The yearly CES tech expo just happened, and revealed all the latest technology the experts have been working on - including robotics! Here are eight of the best robots we loved from the expo. We can't wait until these guys start being sold in shops, because we want them all! Want to see more interesting things? Take a look at these amazing photos of nature and science.
This article first appeared on Tech Republic.
Is there anything worse than running out of toilet paper just when you need it most? We don't think so. That's where RollBot comes in: this cute little robot on wheels delivers toilet paper to those who really need it. RollBot uses infrared sensors to find it's way to people who need toilet paper, with the TP balancing on it's head. The robot can't independently retrieve toilet paper, so someone has to place some on it's head in anticipation of an awkward moment. Although it's not for sale now, we think the RollBot is an absolute winner.
Ballie, by Samsung, is a "life-companion" (so throw out your girlfriend/boyfriend). It's a tennis-ball shaped robot with a camera and AI capabilities, and it rolls after it's owner in a cute way. Ballie can connect with and control smart devices, and it's designed to understand and react to the needs of it's owner. On the plus side, you don't have to buy it anything for it's birthday, but on the other hand, it probably can't make dinner for you (but it might be able to order takeaway!). So I wouldn't get rid of your girlfriend/boyfriend just yet.
It looks like a Transformer suit, and it kind of turns you into a Transformer. In a way. This is the Guardian XO super suit and it's an exoskeleton designed to be worn by people who have to lift or manipulate heavy items. It allows you to make natural movements, and you won't have to use lifting machinery. We think it's a pretty cool idea! Who wouldn't want to look like a Transformer at work?
We think this one is great. Meet BellaBot, a robotic waiter cat. BellaBot is designed to carry up to 10 kg of plates and bowls, which it can deliver to customers. It meows at customers when it has arrived with their food, and purrs when customers scratch it behind the ear. It's cat-like face expresses it's emotions - so if you pat it for too long, it'll get angry at you for interrupting it's work. Temperamental, just like a real cat! I wouldn't mind employing some of these cute robo kitties.
Say hello to Lovot, the soft and warm robot that serves as a pet, emotional support robot, baby monitor and even security as it patrols the house. The little owl/bear robot moves around the house autonomously, and can detect when it's being hugged. It also takes photos of it's people when they're smiling. How sweet!
This is Toyota's innovative robot, the T-HR3. It is controlled by a human wearing a virtual reality headset, receiving data through augumented video and perception via a computer in the robot. While it's a cool idea to have a life-sized robot mimic your movements, we don't really know what practical purposes this one has...
This is Digit, a bipedal robot that can carry things up to 40 pounds, get up if it falls over, open doors and wave for balance. It's designed to make deliveries and work in factories. While it saves human labour, we think it's a little freaky without a head! Put a cute cat head on it, please.
This is the robot pet cat you always wanted. Meet MarsCat, a bionic pet cat that is completely autonomous. MarsCat responds to interactions, and can feel touch, hear voices, see faces, and play with toys. Plus, it won't put hair all over your clothes (perfect for people with allergies) and you don't have to empty it's kitty litter. We want one!