Helper Robots

Here’s what we dreamed of as children: jetpacks, entire meals that came in pill form, time travel, and, obviously, helper robots. That last idea was particularly exciting: What humans wouldn’t desire a robot to make their bed for them in the morning, go to work for them when they didn’t feel like making the trip, or vacuum the living room rug when they’d rather put up their feet and watch television? Unfortunately, this promised day of robot butlers, maids, and workers has never dawned. Sure, we have little robots that vacuum our rugs, however they are always bumping into things. Can we do better than vacuum-bots?

This hilarious video called “Thanks a lot, robot friend” highlights the problem with helper robots in a few seconds. The task the robot in the video is trying to complete is to pour a beer into a glass while holding something in the other arm. Upon attempting to accomplish this task, the robot pours beer everywhere and then it’s arm falls off. It may be ridiculous, but it shows that robots have a ways to go before they are able to perform even simple household tasks.

Washing Your Hair the Robotic Way

Panasonic, though, is taking the initiative. The business last year unveiled its Hair-Washing Robot. Really. This robot can wet, shampoo, rinse, and condition your hair. It will also give you a spot massage. Obviously, you can do all of this yourself, without the help of a robot. To be honest, the robot is designed for elderly residents who might need the help.

The Robot Bed

Another robot that Panasonic developed for elderly and disabled people is a robotic bed. It transforms into an electric wheelchair, and back into a bed. So, helper bots are not quite as far off as it may seem. They are just being developed to help those who need assistance with simple tasks, rather than individuals who would just opt to be lazy. But someday we may all have helper robots to get us a beverage from the refrigerator.

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