The futuristic dream of relaxing while robots automatically take care of house chores and serve cold drinks may not be as far off as you may think. As technology marches forward, key areas in robotics and home automation are being improved, making for a more sophisticated home.
According to Bill Gates, over the course of the next two decades software substitution or automation, will replace a plethora of lower skilled occupations. “Software substitution, whether it’s for house maids, drivers, waiters or nurses … it’s progressing. Technology over time will reduce demand for jobs, particularly at the lower end of skill set. 20 years from now, labor demand for lots of skill sets will be substantially lower. I don’t think people have that in their mental model,” he said. Several robots have already have been designed to live and work amongst humans — prototypes like Honda’s Asimo, Toyota’s robot maid, and DustBot‘s DustCart.
While robot vacuums and gutter cleaners have been available for a long time, these machines are limited in their functionality. They can be programmed to do a single task. They are unable to navigate a home based on location, nor are they able to build an awareness of a precise location. What they are currently able to do is take in sensory information about their immediate surroundings, and make instant adjustments to complete a task.
ULTRA WIDE-BAND RADIO
ultra wide-band radio
As the technology moves forward, new tools, such as ultra wide-band radio, may help robots to become far better at detecting their location in a home. With this key adjustment, robots will be able to “learn” where to expect items, such as a doorway or an item it has been sent to fetch, or where it should be cleaning and where it should avoid.
Once the location piece of the puzzle is in place, far more detailed tasks can be carried out. A robot may be able to go through a home, checking that it is secure, finding out if a pet’s dish is empty before filling it or checking to see if anyone is home before determining whether it is a good idea to mop the kitchen. With mobile devices and the Internet of Things, people and other devices in a home will be able to to receive feedback and give instructions to robots to complete needed tasks.
Advancing Forward
As home technology continues to pave the way for more comfort, security and convenience, the next logical step is the advancement of robots in the connected home. Since 1996, AHT Global has evolved with changing home technologies. The introduction to robots will be yet another milestone.
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