It follows you outside, which is either adventure or a new kind of house arrest.
Zeroth W1 Review: The Family Security Robot Has Joined The Camping Group Chat
Zeroth's wheeled home robot patrols, watches, carries gear, and appears prepared to ask whether the tent has a security policy.
By Dr. Veda Sill, Science and Technology Correspondent
GARAGE LAB - Published June 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM CDT
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Zeroth Robotics describes the W1 as a programmable companion for families, security, and outdoor trips. I understand each of those words separately. Together they form the sentence a garage would say if it had been asked to become a babysitter.
The robot has a charming little face, though I know those are cameras. This is an important distinction. A face wants friendship. Cameras want footage. The W1 appears to want both, plus a power management plan for the campsite.
Inside the home, it makes a certain sense. It can patrol, watch for problems, connect to smart-home alerts, and generally move through the house with the confidence of an appliance that knows where the batteries are buried. Outside, the proposition becomes grander. It can transport camping gear, follow the family, take photos, and supply portable power. At that point it is less a gadget than a small trip chaperone who may insist the cooler be locked after dusk.
I like that it follows you. I dislike that it follows you. These opinions live together now.
The W1 may be useful for families that want security, mobility, and a robot that can look meaningfully at a smoke alarm. It may also be useful for families that have always felt their vacation lacked a rolling compliance officer.
Source note: TechCrunch reported that Zeroth Robotics introduced the W1 at CES 2026 with home security, mobile surveillance, smart-home alerts, camping assistance, and a listed price of $4,999.
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