Narwal Flow 2 robot vacuum uses AI to find lost jewelry and monitor pets at CES 2026

Narwal Flow 2 Introduces AI Object Recognition at CES 2026

Narwal has unveiled its latest flagship robot vacuum, the Flow 2, at CES 2026, showcasing a significant leap in AI-powered smart cleaning technology. The device features unlimited AI object recognition capabilities that extend beyond traditional cleaning tasks, enabling it to find lost items, monitor pets, and adapt to various household scenarios 1

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. Unlike conventional robot vacuums that typically recognize only 20-30 pre-programmed objects, the Narwal Flow 2 uses a Vision Language Model (VLM) called OmniVision AI Model to identify an unlimited number of objects in real time 2

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Advanced Camera System Powers Smart Detection

The Flow 2 relies on dual 1080p RGB cameras with a 136-degree field of view to capture and interpret spatial information 1

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. This hardware works in tandem with the NarMind Pro Autonomous System, which processes most visual data locally on the device for faster response times 2

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. When the robot vacuum encounters an object it cannot identify through local processing, it captures an image and sends it to a cloud-based AI model for analysis 3

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. Narwal claims this combination delivers millimeter-level obstacle avoidance strategies that can be tailored to different obstacle types, addressing a persistent challenge in the robot vacuum industry 2

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AI Floor Tag Mode Helps Find Lost Items

One of the standout features is the AI Floor Tag mode, which recognizes valuable items like jewelry, phones, keys, and wallets scattered on the floor. When the Narwal Flow 2 detects these items, it maintains a distance of at least 5cm to prevent accidentally vacuuming them up and assigns them the highest avoidance priority 4

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. The device then pushes a notification to the Narwal app containing a photo of the item and its precise location on a map of your home 4

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. This functionality addresses a common household frustration, though users cannot currently send the robot on a mission to search for a specific missing item 4

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Pet Care Mode and Baby Care Mode Adapt Cleaning Strategies

The Flow 2 introduces specialized cleaning modes designed for households with pets and children. Pet Care mode automatically identifies and deep-cleans zones where pets typically rest or hang out, boosts cleaning power in these areas, and can even locate your pet while you're away 3

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. The feature includes two-way audio for monitoring pets, though Narwal acknowledges there's no guarantee pets will respond to commands 1

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. Baby Care mode switches to quiet operation near cribs, sends reminders when it detects misplaced toys, and avoids areas where babies crawl 2

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. These adaptive cleaning scenarios demonstrate how AI-enhanced object avoidance can create more practical household experiences.

Enhanced Cleaning Power and Hot Water Mopping

Beyond AI capabilities, the Narwal Flow 2 delivers substantial hardware upgrades. The device features 30,000Pa of suction power, a significant increase from the 22,000Pa offered by the original Flow model 4

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. The FlowWash mopping system continuously refreshes the mop with clean hot water during operation, with the new model supporting mopping temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 60 degrees Celsius) for enhanced stain removal 2

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. The robot applies 12 newtons of downward pressure during mopping and can recognize different types of dirt, adapting its cleaning strategy depending on whether the mess is wet, dry, heavy, or light 1

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Reusable Components and Improved Design

The Flow 2 features a redesigned arc form factor with frosted glass panels on the docking station and easy-lift tanks for simpler maintenance 5

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. Addressing ongoing costs associated with robot vacuum ownership, Narwal has equipped the docking station with a reusable dust bag and washable debris filter that support up to 120 days between emptying 3

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. This eliminates the need for regular purchases of disposable dust bags and filter replacements, a common expense with competing models 2

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. The device can automatically return to its base to wash the mop and then re-mop specific areas if it determines they remain dirty 1

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Skepticism Around Obstacle Avoidance Claims

While Narwal's promises are compelling, industry experts remain cautious about obstacle avoidance capabilities. Recent laboratory testing revealed that even the best robot vacuums struggle to avoid every object, and models claiming superior avoidance often fail to deliver 2

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. Experts suggest the challenge lies primarily in software rather than hardware, making the Flow 2's cloud-based AI approach potentially significant if it performs as advertised 2

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. Independent testing will determine whether the combination of on-device processing and cloud-based AI truly solves this persistent industry problem.

Expanded Product Lineup with U50 and V50 Series

Alongside the Flow 2, Narwal announced its entry into new product categories at CES 2026. The U50 Series mattress vacuum cleaner weighs just 1.41kg (3.1 lbs) and features UV-C sterilization along with 137-degree heat treatment for allergen removal 1

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. The V50 Series cordless vacuum offers a slim design with 360-degree swivel capability and up to 50 minutes of run time 1

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. The cordless vacuum includes an auto-empty station that can support up to 60 days of dust disposal, expanding Narwal's presence beyond robot vacuums into comprehensive home cleaning solutions 1

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. The Narwal Flow 2 is scheduled to launch in April 2026, though pricing details have not yet been announced 4

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