San Francisco Homes Now Cleaned by Humanoid Robots for $30

The service, which began this month, uses human-sized robots to perform chores such as vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and tidying up in select homes and offices. Customers must apply for an invitation through Tau Robotics' website, and the company says it is currently accepting a limited number of clients to ensure quality and safety.

Each cleaning session is monitored by a remote human operator who can take over if the robot encounters an unfamiliar situation, according to the company. The robots are equipped with sensors and cameras to map rooms, identify objects, and avoid obstacles, allowing them to navigate dynamic environments like cluttered living rooms or busy kitchens.

Tau Robotics says the primary goal of the service is not just to clean, but to collect real-world data on how robots interact with unpredictable human spaces. This data will be used to train future autonomous models, reducing the need for human oversight over time. The company plans to expand the service to other cities once the technology matures.

The $30 hourly rate is competitive with professional cleaning services in San Francisco, which typically charge between $40 and $60 per hour. However, the company notes that the current price is introductory and may change as the service scales. Interested residents can join a waitlist, though no timeline has been given for wider availability.