Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Forty years ago, consumer products were exciting. Sony released the Walkman, IBM launched the personal computer, and Nintendo released the NES, the system that would define game consoles for a generation. However, by 2010, much of that early steam had run out. Devices were almost all clones, and few new concepts were coming along except the smartphone.
Since then, there has been some innovation, like PopSockets and Fidget Spinners. But consumers haven’t seen anything groundbreaking or game-changing to get them excited or interested in parting with their hard-earned income.
That situation, however, may be about to change. Robotics (which subsumes AI) is giving physical machines new capabilities they simply didn’t have before. And, consequently, it means that new applications are opening up for them to perform tasks previously completed by people.
“We’re seeing this in the vacuum space,” says Vacuum Wars, a site that reviews new products that come to market. “Companies are in a type of arms race to produce the most robotic solutions that automate home cleaning and reduce the need for constant supervision.”
One innovation is to use AI to detect the floor’s surface material. Robots can use cameras and other technologies to tell the difference between wood, tile, and carpet, adjusting how they vacuum or mop.
Another innovation is the addition of AI-powered limbs to some models. For example, a company called Migo has the world’s first stair-climbing robot vacuum, negating the need for two-storey homeowners to carry their robots upstairs to finish the job. The firm sees a path to robot vacuums becoming multi-functional home assistants, helping with most of the chores, from tidying up to oven-cleaning.
But, of course, the robot revolution goes beyond automating more household tasks. It also includes other sectors that could enhance human life tremendously.
For example, the rise of wearable exoskeletons is an enormous step forward and one of the most exciting possibilities for the space. These devices increase strength and mobility, potentially helping disabled individuals and workers who have to carry heavy loads as part of their daily assignments.
Ekso Bionics is a company already working in this space. It believes exoskeletons can assist people and enhance their lives and productivity at work. Battery-powered devices support their own weight and provide motor-assisted increases in force where necessary for carrying or lifting heavy objects.
Some militaries are also showing interest in these systems. Exoskeletons could provide troops with more strength and endurance while performing specific battlefield operations, like clearing out enemy positions or rendering buildings safe.
Companionship robots may also become vastly more important as the robotics revolution proceeds. Older people may want technology to keep them company when people aren’t around.
Today’s robot assistants don’t do much physical work around the home. However, they do have vast conversational technology, allowing them to provide stimulation and interesting responses to human interactions, just like a person might.
For many older people, this level of communication is essential. Talking to someone during the day makes life more enjoyable between carer trips and helps with learning. Infusing robots with ChatGPT and putting them in a set of wheels makes it straightforward to discuss any topic from the weather to what might happen to the economy next year.
Robotic toys could also make a comeback. We’ve already seen drones take the world by storm. But other innovations, like humanoid toys with AI technology onboard could increase interaction opportunities enormously.
Robotic toys are fun for kids and adults because they react to their environment. Advanced systems can detect their surroundings and position themselves in a room. Toys can also follow their owners around and provide guidance when visiting new places, similar to today’s chatbots.
Even with these developments, there is still skepticism about the power of robot technology. Some commentators don’t see its value, at least not yet.
“Robot vacuums have been around for years,” Vacuum Wars explains. “But many people simply don’t understand the benefits they offer as consumer products. Today’s machines are vastly more advanced than the early iterations and can navigate around homes far better than before. Yet, we still live in a situation where overall uptake is minimal.”
The main skepticism is that robots are too expensive. The costs of deploying them are too high, many believe. But with changes in pricing, that’s no longer true. These products are becoming consumer-friendly, even as income declines in many parts of the developed world.
Rapid advances in the underlying technology are also making these devices more advanced and capable. Manufacturers are discovering cost savings, as with most electronics, bringing down the amount people are paying and making the entire enterprise more scalable.
There’s also the criticism that robots lack creativity and the ability to respond to real-world situations. Vacuums can’t come up with new ideas or respond to changing environments.
Fortunately, this aspect also appears to be changing. AI-powered onboard computer chips are giving vacuums more ability than before to slurp up debris and mop floors, allowing them to do a better job. Many have sensors that let them detect the rate of cleaning and the overall cleanliness of the floor before they stop work and return to their charging stations.
“Robot vacuums will become more capable and are dealing with many of the criticisms they face, many of which come from their early days as consumer products,” Vacuum Wars explains. “Devices are no longer slow and clunky, and many now have advanced features, allowing them to meander around bends and signal to users through apps when they need assistance and why.”
Reliability is improving annually, with most companies now offering multi-year warranties on new products. The machines are getting upgrades, similar to cars, allowing them to work and suck up dust for longer than ever before.
“The technology isn’t perfect,” Vacuum Wars explains, “which is why we love reviewing the latest models through retail channels. But you can see how much better it is getting. Vacuums are becoming more programmable and capable with every passing year, allowing them to do things that weren’t possible before.”
