China has unveiled a self-driving robot toilet that can travel directly to a user's bedside, provide bathroom assistance, and then return to its docking station to clean and sanitize itself automatically.
The device, called Xiaoban, was showcased by Chinese company Yueban at the 2026 Shanghai International Elderly Care Expo, where it quickly attracted attention online for its unusual design and functionality.
Unlike conventional smart toilets, Xiaoban is fully mobile. Users can reportedly summon it using a remote control or voice commands, allowing the robot to navigate independently through a home and position itself beside a bed or chair when needed.
The technology is primarily aimed at elderly individuals and people with limited mobility who may struggle to reach a bathroom without assistance. By bringing the toilet directly to the user, the device is designed to reduce dependence on caregivers and make daily routines more manageable.
After use, Xiaoban can provide a warm-water wash and hot-air drying, while built-in odor-control systems help maintain hygiene. The robot then returns to a docking station connected to the home's plumbing, where it automatically disposes of waste, sanitizes itself, refills its water supply, and recharges its battery.
To move safely around a home, Xiaoban uses sensors including LiDAR and laser-based navigation systems similar to those found in robotic vacuum cleaners. The system allows it to avoid furniture, walls, and other obstacles while traveling between rooms.
The robot also includes armrests and a backrest to provide additional stability and comfort for users.
While some online reports suggested the device costs around $13,000, several outlets have listed its Chinese retail price at 28,999 yuan, or roughly $4,000. Yueban has not yet announced whether Xiaoban will be sold internationally.