At IFA 2026, the world of domestic robotics reached a new milestone. These machines are no longer just performing tasks like vacuuming or mowing the lawn—they are beginning to understand their surroundings more deeply. MOVA, a leading company in this field, showcased this evolution at the event in Berlin, presenting 22 new products and 15 innovative technologies across an area of over 1,700 square meters. The shift is clear: robots are moving from simple automation to more intelligent, interactive systems that can perceive, decide, and act in the real world. One of the most intriguing advancements is the integration of touch-based sensing into domestic robots. While camera vision has become standard for tasks like navigation and object recognition, MOVA introduced TactiPercept, a system that allows robots to feel and interpret their environment through touch. Using 128 pressure sensors on a flexible structure, the technology enables a robot vacuum to detect and respond to physical interactions—like touching a wall or avoiding a delicate object—more precisely. This subtle but significant upgrade means the robot can adapt its behavior in real time, moving beyond just mapping its surroundings to actually interacting with them. The demonstration of AstraX, MOVA’s robotic lawnmower with a multifunctional arm, highlighted the growing ambition of the industry. While a lawnmower is traditionally designed for one task, AstraX can theoretically move objects, water plants, or even pick up low-hanging fruit. This robotic arm acts as a physical extension of the machine’s intelligence, allowing it to identify a problem, choose a solution, and execute it. While AstraX is still in the demonstration phase and not yet available for sale, it offers a glimpse of what future domestic robots might be capable of—machines that can act as more than just tools, but as active participants in their environments. Beyond the showy demonstrations, MOVA also focused on refining the practical aspects of domestic robotics. For instance, improving the ability of lawnmowers to handle tricky edges in gardens is a challenge that has long plagued the industry. MOVA introduced UltraTrim 3.0 and 4.0, technologies that allow for precise cutting along edges and better navigation around obstacles. Similarly, vacuum robots like the V70 Ultra Complete now feature advanced systems like MaxiReachX, which extend the reach of cleaning tools to ensure no dust is left behind. These incremental improvements are crucial in making domestic robots more effective and reliable in everyday use. As IFA 2026 draws to a close, the big question remains: when will these robots become truly autonomous? The event suggests that the focus of domestic robotics is shifting from power and speed to awareness and adaptability. While some technologies, like TactiPercept and Knot 80—a robotic hand with 11 degrees of freedom—may still be in the experimental phase, others could soon be available in consumer products. The movement toward more intelligent, interactive robots is well underway, and MOVA is at the forefront of this transformation. For those interested in exploring these innovations, more details can be found on MOVA’s official website.