Technology is steadily helping to rid people from the grind of unpleasant house chores, handing tasks like scrubbing, wiping and bin emptying to machines.
In a new development, Tau Robotics has launched its humanoid cleaning service in San Francisco. Residents join an invite-only waitlist and pay US$30 for a one hour visit. Staff deliver the robot to the home and a trained operator at the company’s facility remote controls it in real time while AI assists with balance, motors and other functions.
The machines rely on Unitree hardware, with Tau adding its own cameras, claws and computing tech. They vacuum floors, clean surfaces, dump waste containers and clear assorted clutter. Specialised versions using different software variations include Chelsea for kitchens and bathrooms using non toxic products; Elon, which learns item locations over repeated visits; and Tony for deeper cleans.
Customers must stay present while the humanoids do their work. Continuous video from the robot trains the AI while microphones remain shut off and deletion requests are allowed for privacy reasons.
Tau was founded in 2024 by Alexander Koch and Cornelia Weinzierl — two software engineering and robotics experts. They started their work by focusing on experiments with robotic arms.
These robots form part of a wider American push. Robotics firm Gatsby also serves San Francisco and charges a flat US$150 per clean of any size. It partners with various humanoid makers rather than building its own, often using Unitree G1 machines. Its first consumer clean was completed in May.
Another, 1X Technologies, offers its NEO home robot for purchase near US$20,000 or through a monthly subscription. It handles chores such as putting away dishes, cleaning bathrooms, folding laundry and wiping counters, blending autonomy with optional expert remote guidance for new skills. Figure AI has also shown its AI-integrated humanoids autonomously tidying living rooms by spraying and wiping surfaces, collecting toys and rearranging items.
The field is advancing from heavy remote control toward greater independence, with each model balancing cost, presence and privacy against a cleaner home.
Today, we’re launching Tau’s humanoid cleaning service in San Francisco at $30 per hour.
Access is initially invite-only as we scale operations. If you don’t have an invite yet, join the waitlist at https://t.co/RzW2TIUtbq.
All footage is shown at 1× speed. Each humanoid is… pic.twitter.com/tcuReme8t3
— Alexander Koch (@alexkoch_ai) July 28, 2026
Read more: Trump admin bans Chinese humanoid robot imports over security fears
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