VEGAS INC coverage
The Consumer Electronics Show is generally known as the place for big brands to show off their latest technology.
But on the second level of the Sands Expo Center, a slew of smaller companies were displaying the fruits of their experimentation.
Here, at a number of booths labeled “Robotics,” pitchmen tried this week to sell buyers on products including an automatic grill cleaner built with a randomized sensor, service robots built to keep an eye on your home, and even a cellphone app that helps develops the minds of children.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting robots from the last day of CES:
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The Budgee "Follow Me" Robot on display at the Sands Expo & Convention Center on Friday, January 9, 2015.
Budgee
Billed as “The Friendly Robot Assistant,” the Budgee is essentially a robotic cart that follows you wherever you go.
Using a transmitter attached to a belt, the Budgee follows its user using an iPhone application. The user can control how much space the 20-pound, wheeled and foldable robot leaves between the pair.
With a market price of $1,399, the Budgee was designed to help those who are handicapped. The device allows someone with, say, a broken leg to go grocery shopping without the hassle of recruiting a friend or relative for help.
The Budgee’s battery was built to last up to 10 hours, and the device, reminiscent of a Star Wars “droid,” comes with built-in cliff and obstacle sensors so it doesn’t find itself in trouble.
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Smart Home Robot on display at the Sands Expo & Convention Center on Friday, January 9, 2015.
Smart Home Robot
This robot might represent the future of the stay-in butler.
Built by Korean technology company FutureRobot, the FURO-i Home robot comes equipped with a tablet computer able to offer residents a daily schedule with reminders.
But perhaps most interesting about the FURO is its security functions — facial recognition software and surveillance cameras. While the household is asleep, the robot keeps watch on the home, making sure intruders aren’t lurking outside locked windows.
In the case of a medical emergency, the robot is also programmed to call for emergency services.
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A screenshot from a Grill bot promotional video.
Grillbot
Cleaning your greasy grill grate has to be one of the dirtiest jobs on the chore list. That’s where the Grillbot comes in.
The Grillbot is a circular robot built with three rotating stainless steel brushes rigged to a randomized motor and computer. Operated with a push button, the Grillbot has three time settings.
Push the button once for 10 minutes, twice for 20 minutes, thrice for 30 minutes. Once you place the Grillbot on the grate and pick a setting, all you do is close the lid and let it get to work, scraping away hardened grease and built-up grime.
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Tyche Teaching Robot on display at the Sands Expo & Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in Las Vegas.
AiBrain's Tyche
The Tyche has been billed as a child-friendly robot to help develop young minds.
It works by attaching an Android smartphone — iPhones do not work — to a dock built into a toy car. Once the app is activated, a child can ask it questions, such as “Where is the USA?” “What is a lion?” or “Who is Obama?”
The app then responds with an answer.
A child can also control the toy car with voice commands, telling the app which direction to roll.
Once the Tyche is released, it will cost $339, AiBrain representatives said.
