World Cup fever has arrived in Miami, and I experienced a little of it myself at the famous Aventura Mall. Robotic vacuum manufacturer Roborock hosted a hack event there all weekend, allowing guests to play games, win prizes, and find out about the company’s current lineup.
The installation, called “Your Home, Your Stadium,” was a collaboration between two Roborock partnerships: Real Madrid and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visual Impaired. So, naturally, there was plenty of Real Madrid memorabilia on display, including a shirt signed by French striker Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid and Brazil legend Roberto Carlos was there on the final day of the installation to greet the fans.
The full and upcoming Roborock lineup is displayed
Of course, Roborock used the event as a way to showcase its products. People can get up close and personal with its current lineup, including the Saros Z70, which can pick up small pieces of trash with its mechanical arm. Other displays include a vacuum that lifts 17.5 pounds of weight with suction alone, and another bot that climbs a small ladder on its way to cleaning a carpet.
I also got a glimpse of Roborock’s future. Its stair-climbing robot isn’t exactly new. It was at CES back in January. But it’s still impressive to see up close. Using extended legs, it lifts itself up, clears the stairs above it, and climbs to the next level where it can do it all over again. This bot is not yet available for purchase, but it is expected to go into production sometime soon.
Yes, I kicked the ball around
It wouldn’t be a football themed event if you didn’t get the chance to kick the ball around and win prizes. The first chance to win a prize does not include any kickbacks. If you scan the QR code and fill in your information, you can spin the wheel and win a bottle opener, pen, or mini ball when you enter.
As for the games, one of them set you to kick the ball into numbered holes on the wall. You get three times to reach the goal, and success gets another small prize. There was also a ball hanging from a string outside the mirror, which you could bounce up. Although there is no award for that, no matter how impressive your headline is. If it all gets too much, a lounge-like lounge is set up, which also includes a few football-based table games.
During my visit to the dealership, representatives from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired were also present, including blind US soccer team member Oseas De Leon. I had the opportunity to close my eyes and see for myself the blind ball. The ball contains sound-emitting devices, and some players give audible signals during the game. I can confirm it is impossible, and Oseas is a truly impressive athlete.
All in all, it was an interesting experience at the intersection of the Roborock technology show and the world’s biggest games in one of the most inspiring places in the world.
