At CES 2025, Roborock unveiled the Saros Z70, a robotic vacuum featuring an industry-first 5-axis retractable arm capable of moving obstacles and cleaning previously inaccessible areas. This breakthrough is powered by Infineon Technologies’ REAL3™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, a compact solution enabling precise navigation and object recognition. The collaboration highlights Infineon’s strategic shift with its new Sensor Unit and Radio Frequency (SURF) division, merging sensor and wireless expertise to drive IoT innovation.
Time-of-Flight (ToF) Technology: The Science Behind Precision
Time-of-Flight measures distance by calculating the time taken for light or radio waves to reflect off objects. Unlike traditional LiDAR, which uses rotating lasers, ToF systems employ solid-state sensors for faster, more energy-efficient spatial mapping.
How ToF Works in the Saros Z70:
- Laser Pulse Emission: The REAL3 ToF sensor emits infrared laser pulses.
- Reflection Detection: A CMOS sensor captures reflected light, calculating distance via time differences.
- 3D Mapping: Generates real-time depth maps to identify obstacles as small as 2 cm, guiding the 5-axis arm to relocate items like shoes or toys.
Advantages Over Competing Systems:
- Size: Infineon’s ToF sensor is 100x smaller than conventional LiDAR, freeing space for the robotic arm.
- Speed: Processes data at 30 fps, outperforming iRobot’s vSLAM (10–15 fps).
- Accuracy: ±1 mm precision vs. ultrasonic sensors’ ±5 mm margin.
Infineon’s REAL3 ToF: Engineering Excellence
Co-developed with pmdtechnologies, the REAL3 sensor integrates:
- Multi-Zone Detection: Segments environments into grids for dynamic path planning.
- Ambient Light Rejection: Functions under direct sunlight (up to 100,000 lux), critical for homes with large windows.
- Low Power Consumption: Draws 0.5W, enabling longer battery life compared to Samsung’s 0.8W LiDAR in JetBot.
This technology allows the Saros Z70 to clean under furniture and around cluttered spaces, reducing manual intervention by 70%.
Sensor Unit and Radio Frequency (SURF): Synergy for Smarter IoT
Infineon’s SURF division merges sensor and RF technologies to enhance IoT device capabilities. Key integrations in the Saros Z70 include:
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6E: Ensures uninterrupted communication between the vacuum and smart home systems, even in congested networks.
- 60 GHz Radar: Detects subtle movements, preventing collisions with pets or children.
- Energy Harvesting: RF signals power secondary sensors, reducing dependency on the main battery.
Market Impact:
SURF’s approach addresses the fragmented IoT market, where 60% of devices struggle with interoperability. By 2027, SURF aims to capture 25% of the $20B sensor-RF market, challenging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sense and Texas Instruments’ mmWave radar.
Competitive Landscape: ToF in Robotics
| Company | Technology | Use Case | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infineon | REAL3 ToF | Home cleaning, 3D mapping | Higher cost per unit |
| iRobot | vSLAM + Cameras | Basic obstacle avoidance | Struggles in low-light |
| Samsung | LiDAR + AI Cameras | Object recognition | Bulkier design (45mm height) |
| Ecovacs | dToF (Direct ToF) | Commercial cleaning | Limited to 2-axis arm movement |
Infineon’s ToF excels in compactness and precision, while Ecovacs’ dToF offers longer range (10m vs. 5m) for industrial settings.
Educational Insight: The Role of RF in Sensor Networks
Radio frequency (RF) technology enables seamless data transmission between sensors and central processors. In the Saros Z70:
- Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS): Avoids interference from Wi-Fi/Bluetooth devices.
- MIMO Antennas: Four antennas provide 360° coverage, ensuring stable connectivity in multi-story homes.
- Edge Computing: RF relays data to an onboard AI chip, reducing cloud dependency and latency.
Future Trends: ToF and SURF Beyond Home Cleaning
- Healthcare: ToF-enabled surgical robots for minimally invasive procedures.
- Agriculture: Drones using ToF for crop health monitoring.
- Smart Cities: SURF-powered sensors managing traffic and energy grids.
Infineon’s REAL3 ToF and SURF innovations position Roborock’s Saros Z70 as a paradigm shift in home robotics. By combining millimeter-level precision with robust RF connectivity, this partnership underscores the potential of integrated sensor systems to redefine automation. As SURF drives cross-industry IoT advancements, the fusion of ToF and RF promises smarter, more adaptive technologies for everyday challenges.
