Produced by Zhineng Zhixin

Infineon has triumphantly integrated its REAL3™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology into Roborock's groundbreaking Saros Z70 robotic vacuum cleaner. Saros Z70 stands as the first robotic vacuum in the industry to feature a 5-axis robotic arm, capable of smartly navigating obstacles and reaching areas traditionally inaccessible to conventional vacuum cleaners.

Infineon's ToF technology, driven by its superior performance and space efficiency, boasts a footprint 100 times smaller than traditional laser ranging systems. This compact size allows for the seamless integration of the 5-axis robotic arm while maintaining the device's sleek and slim design. This advanced technology grants Saros Z70 enhanced navigation precision and obstacle recognition capabilities.

Part 1

REAL3™ ToF Technology

Technical Advantages

The REAL3™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology in the Saros Z70 robotic vacuum cleaner achieves the industry's first 5-axis robotic arm integration through millimeter-level 3D depth perception. This breakthrough addresses the spatial and control limitations of conventional cleaning devices.

The single-chip solution offers a 100-fold reduction in size and a 60% decrease in power consumption, enabling the robotic arm to perform complex tasks such as intelligent obstacle removal and deep blind spot cleaning while maintaining a slim profile (just 9.5cm tall).

Infineon's ToF technology employs modulated light through 850nm/940nm infrared sources and phase difference calculations for real-time 3D imaging. Its core components include an integrated ToF imager, driver circuit, and optical system, constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the environment to support intelligent decision-making.

Unlike traditional laser ranging (LDS) technology, ToF technology surpasses the size and energy consumption constraints posed by rotating components.

In Saros Z70, the ToF-powered 5-axis robotic arm facilitates intelligent obstacle removal, enhanced deep cleaning, and safe operation. Coupled with dynamic path planning and multi-type obstacle recognition, it boosts cleaning efficiency by 40%* and covers 97.3%* of traditional cleaning blind spots.

Technically, millimeter-level depth perception ensures precise navigation in complex environments, anti-glare interference design ensures round-the-clock stability, and high integration reduces BOM complexity and production costs, fostering innovation in smart home devices.

Infineon's REAL3™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology is an advanced 3D imaging technology based on the principle of indirect ToF (i-ToF). It comprises a ToF imager, an infrared illumination source (with a wavelength of 850 nm or 940 nm) and its driver circuit, along with an optical lens group.

● The workflow of ToF technology involves:

◎ Infrared Emission: The system projects modulated infrared light onto the target object or scene.

◎ Light Reflection and Capture: The ToF imager receives the reflected infrared light.

◎ Phase Difference Measurement: The imager measures the amplitude and phase difference of the reflected light on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

◎ Depth Image Generation: Through phase difference calculations, the system generates high-precision depth images in real-time, alongside grayscale images of the scene.

This process enables the device to create a true 3D map of the surrounding environment, converting objects, people, and spaces into real-time digital models.

These data facilitate algorithms to measure distances and object sizes, track motion trajectories, and convert object shapes into three-dimensional models, laying the groundwork for intelligent robotic vacuum cleaner operation.

Part 2

ToF Technology

Application in Saros Z70 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Consumer Benefits

The standout feature of Roborock Saros Z70 is its industry-first 5-axis robotic arm, made possible by the miniaturization prowess of Infineon's ToF technology.

● This robotic arm bestows Saros Z70 with several cutting-edge functions:

◎ It intelligently removes small obstacles like toys or wires, ensuring an unobstructed cleaning path.

◎ It reaches deep under furniture and into corners, areas traditionally difficult for conventional vacuum cleaners to access.

◎ Coupled with real-time 3D mapping, it enhances obstacle avoidance, preventing collisions or damage to items.

These features elevate Saros Z70 to new heights in functionality and design aesthetics.

● Furthermore, the core ToF technology offers efficient path planning, improved obstacle recognition, and precise robotic arm operation.

◎ By generating high-precision depth images, Saros Z70 constructs detailed 3D environmental maps to optimize cleaning routes.

◎ Depth-based obstacle recognition enables the robot to intelligently decide the best response strategy, whether bypassing, removing, or avoiding obstacles.

Supported by the ToF camera, the robotic arm moves smoothly and precisely, enhancing its adaptability and intelligence in complex home environments.

● For consumers, Saros Z70 offers substantial practical benefits.

It not only achieves a more thorough clean, including removing small obstacles and cleaning hidden areas, but also improves efficiency through precise navigation and intelligent obstacle avoidance. The seamless user experience is evident in the robot's ability to autonomously handle complex scenarios, minimizing manual intervention.

Despite integrating advanced features, Saros Z70 maintains a sleek and stylish design, appealing aesthetically and convenient for storage and use. These attributes not only enhance users' quality of life but also redefine the performance benchmarks for robotic vacuum cleaners.

Summary

The successful integration of Infineon's REAL3™ ToF technology in Roborock's Saros Z70 robotic vacuum cleaner, combined with a 5-axis robotic arm, propels Saros Z70 beyond the limitations of traditional robotic vacuums, achieving unprecedented levels of intelligence and cleaning efficiency.