Science fiction books and movies have long promoted the idea of humans living in close quarters with robots. Androids, in this vision of the future, are capable of doing everything from making the doorway to making dinner and putting the kids to bed. They are integrated into any environment: home, laboratory, office, medical clinic and other places.
Robotics is becoming more sophisticated every day, and although we haven’t yet lived to see the day when we have full-fledged servants or robotic assistants, that day is much closer than you think.
The use of personal robotic assistants in the home is on the rise. Some are toys designed to entertain, while others team up with smart home devices to make your home more welcoming, functional and efficient. These robots can also be used to improve your existing security system.
What to look for in a personal robot assistant?
Before you decide to buy one, think about what you want your robot to accomplish. Should it be a fun device that will keep kids busy? Do you want it to be able to recognize friendly faces, etc.?
Many of the robots described below are capable of performing these and other functions. They can teach you how to program, detect intruders, or dance to cool music. With so much variety, you can find the robot helper that’s right for you.
The market for robotic assistants is still in its infancy. Most of the models available are either fun toys with a distinct personality or interactive tools to teach useful skills such as programming. Nevertheless, the offerings are becoming more diverse and sophisticated by the day.
Some of these bots can connect to smart home devices to help you control the lights and temperature in your home, memorize appointments or even give you yoga classes. It’s not yet known what tomorrow’s personal robot assistants will be able to do.
Anki Cozmo
Anki Cozmo is a really fun robot that is a great introduction to the world of programming. With the STEM visual programming language, kids and adults will find that they really enjoy learning how to program. The only requirements are an Android or iOS device with the Cozmo app installed.
One of the best features of Cozmo is the ability to develop a unique personality while adapting to your new home. The Cozmo Code Lab app is frequently updated to provide even more opportunities to learn programs as well as new games.
For those interested in learning how to program or have dreamed of having a robot friend, this little gadget is a dream come true. Cozmo is an exciting and educational companion with a distinctive personality.
UBTECH Lynx Smart Home
The Lynx Smart Home robot is not exactly a toy. Nevertheless, it is one that is quite cute, and can be programmed to hug you when you get home. The biggest advantage of the Lynx Smart Home robot is that it is fully integrated with the Amazon Alexa personal assistant. Accordingly, this product effectively gives Alexa a human touch.
Lynx can guide you through a variety of yoga and other exercises, and is also equipped with a security camera. Like Alexa, it can do everything the Amazon Echo can do. That means it will remind you to manage your smart home and search for you online.
WowWee MiP
The adorable MiP is the robotic butler you’ve always wanted to have. It has a built-in tray designed to carry small items, so you can ask it to bring you a cold drink from the kitchen. This is achieved through hand gestures or through a smartphone app. The MiP will be very useful in any home, so it’s lucky it’s so durable.
Its sound and physical responses are fun, and the app gives it many different modes and features. However, he may seem too loud and his sensors too sensitive.
Although this robot is supposed to be autonomous, it depends heavily on its app for its behavior. MiP the Toy Robot is an interactive toy that promises hours of fun for children of all ages.
Jibo
Jibo, advertised as the “World’s First Social Home Robot. It has a user-friendly interface and is able to integrate with smart home devices using IFTTT technology. It has the ability to answer questions, take pictures and recognize the faces and voices of up to 16 people.
Jibo, unlike other smart home devices, does not have the ability to shop or play music. The performance of the Jibo app seems robust. Wi-Fi connectivity is achieved with whatever device you use to run the app.
Once set up, Jibo will help with basic questions regarding time, weather, calories, various trivia and important issues. He dances to music and purrs at your touch, and does it all with a unique charm. Jibo is a friendly, enthusiastic, fun roommate who keeps you informed.
Mibro
Mibro from Really RAD Robots is designed to stimulate creativity. Mibro comes with a remote, through which you can talk to the robot or give it commands. It has the ability to change its voice, so it can sound like you or use a robot-like voice.
Equipped with lots of sound effects and jokes, this is a robot that promises lots of fun. He can use his tray to bring a drink or hold a smartphone.
Although Mibro is primarily designed for entertainment, it can also provide low-level security services. Just put him in stealth mode so he can hear sounds in the other room through the remote. Mibro also works as a home security guard (as entertainment).
CUE Coding Robot
The CUE Coding Robot specializes in teaching children ages 10 and up how to program. In both beginner and advanced modes, it is a robot that develops with your programming ability. The first step is to learn block programming before moving on to text-based JavaScript. In addition, CUE Coding Robot is equipped with the proprietary Wonder language and machine communication system.
The Cue Coding Robot comes with four unique avatars to give it personality. Bluetooth connectivity works with Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Windows and Chrome Books. Kids can exchange text messages with CUE and program it to perform dozens of behaviors. It’s also possible to set it in Seek, Avoid and Explore modes for even more fun.