In an increasingly connected world where everything is done with the push of a button, smart devices have taken the globe by storm. From smart cars to smartphones, smart TVs to smart fridges, these nifty appliances are designed to make life simpler for the on-the-go individual. There’s never been a better time to upgrade your home and your life with these state-of-the-art tech gadgets and robots.
Robots that give you hugs
Forget cats and dogs: uber-adorable robots are the new pet of choice for the tech enthusiast. LOVOT is a furry, attention-seeking robot that demands hugs.
The brainchild of Japanese company GROOVE X, this mechanical companion is the latest example of emotional robots: machines built to enhance the power of human love.
Equipped with an array of cameras, a microphone and over 50 sensors, LOVOT recognises its owner’s face and responds with a range of facial expressions, postures and cooing noises.
It even waits by the front door to greet its owner coming home from work, and can be dressed up in different customised outfits and accessories. Never feel lonely again with this warm, huggable companion.
An adjustable smart bed
As every couple knows, sharing a bed isn’t easy when you both have different preferences. The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed comes to the rescue, adjusting to each partner’s unique body to provide the perfect sleeping experience. Using the latest technology, the responsive mattress senses your movements, changes positions, warms up for chilly winter nights and even eliminates mild snoring from your partner. It also knows how well-rested you are; the bed tracks your sleep each night and sends the data to your phone so you can always keep tabs on your quality of sleep.
A coffee machine that connects to your phone
If you’re not a morning person, getting out of bed can be a chore. Luckily, you can now hit snooze a few more times with the Tap and Drop coffee machine, which lets you make lattes from the comfort of your bed. Caffeine addicts everywhere can rejoice thanks to the app-controlled machine, which adjusts the type of drink, bean ratio and water temperature to construct your perfect brew, all on your phone.
You can also set a timer to dispense your beverage at scheduled hours if you’re feeling extra lazy. The app will track your daily caffeine intake via a graph, in addition to the remaining levels of beans, water and water temperature. Plus, the device’s sleek, simple form in classic silver is an elegant addition to any kitchen countertop.
A dog toilet that cleans up after your pooch
Touted as ‘the world’s first smart toilet for dogs’, Inubox is the hassle-free waste removal solution for indoor pups and squeamish owners. In less than a minute, the box-shaped device captures, processes and seals waste in a bag, whisking it out of sight and out of mind.
Training your pet to use it is a breeze, as the toilet distributes a treat for your furry friend after each use. An inbuilt fragrance dispenser keeps the house smelling fresh, and the touch screen can be linked to an app on your phone for remote activation. The Texas-based company behind the product launched a successful Kickstarter campaign which was fully funded in 5 hours, with production set to begin soon.
By Jennifer Luu