Switchbot, the company behind Simple robot finger One that pushes buttons for you has just debuted the closest we'll ever get to a real Rosie the Robot.
Switchbot Multitasking Household Robot K20 Plus Pro Switchbot has a version mini robot vacuum Which connects to a new “FusionPlatform” – a spherical device on wheels that fits on the robot and connects to various Switchbot devices.
Once attached via three mechanical claws, the robot pushes the platform around, enabling it to deliver items around your home, using Switchbot to act as a security camera. pan/tilt campurify the air with switchbot air purifieror provide spot cooling fan ofIt can also take your phone or tablet on a selfie stick, and Switchbot says the platform will be compatible with third-party devices. The company plans to add more features including a mechanical arm.
The robot can perform all of these tasks autonomously using automations set up in the Switchbot app – like “purifying the air upon entry into the room”, or you can do it using the app or with voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant. Can control with. Apple's Siri Shortcuts.
The robot navigates through a map created by a lidar-equipped device, and Switchbot claims it has “centimeter-level accuracy in avoiding obstacles and navigating tight spaces” and “over everyday obstacles at fast and “Moves forward smoothly.”
The platform has various power ports, including USB-C, so, in theory, you can plug just about anything into it – although its weight limit is just under 18 pounds (8 kilograms). Switchbot says the FusionPlatform can work with “custom-built attachments, 3D-printed components, and third-party devices with multiple power ports for speakers, car fridges, or even UV sterilization lamps.”
A teaser image released by the company shows a large robot with a robotic arm, with an asterisk reading, “The mechanical arm is still in development.” There's also a Combo Base Station option for the K20 Plus Pro, which adds a stick vac, so you can summon the robot and do quick touch-ups with the handheld vac. If that mechanical hand ever succeeds, perhaps a robot can take over this job for you too. This will take it much closer to its rosy aspirations.
This modular approach seems smart, and although no pricing has been announced, it should keep costs down. Instead of spending years and lots of money developing humanoid robots to mimic human actions, it seems more feasible to add mobility to existing devices.
In use, this will involve more human interaction – you'll probably need to remove the air purifier and replace it with a fan when you want to cool down – but it also seems like something people will use in their homes. Without the ability to climb stairs, it would be quite limited in my three-story house, but I'm still eager to test it out.
Switchbot plans to launch the K20 Plus Pro in May or June 2025 in a custom bundled kit for all the different functions – bundling the vacuum with a circulating fan to create the K20 Plus Pro Air Flow Kit, or using the Switchbot Air Purifier with the K20 Plus Pro Combo to create the K20 Plus Pro Omni Clean Kit, or combine all of the above for the Switchbot K20 Plus Pro Omni Ultimate Kit to do.
The S20 mopping robot vacuum gets some upgrades that matter
Switchbot also announced the Switchbot S20 Pro this week, which is scheduled to launch in May or June. The successor to the S10, one of Our favorite mopping robot vacuumThe S20 adds an extendable roller mop and side brush to help the robot mop and vacuum hard-to-reach areas like corners and walls. The S20 also has a suction power of 15,000Pa, up from 6,500Pa on the S10.
Switchbot S10 It was one of the first robot vacuum mops to feature plumbing hookups, enabling hands-free draining and refilling of its onboard water tanks via a compact battery-powered water station. (It has a separate auto-empty charging dock). While the S20 is compatible with a water station, which doesn't require an outlet so it has more versatile placement options, the robot comes with a choice of two all-in-one auto-empty base stations: With a regular water tank you can Refills manually or one that can connect to your plumbing. Also works with S20 Switchbot evaporative humidifier And it can be programmed to automatically refill the humidifier when it's out of water.
Switchbot confirmed that the K20 Plus Pro (vacuum part) and S20 will support Wi-Fi issuemake them compatible apple home, amazon alexaSamsung SmartThings, and any other platform that supports robot vacuums in Miter.