Robot

Electrolux is planning to launch a new robotic vacuum in the US market, one said to trump competing models in multiple ways. Called the Pure i9, this vacuum sports a triangular shape that better enables it to clean corners, for example. As with other robotic vacuums, the Pure i9 is equipped with a variety of sensors and software that enable it to analyze the environment around it. However, this model promises to take things up a notch with the use of 3D Vision.

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MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) has unveiled SoFi, a soft robotic fish that can swim in the ocean using realistic movements, enabling it to get up close and personal with real sea life. SoFi was tested in the Rainbow Reef, where it was able to swim at depths down to 50ft, taking on ocean currents while capturing videos and photos using a built-in camera.

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The Neato Botvac D7 Connected robot vacuum announced last year is now available to purchase in North America and Europe. As with other robotic vacuums, the Botvac D7 Connected takes the work out of vacuuming floors by using smart tech to do it automatically. Unlike many alternatives, though, the new Botvac model is compatible with Google Home and Amazon's Alexa personal assistant.

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Technology has invaded the fashion industry and not just because of smartwatches or smart jackets. Many humans have feared that robots would one day replace them, but that idea probably never entered the minds of runway models. That is, until Dolce & Gabbana’s Sunday show did exactly that. Well, there were still plenty of room for humans strutting outlandish but totally fashionable outfits, but it was clear to the show’s audience who the real stars were, despite being the cause of a terribly late start. D&G has just given a whole new meaning to the term “wardrobe malfunction”.

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Boston Dynamics is back with a new video showing off one of its creations, the latest iteration of the SpotMini robot. SpotMini has changed considerably since its first public debut; its movements are more animal-like than ever, plus it has a slim, sleek body. Not content with merely making robo-dogs, though, Boston Dynamics has taken things up a notch by adding a flexible arm and claw/clamp.

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Researchers at Harvard have been working on a robot that is built using a design inspired by origami and it is incredibly fast. The bot can move at velocities of 0.45 m/s and accelerate at 215 m/s squared. Robots of this sort inspired by origami creations are some of the most useful out there being able to bend and move with potential for use in factories where they could move at speeds humans can't replicate.

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While much of the tech industry has seemingly moved on to the disembodied voices of personal assistants, some still want to put and see a “face” on those helpful assistants. Even if said faces don’t have hands or feet. Yes, we’re talking about robots and LG has three of them. But forget your ideas of humanoid, much less cute, robots. LG’s new Serving, Porter, and Shopping Cart robots are designed to be efficient in carrying things around, not entertain you.

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UBTECH has launched one of the most adorable home robots to date: the Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper robot. The robot works with a companion app, which includes a pair of augmented reality modes for fighting against the Resistance. In addition to that, the First Order Stormtrooper bot boasts facial recognition capabilities, plus support for many voice commands, a sentry patrolling feature, and more.

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Honda isn't bringing cars to CES 2018, it's got a small army of cheerful robots instead. Dubbed the Honda 3E Robotics Concept, the quartet of bots built around "Empower, Experience, Empathy" aren't so much focused on traditional practicality, but instead want to give physical embodiment to a more helpful artificial intelligence (AI).

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The recent demonstration of the Atlas humanoid robot’s jumps and backflip might have left you impressed at how far such robots have come. It might have also left you terrified at its appearance. Boston Dynamics has never really been known for creating visually appealing robots. Coincidentally, Toyota has just announced its own humanoid robot, the T-HR3, which boasts of some smooth and precise movements. In contrast to Atlas, however, it is also designed to attract humans and not scare them off.

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Company UBTECH Robotics has announced the launch of Lynx, the first ever humanoid robot with Amazon Alexa baked in. The robot utilizes Amazon's personal assistant along with UBTECH's robotics tech to offer a variety of services and abilities, such as a surveillance mode for keeping an eye on your home while you're away and playing music via voice commands.

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Remember Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, the robot that just a few years ago was toddling around with a physical cable tethering it to its controller? Robots grow up quickly, it seems, as Boston Dynamics has just shown off the Atlas robot performing a variety of complex movements, doing so entirely wire-free.

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