Narwal has officially entered the CES 2026 spotlight with the Flow 2, a new flagship robot vacuum and mop that leans heavily on AI-powered vision to solve one of the most common robot vacuum frustrations: running into pets, toys, and small valuables.
Unveiled during CES 2026, the Narwal Flow 2 positions itself as a premium, family-focused cleaning robot designed for real homes, not ideal showroom floors.
AI vision focuses on real-world obstacles
The Flow 2’s headline feature is its vision-based AI object recognition system, which uses dual RGB cameras combined with Narwal’s proprietary AI software to identify and avoid small items on the floor. According to the company, the robot can recognize objects such as keys, jewelry, phones, wallets, cables, and toys before adjusting its path to avoid contact.
Instead of simply steering around obstacles, the Flow 2 takes things further by logging detected objects inside the Narwal app. Users receive a snapshot of the item along with its precise location on the home map, effectively turning the vacuum into a passive “lost item finder” while it cleans.
Designed with pets and families in mind
Narwal is also emphasizing pet-friendly functionality. The Flow 2 introduces a dedicated Pet Care Mode, which prioritizes cleaning areas where pets spend the most time while actively avoiding pets during operation. Some modes also allow basic monitoring-style features, reinforcing Narwal’s push toward smarter, context-aware cleaning.
In addition, the company highlights a Baby Care Mode, aimed at households with infants or toddlers. This mode focuses on quieter operation, avoids play and crawling zones, and reduces disturbance in sensitive areas like nurseries.
Major upgrades to cleaning performance
Beyond AI features, the Flow 2 receives substantial hardware improvements. Narwal claims suction power reaches up to 30,000Pa, a notable jump compared to the previous Flow model. On the mopping side, the robot supports hot-water floor washing, with temperatures reaching approximately 158°F, targeting sticky stains and bacteria more effectively.
The updated docking station handles mop cleaning and maintenance automatically and includes refinements such as reusable dust handling components, depending on configuration.
Availability outlook
Narwal has not confirmed final pricing, but multiple reports point to a launch window around April 2026, with availability expected in the U.S. and other major markets shortly after.
With the Flow 2, Narwal appears to be betting that practical AI, not flashy automation, will define the next phase of robot vacuums. By focusing on pets, cluttered floors, and everyday living, the company is clearly targeting users who want smarter cleaning without constant supervision.
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