Top 6 Robotics Invention in 2018 | Global PK News

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1. Ubtech Robotics Walker

The first bipedal robot to hit the commercial market, the Walker can be activated either by voice or by its touchscreen and serves as a robotic butler. This automated household helper can control your smart home, play music and dance, help schedule your calendar, patrol the home, and provide visual surveillance and motion detection. Although the Walker is currently arm less, robotic arms that will further expand its usefulness are in development.

2. Somnox Sleep Robot

The body pillow gets a robotic upgrade with the Somnox sleep robot. This robotics device copies the feeling of sleeping next to another person by mimicking respiratory function to comfort the insomniacs amongst us. The idea is that the Somnox helps calm anxious sleepers by giving them a breathing pattern to mimic that helps them fall asleep faster. While the idea of clasping a “breathing” robot might be unsettling to some, the Somnox has already proven popular.

3. Forward X CX-1 Robotics Suitcase

Frequent fliers among us will look on with envy at the hassle-saving potential of the CX-1. In essence it’s a smart suitcase, packed full of features to take the effort out of carrying baggage. Powered wheels allow it to follow its owner autonomously, assisted by facial recognition so it can independently track users and sensors to detect and evade obstacles. There’s even an anti-theft system in place where an alarm goes off on the user’s smart wristband if the CX-1 goes beyond a certain distance.

4. Boston Dynamics SpotMini

Boston Dynamics aren’t known for deploying charm offensives. Much-viewed videos of their dog-like robots running and jumping have thrilled and terrified viewers in equal measure. Perhaps the most infamous, and impressive, of all is the SpotMini. It’s able to run, jump, and even open doors. A video published earlier this year saw it carrying out tasks even in the face of mild human interference. Whether you feel it’s a harbinger of the Skynet-style technological dystopia that’s awaiting us or not, there’s no denying the potential applications of the technology are mind-boggling.

5. Aeolus Bot

The Aeolus Bot is bringing the robotics market closer than ever before to serious domestic applications. This home assistant bot is capable of vacuuming the floor, cleaning and putting away objects, and guarding the home. Running on Alexa, it can also help with shopping and organizing your diary. It’s still in the prototype stage, but manufacturer Aeolus Robotics is confident that a commercial model is just on the horizon.

6. Sophia

Although there have been iterations in previous years, it was at the 2018 CES that Sophia really made a splash. The ongoing brainchild of Hong Kong’s Hanson Robotics, Sophia is one of the most impressive displays of smart, empathetic artificial intelligence around. A milestone in humanoid robotics, Sophia’s software is powered by Google, helping her hold developed conversations with humans that include smart retorts, philosophizing, and even the occasional well-timed joke. While commercial applications aren’t yet clear, Sophia remains a truly stunning example of the possibilities offered by smart AI.