Inside the bizarre world of robots as billionaires purchase bots to blow their tea chilly

EXCLUSIVE: From companions in the home who can fold your laundry, to a small gadget that can blow on your tea and coffee to cool it down – the robot world is constantly evolving

The world of robots – most notably artificial intelligence – appears to be developing and growing quicker than ever, with many opportunities to invest from the ultra wealthy.

There are many cool gadgets and wacky robots on the market now. Some provide genuine technological advancements and even an opportunity to overtake human workers. While others confuse the majority of consumers – including a robot that will cool down your tea and coffee for you by essentially “blowing” your beverage. Ilia Badeev, head of data science at Trevolution Group, has had his say on the future of robots in out society.

He said: “You can see self-driving robots already replacing delivery staff, chatbots taking over some customer support tasks or even robot lawnmowers buzzing and trimming grass that used to be mowed by the neighbourhood teens. It’s an inevitable trend that will slowly but surely ‘take over’ most of the less-qualified roles from human hands.

“I’m fairly certain housekeeping roles will be the first ‘to go’. Unless you have formed an emotional bond with your help, most of the manual labour, that is often repetitive, will soon be automated.

“We no longer wash our dishes or laundry by hand, so why do we think picking up LEGOs, loading the said dishes or laundry, dusting, vacuuming or taking out the garbage will be any different?”

He added: “Then – chauffeur roles. Companies have been innovating self-driving technology like crazy, so it won’t be unlikely to see rich kids be driven to school by heavily armoured SUVs on full autopilot in five to ten years’ time.

“In about a decade, we’re probably looking at AI replacing some white-collar jobs as well. Think junior level accountants, bankers, analysts, coders. The senior roles will still remain human but will be heavily augmented by AI.”

But which robots are currently on the market for the ultra wealthy? There is already plenty of choice:

Tombot Jenny

What could possibly replace the love of man’s best friend? Robots, of course.

The undead robot dog can be charged from a plug socket and understands voice commands and controls. He’s complete with motion sensors and even makes realistic dog sounds for good measure.

Described on the website as an “emotional support animal,” it aims to offer animal support to people who can not physically take care of a pet.

The company behind it says this could help ease stress, loneliness, anxiety and depression. It is thought to be the only dog in the world who has an app and frequent software updates.

Roborock Saros Z70

Robot vacuums are perhaps not anything new in the tech world. However, this one has something the others do not – arms.

While moving, the vacuum produces a robotic arm pops out, picking up and moving objects in its way. No longer will a stray sock get caught in your vacuum’s path.

Using a camera and sensor, it can actually move all your rubbish to just one spot, making a pile of discarded socks, tissues and other small objects.

Yukai engineering Cat

Are you looking for something to cool down your tea before you take the perfect sip? Look no further.

Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering has debuted a portable cat-shaped robot that blows air to cool down hot food and beverages. The small device simply clips onto the side of a mug and uses its ‘mouth’ to blow and cool down drink and food.

The robot is aimed at people with heat-sensitive tongues, a condition that an online survey in Japan revealed affects nearly 47% of its population.

Yukai engineering Mirumi

That same Japanese start up this year revealed their latests model: Mirumi.

Resembling a tiny pink sloth, its teeny robot arms can be looped around backpacks or straps and carried around.

When out in public, it can show curiosity, its head also turns towards movement or loud noises. It can also display “bashfulness” when approached, or displeasure with a slow shake of the head.

There’s seemingly no real point to this gadget, other than to provide a bit of fun. The same company also made robot dogs designed with the sole purpose of nibbling your finger.

Neo Beta

This robot is made for those hoping to meet a new friend – without having to actually meet them.

Made by the company 1X, they describe it as “a significant advancement in robotics.” Neo can actually do chores and help out with day-to-day tasks.

So far, they’ve shown it making coffee, folding laundry, hugging people and picking up your backpack on your way out of the house. Not a bad start…

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