Helper Robots
Business Technology | September 12, 2012
Here’s what we dreamed of as kids: jetpacks, entire meals that came in pill form, time travel, and, needless to say, helper robots. That last idea was particularly appealing: What humans wouldn’t desire a robot to make their bed for them each morning, go to work for them when they didn’t feel like making the commute, or vacuum the living room rug when they’d rather put up their feet and watch television? However, this promised day of robot butlers, maids, and workers hasn’t dawned. Sure, we have little robots that vacuum our rugs, but they’re always bumping into things. Can we do better than vacuum-bots?
BoingBoing recently posted an amusing video titled “Thanks a lot, robot friend” that highlights the issue we are currently facing with helper bots. In it we see a robot who attempts to pour a beer while holding a bowl of strawberries in the other hand. You will notice when you watch the video that the robot misses its mark, pouring liquid everywhere, then its arm falls off. It’s a fairly absurd example of how far we have to go before we have helper robots in our home.
Washing Your Hair the Robotic Way
Panasonic, however, is stepping up. The business last year revealed its Hair-Washing Robot. Truly. This robot can wet, shampoo, rinse, and condition your hair. It will also provide you with a spot massage. Obviously, you can do all of this yourself, without the help of a robot. To be honest, the robot is made for elderly residents who might need the assistance.
The Robot Bed
Panasonic also came out with a robotic bed that transforms into an electric wheelchair. You can see how the elderly or disabled would find this very beneficial. So, there are some helper bots out there created for people who absolutely need them, as opposed to those of us who would like to be lazy and not do house work. Regardless, it seems like we are well on our way to having the world of 1950s science fiction come into reality.
>
Here’s what we dreamed of as kids: jetpacks, entire meals that came in pill form, time travel, and, needless to say, helper robots. That last idea was particularly appealing: What humans wouldn’t desire a robot to make their bed for them each morning, go to work for them when they didn’t feel like making the commute, or vacuum the living room rug when they’d rather put up their feet and watch television? However, this promised day of robot butlers, maids, and workers hasn’t dawned. Sure, we have little robots that vacuum our rugs, but they’re always bumping into things. Can we do better than vacuum-bots?
BoingBoing recently posted an amusing video titled “Thanks a lot, robot friend” that highlights the issue we are currently facing with helper bots. In it we see a robot who attempts to pour a beer while holding a bowl of strawberries in the other hand. You will notice when you watch the video that the robot misses its mark, pouring liquid everywhere, then its arm falls off. It’s a fairly absurd example of how far we have to go before we have helper robots in our home.
Washing Your Hair the Robotic Way
Panasonic, however, is stepping up. The business last year revealed its Hair-Washing Robot. Truly. This robot can wet, shampoo, rinse, and condition your hair. It will also provide you with a spot massage. Obviously, you can do all of this yourself, without the help of a robot. To be honest, the robot is made for elderly residents who might need the assistance.
The Robot Bed
Panasonic also came out with a robotic bed that transforms into an electric wheelchair. You can see how the elderly or disabled would find this very beneficial. So, there are some helper bots out there created for people who absolutely need them, as opposed to those of us who would like to be lazy and not do house work. Regardless, it seems like we are well on our way to having the world of 1950s science fiction come into reality.
>