Dyson’s New Robots Will Clean Your House For You
- Last week, Dyson announced that for more than ten years, the company known for vacuums has been working on robots that can help us complete household chores.
- In a new hiring push, Dyson is expanding its robotic engineering efforts across four new facilities in Europe and Asia.
- A more rugged robot is required to handle the wear-and-tear of working inside a chaotic human household.
Imagine a robot picking up toys strewn about your home. Or maybe a robot bleaching the kitchen counter after it meticulously washes your dishes and places them in your drying rack. That’s the vision of the future that Dyson hopes to make a reality with an engineering push that welcomes robots into our homes to complete arduous, repetitive household tasks. That could make your least favorite chores a thing of the past.
On May 25, Dyson revealed that the brand, best known for its line of vacuums, has spent the last ten years heavily dedicated to improving robotics within the home; it’s all part of a covert 20-year push toward advanced household robotics that began with the firm’s development of robo-vacuums. “There is a big future in robotics, saving people time, performing chores for people and improving people’s daily lives,” Dyson says in a YouTube video about the new robots (embedded at the top of this story).
Dyson released the promotional video as part of a hiring push, as it aims to eventually have 700 engineers across four sites in the United Kingdom and Singapore dedicated to household robotics.
To make it work, Dyson knows it needs to continue to improve the functionality and durability of the machinery to “be as compliant as possible and safe in a home environment.” Translation: make a robot that doesn’t get destroyed by the humans it hopes to help.
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In order for Dyson to get a robot involved in cleaning the sofa, picking up toys, putting away dishes, or cleaning countertops, the company needs to improve its durability.
With movable arms and grippers—meaning various degrees of freedom, or directions the robot can move in—the machine can’t be under a constant threat of breaking. It also needs to be able to move about a home without breaking other things. (Unless, you know, Dyson figures out how to get the robots to fix things, too).
Dyson is already at work upgrading sensors and cameras to help the robot scan rooms, furniture, and household items to better understand and distinguish between objects. Add in upgraded thermal imaging—we don’t want the robots trying to clean humans, after all—and the robots are well on their way to becoming adequate cleaning pros.
Dyson
Of course, Dyson isn’t the only group trying to make a complex household-friendly robot. Unlimited Robotics believes its robot, “Gary,” can handle a few basic household chores once it dials in the software. Aeolus Robots, meanwhile, has built machines that can help out with opening doors and picking up items.
Boston Dynamics, for its part, already has a popular robotic dog, called Spot, that can not only load the dishwasher, but has taken up work with a bomb squad, at oil and gas sites, and even in medical settings throughout the pandemic. (You can even buy one of your own, but it’s pricey).
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Dyson is working with England’s Imperial College London on secretive additional research and development, and reportedly plans to spend nearly $3.5 billion on technologies and facilities over the next five years, at least a large portion of that filling out the robotics effort.
Dyson says it want the world’s brightest robotics engineers to join the company to “create the UK’s largest, most advanced robotics center at Hullavington Airfield and to bring the technology into our homes by the end of the decade.
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Tim Newcomb
Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. He covers stadiums, sneakers, gear, infrastructure, and more for a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics. His favorite interviews have included sit-downs with Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland.
14 Robots You Need To Clean Your House
Why spend your days cleaning when you can just get a robot to do it?!
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ECOVACS
ECOVACS Smart Robotic Vacuum
When you’ve been away, the last thing you want to come home to is a mess. Even if no one has been in your home, dust can create a stale smell. Freshen up remotely with a robot vacuum! The DEEBOT OZMO 930 app comes with leading mapping technology, scheduling and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Buy it now on Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of ECOVACS
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Photo: Courtesy of Ecovac
Ecovac Robotics WINBOT, The Window Cleaning Robot
Sick of washing your windows? Who isn’t! With the WINBOT, you get the freedom of cordless window cleaning via a small robotic device that features advanced cleaning technologies to clean various kinds of windows quietly and efficiently.
There are various models to choose from, including a version meant solely for small windows.
When the WINBOT is charging, check out these 10 cleaning tips from a pro that will make sure your windows stay squeaky clean!
Buy it now.
Photo: Courtesy of Ecovac
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Amazon
iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop
Maybe having the robots taking over isn’t such a bad thing if it means they can clean the floors like the iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop. The robotic mope will tackle dirt and stains like dried coffee and soda with a vibrating cleaning head. Pick up these 100 essential cleaning hacks to make the rest of the chores easier, too.
Get this cleaning robot now.
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Family Handyman
Vacuum Dustpan Saves Your Back
You may think this Crowley Jones EV1850 Eye-Vac Pro Electric Dustpan represents the ultimate in laziness. But if you have back issues, this smart vacuum/dustpan is for you.
Just set the unit to automatic mode and sweep the debris toward it. The motion sensor detects when your broom is within range and starts up the vacuum. Aim the dirt pile toward the suction port and the vacuum will suck it up. If you have pets, they may activate the motion detector when they walk by. That’s why there’s a switched manual mode to activate the vacuum.
Discover vacuum attachment uses for dust collection in the workshop.
Order this for your shop.
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Polaris Pool
Polaris 9650iQ Pool Cleaner Robot
Polaris Pool has launched a robotic pool cleaner that can be controlled from a phone. A regular cleaning schedule can be set and the iAquaLink Control app will allow users to monitor the status of the canister.
See how you should be winterizing an in-ground pool.
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Seven Dreamers
Laundroid Laundry Folding Robot
No more folding laundry? Where do you sign up? The Laundroid will fold your laundry, for $16,000.
Seven Dreamers, a tech company, created the Laundroid, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize a piece of clothing, folds it and has it ready for you to wear.
Make doing laundry fun for kids with a laundry chute and find out why putting jeans in the freezer isn’t that crazy.
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Catolet
Catolet Smart Automatic Litter Box
Catolet is the business of solving what to do with you cat’s business. Catolet has developed a device that connects to the water supply and sewage so a cat can go as they please without leaving a mess. The Catolet conveyor system removes the waste and cleans after itself. You might just have to see it for yourself.
If the cat doesn’t go for that, try a Dart Laser Toy that will send them up a wall. Just make sure to keep your pets safe with all of the high-tech toys.
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Scentee Machina
Scentee Machina Smart Room Diffuser
Now you can control the smell of your home through your phone, which isn’t really a bad thing.
Instead of rushing to clean for house guests and letting loose a jet stream of air freshener, the Scentee Machina Smart Room Diffuser can release snippets of scent throughout the day. There are 14 fragrances to choose from and the technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze your favorite smell. The company plans its first release for sometime in late spring.
Add some lemon around the house for an easy scent and learn to recognize what a bad smell from the basement means.
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FoodCycler
FoodCycler Eco Friendly Food Recycler
The FoodCycler Eco Friendly Food Recycler eliminates much of the hassle of composting. Food scraps can be placed into the device and turned into a nutrient rich soil additive. The whole process takes three hours and can be especially helpful for eco-conscious apartment dwellers or those who don’t have time to maintain a compost pile. It can reduce kitchen scraps up to 90 percent and doesn’t require any additives.
The carbon filtration system eliminates any odor and agitators break down the food while it’s heated.
Start a compost pile with a few tips and see how to compost scraps.
Get one for your home here.
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SpinX
SpinX Self-Cleaning Toilet
Cleaning the toilet is always one of those despised chores but it might not have to be that way anymore with SpinX’s self-cleaning toilet. Not only with a robotic arm drop down into the bowl and clean it at the push of a button, the SpinX will also clean the toilet seat. SpinX has an anticipated delivery date of September.
Photo: Via SpinX
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Family Handyman
Grillbot
Is a robot that cleans your grill grate necessary? Absolutely not. Is it super cool? Heck, yeah! The grill-cleaning Grillbot runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and has three spinning, brass wire brushes to do the dirty work. The brushes are removable and dishwasher safe.
It actually does a good job of cleaning the tops of the grate but doesn’t get down inside quite as well as hand scraping. But then again, that would require scraping — by hand. It takes 15 to 30 minutes of steel drum-like racket to get your grill nice and clean.
Buy it now.
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Amazon
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner
Cleaning the shower got a little less painful with Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner. Just press the button and the device will rotate 360 degrees to prevent soap scum, mildew and mold. This tool will get your shower clean but check out these tips to get your showerhead clean.
Buy it now.
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Amazon
Central Vacuum Automatic Dustpan
This may not exactly qualify as a robot but it provides a satisfying feeling of seeing dust and dirt disappear. The Vacpan can be installed in walls in a home and connected to a central vacuum system.
It turns on with the touch of a toe. Check out these tips on how to get rid of dust before it collects.
Buy it now.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: December 03, 2018
5 home robots that will change your life :: Design :: RBC Real Estate
If you need help with cooking or cleaning, buy a robot. The editors of RBC-Real Estate have chosen the five most interesting home assistants that will make life easier
Photo: zenbo.asus.com
lost keys. If quite recently we only dreamed of robot housekeepers from science fiction films, today they can be ordered via the Internet. Looks like the future has finally arrived. We have selected five of the most interesting and useful models of electronic assistants for the home.
Spoiler: some of them are cheaper than the new iPhone 11.
adv.rbc.ru
Asus Zenbo resembles the Wall-E cleaning robot from the Pixar cartoon of the same name. This is a mobile home robot that will provide you with friendly support, help around the house and entertain the family when needed. In addition, the robot is able to control home devices and lighting and care for the elderly. For example, it reminds you of doctor’s appointments and the next medication. If there is no time to read a fairy tale to children, Zenbo will do it for you. She will also sing, dance and play games with them. While you are at home, he learns and adapts to your behavior. When you are away, it turns into a home security system.
If robbers break into the house, the robot will immediately inform the owners about this and switch to remote control mode – through its built-in camera you can inspect the home. Zenbo moves with the help of two wheels and responds to voice commands, and his emotions and reactions are reflected on a special touch screen made in the form of a face.
Despite Zenbo’s many skills, this is one of the most budget-friendly robot models. It costs less than a smartphone – only $599. “For decades, people have dreamed of such a companion. Therefore, we strive to ensure that robots are accessible to everyone, ”said Johnny Shih, chairman of the board of Asus.
Amazon Echo is a multifunctional voice assistant. It became a hit in the US and spawned competition from Google, Yandex, and other big tech companies. The smart speaker can play music and audio books, inform about the bitcoin rate and share the latest news in the country and the world. In addition, among its capabilities is smart home control. Amazon’s smart speaker is capable of controlling everything from the lights to the washing machine. He also helps you prepare dinner, matches your mood with wine, orders pizza and plays popular games using voice commands. For example, in Skyrim or Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Echo wakes you up, calls you a taxi, makes restaurant reservations and reminds you when to feed your dog.
All settings and additional “skills” of the voice assistant are set in a special application. The only negative is that the smart device is only familiar with three languages. These are English, German and Japanese. The column price starts at $99. Some variants of the Echo also allow you to make video calls, view camera feeds, control streaming platform apps, and shop on Amazon. True, some Echo owners fear that the column can be used as a full-fledged spy device.
Are you worried that your pet is bored and does not move much while you are away? Try buying him a Pet Fitness Robot from Varram. It is indispensable for all busy owners of cats and dogs. If you have a busy schedule and the animal is left alone for a long time, the $149 device will take care of it. The companion robot moves on any floor covering, dragging dogs and cats with it and making them move more. Pet Fitness Robot is made of impact-resistant non-toxic polycarbonate and silicone and equipped with special infrared sensors, thanks to which it easily goes around obstacles and does not get stuck in narrow spaces.
Experienced veterinarians and dog handlers participated in the development of the device. Therefore, even when the novelty factor disappears, the animal will not get bored with his “electronic friend”. Firstly, to attract the pet’s attention, the robot makes various sounds. Secondly, he treats the animal with his favorite treats, which are placed in a special container. When moving, Pet Fitness Robot will periodically throw them to the pet. With the app from Varram, you can remotely set the game schedule and feeding schedule, as well as track the activity of the animal. By the way, the speed, sounds and route of the fitness robot are also adjustable.
Aeolus Robotics home assistant is not even a robot, but a full-fledged member of the family. He helps with everything from ordering food to cleaning and finding lost socks. In addition, the robot looks almost like a person and weighs like a 12-year-old child. According to the manufacturers, the possibilities of their development are still at the children’s level, but the employees of the American startup intend to turn the robot into an “adult”.
Being near, the machine studies every detail of the life of the family, learns to perceive the environment and adapts to your behavior. Based on these data, it constantly improves the quality of its service. For example, each time returns things to their place.
Robot software is updated regularly. And the more you use it, the more confident it becomes. If you have lost your keys, the robot will help you find them. To do this, it is enough for him to “remember” where he saw them for the last time. Need to make a change? The development of Aeolus Robotics will easily move furniture. And she will also wash the dishes, bring soft drinks and call an ambulance if someone becomes ill. You can control the device using voice and text commands. The smart assistant is able to integrate with other smart home devices. For example, with Amazon Echo. True, to some, its functionality seems frightening.
Last year, Preferred Networks Inc showed off a robotic cleaning machine that uses deep learning.
Unlike analogues that work on factory lines, she knows how to respond to complex and dynamic situations that arise in everyday life. According to the developers, this is the first robot that automatically keeps the apartment clean and tidy. Thanks to the computer vision system, it quickly and accurately identifies the type and location of objects, grabs and arranges scattered toys, pens, slippers and other objects. To do this, the robot has a folding arm.
Fully autonomous machine understands spoken language and plans its actions following human recommendations. For example, she chooses in advance which object and how it is better to pick it up and put it in the right place. In addition, the Autonomous Tidying-up Robot System remembers room layouts and furniture arrangements. The maximum speed of the robot is 800 m/h. The development of the “body” of the robot was carried out by specialists from Toyota Motor Corp. As conceived by the authors, it should become a good personal assistant for the elderly and the disabled.
The start of mass sales is scheduled for 2023. The people of Japan will be the first to try it.
12 personal robots for the home
When I was a child, I watched Star Wars , saw C3Po and R2D2 robots and dreamed of my own robot. This desire was strengthened even more when I saw “Jetson” family robot-housekeeper Rosie, who worked flawlessly doing chores. I’ve always felt that a personal robot could come in handy as your own chef, trainer, and companion. It seems that the future has come into our lives, because now more and more advanced models of robots for the home are appearing on the market and are even cheaper than the iPhone or MacBook. Let’s take a look at 12 personal robots for the home: some of them are more like people, others are less, but they can all make your life better. 9 SoftBank Robotics
900 02 Pepper is one of the most human-like robots in the lineup. This robot is said to be able to recognize human emotions.
Pepper detects your emotions and reacts to them with the appropriate mood. Today, the Pepper robot is used for various commercial purposes in Japan, but it can also be a great friend at home.
Jibo
Jibo is a cute little robot that reminds me of Wall-E from the Pixar movie of the same name. It doesn’t move on its own, but this family robot learns from everyone who interacts with it – and remembers everything you share with it. Jibo will talk to you the next time you enter the room, and don’t be surprised if he cracks a joke.
Kuri by Mayfield Robotics
Kuri is a fun friend and good helper with serious technological content. The robot is mobile, equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, 1080p camera and face recognition. He also has the ability to telepresence, which allows you to talk through the robot with other people at home. It can move around the house, avoiding obstacles and pets, and additionally act as a home surveillance system, since it hears and sees everything that happens in the house.
Kuri makes beeping sounds similar to R2D2 from Star Wars . Kuri can take daily photos and save content to an app on your phone where you can view, edit and share the content with your friends.
Zenbo by Asus
Zenbo is a smart mobile robot that can communicate, help and entertain you when you need it. While you are at home, Zenbo learns and adapts to you, and when necessary, shares his emotions. Zenbo can help with reminders, manage household devices, act as a security system when you’re away, and even entertain kids with fairy tales.
Lynx by Ubtech
Lynx is a humanoid robot that provides mobility to the Alexa voice assistant. Lynx can order items directly from the Amazon website with simple voice commands. Lynx is equipped with facial recognition and personalized greetings. It can play music and keep you safe while you’re away by broadcasting what’s going on in the house.
Budgee by 5 Elements Robotics
Looking for another pair of hands to help you carry something around the house or yard? Then you need Budgee. Budgee is a friendly, hardworking robot that helps carry things.
LG Hub Robot
LG Hub Robot is a smart home assistant controlled by Alexa voice service. With it, your home can be made smarter by simply placing the robot in the most active place in your home. The robot responds to your movements with nods and simple answers. It can take care of everything from setting the mood and playing music to turning the air conditioner on and off. The interactive flat panel displays messages, videos, and photos. Using the face recognition feature, Hub Robot can recognize family members. This robot is not currently available for sale, but we hope it will be available soon as it was shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2017.
9Emotech Olly Robot This round desktop device is designed to make your day better. Olly is a London-based startup robot that learns how you’d like to communicate, then answers your questions and controls connected devices.
Robo Temi
Temi is a personal robot for the home: smarter than a telepresence robot, it can take on the role of a personal assistant on wheels. Temi was designed as a video chat and music machine to keep you entertained and connected. Temi runs on the Android operating system, so it’s compatible with many of your favorite apps.
Aido by Ingen Dynamic
Aido is a family home robot that can move around the house, help and improve your life. From playing with your kids to helping out around the house, Aido can do everything from getting things done. Aido can keep the home connected and secure with mobile and visual capabilities.
Personal Robot by Robot Base
This creatively named robot can do a lot.
As we said earlier, Personal Robot is equipped with all the main features such as: face recognition, photo capability, alarm clock, accurate language recognition and offline navigation. In addition, it can create a map of your home using navigational and mapping algorithms. Personal Robot can also interact with other home devices, such as the Nest smart thermostat and others, so it can help automate your home.
Personal robot Q . Bo Open Source
Looking for a 2 in 1 Personal Robot and Experimental Robot? Meet Q.Bo, an open source robot that allows you to add the features you need to create the most customizable robot. Q.Bo is equipped with basic features and technical capabilities, but they can be expanded. This robot is great for kids, parents, and educators because you can design and customize the personal robot you want out of it.
BONUS Erica – Japanese Android based robot
This robot is not yet in production for a mass audience, I just thought it should be included in the list, to demonstrate the direction in which the robots are moving.