inch-tall humanoid robot is designed for companionship and daily assistance. Running on an AI system based on Google Gemini, it’s aimed at families and older adults for interaction, reminders, and support. It’s slated for release in April 2026, starting at $2,899.
- The A1: A four-legged research platform developed explicitly for universities and R&D teams, emphasizing modularity and open development.
- Jupiter: Stepping into the large humanoid category, “Jupiter” is designed for heavy-duty logistics, service, and security roles in industrial and commercial settings. You can explore the specs for this powerful robot on its product page.
All models are built on what Zeroth calls its “Technology DNA,” a shared foundation integrating advanced motion control, interactive AI, and custom-developed actuators.
For more details on the full lineup and the company’s U.S. market strategy, you can read the complete release via PR Newswire. To learn more about Zeroth Robotics and its vision, visit their official website at www.zeroth0.com.