CES 2024 updates: The most interesting “Robots” from tech’s big show
At CES, the largest tech conference in the world, there is a growing fascination with robots, particularly robotic vacuums and window cleaners. Consumer interest in robotic vacuums, mops, and window cleaners has skyrocketed since the popularity of Roombas, leading to the search for technology that allows people to automate mundane tasks and focus on more enriching activities.
Research on robotic pool cleaners has been steadily increasing since 2004, with a significant spike in interest in May 2022. Wybotics, an exhibitor at CES, unveiled underwater-docking technology that claims to be the first of its class. This innovation makes CES special as it is a product type that hasn’t fully taken root yet, yet companies are developing new features before the technology becomes a standard for homes with pools.
BestReviews’ favorite robotic pool cleaner from 2022 was the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, and they plan to test the line of products this spring once temperatures warm up. Robotic lawnmowers, which were first researched in 2021, have also shown improved functionality that should make the technology more easily adopted. The Mammotion Luba 2 and Novabot series are two robots that are expected to win the Best of the Best slot.
The Luba 2 has all-wheel drive capabilities, allowing it to take on significant uphill terrain up to 38 degrees of incline. It has a cool app that allows users to customise their experience with predetermined routes. The Novabot N2000 can cover up to 1.5 acres and has safety monitoring features to detect unexpected movements in the yard.
Robots designed to clear snow from front walkways, leaves, or debris during the fall and mow lawns throughout non-snowed-in months are another category of robots. The Yarbo 2024 line is a whole-year solution that allows users to toggle between life-blowing, snow removal, and lawn-mowing designs. It doesn’t require wires and can monitor your yard for security surveillance. For those who still want the experience of doing work without leaving their couch, the Yarbo Snow Blower S1 is currently available for sale on their site for $7,499.
Samsung’s Ballie is a robotic projector in the shape of a ball. It can follow you around the house and project information onto walls and surfaces, such as the current meteorological conditions, the calendar, and videos from YouTube. Ballie will automatically find a surface on which to project images, videos, and applications. Voice commands can control Ballie, and the screen it projects can be used as a touchscreen.
In a press release, Samsung says, “Ballie can automatically adjust the picture based on the wall distance and lighting conditions.” This means that you can use it to project images and stream content on walls. “It can automatically figure out the best projection angle for you based on a person’s posture and facial angle.”
LG showed off its Smart Home AI Agent, a robot with two legs that can use its sensors and cameras to connect to devices in your home. As a home’s security guard, it can greet guests, take care of pets, and do other things using its voice and image recognition. It will send you a message if it thinks something is wrong, even if you leave a window open. It will also play music to make you feel better if it senses that you are not in a good mood.
