World Cup fever has hit Miami, and I experienced a bit of it myself at the famed Aventura Mall. Robotic vacuum manufacturer Roborock hosted a pop-up event there all weekend, allowing guests to play games, win prizes, and find out about the company’s current lineup.
The installation, dubbed “Your Home, Your Stadium,” ran in collaboration with two of Roborock’s partnerships: Real Madrid and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. So, naturally, there was plenty of Real Madrid memorabilia on display, including a shirt signed by France striker Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid and Brazil legend Roberto Carlos was present on the last day of the installation to greet fans.
Roborock’s full and future lineup on display
Of course, Roborock used the event as a way to showcase its products. People can get up close with its current lineup, including the Saros Z70, which can pick up small items of trash with its mechanical arm. Other displays included a vacuum lifting an impressive 17.5 pounds of weight with suction alone, and another bot climbing over a small step on its way to clean some carpet.
I also got a little glimpse into Roborock’s future. Its stair-climbing robot isn’t exactly new. It was present at CES back in January. But it is still impressive to see up close. Using a pair of extendable legs, it raises itself up, cleans the stair above it, then climbs to the next level where it can do it all again. This exact bot isn’t available for purchase yet, but it’s expected to go into production at some point in the near future.
Yes, I kicked a ball around
It wouldn’t be a soccer-themed event if you didn’t have the opportunity to kick a ball around and win some prizes. The first chance to win a prize doesn’t technically involve any kicking. If you scan a QR code and fill in your details, you could spin a wheel and win a bottle opener, pen, or small ball on your way in.
In terms of games, one of them had you kicking a ball at numbered holes in a wall. You got three turns to hit a target, and success earned another small prize. There was also a ball dangling on a string outside the display, which you could jump up and head. Though no prize was available for that one, no matter how impressive your header is. If it’s all a bit too much, a living-room-like relaxation area was set up, which even included a couple of soccer-based table games.
During my visit to the stall, representatives from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired were also present, including US international blind soccer team member Oseas De Leon. I had the opportunity to don a blindfold and experience blind soccer for myself. The ball contains objects that emit a sound, and other players give audible cues during the game. I can confirm it’s borderline impossible, and Oseas is a genuinely impressive athlete.
Overall, it was a lovely experience at the intersection of Roborock’s technology showcase and the world’s biggest sports in one of the most vibrant places on the planet.
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Dave McQuilling