The Best personal Robots for 2022
After Robot Vacuums, my next research focused on the best personal robots for 2022. I’ve had experience with toys vs. true social robots. I’m trying to stay away from toys. That is, unless they are hackable into a functional social robot. Think of the old-school Robosapien.
I am also weary of digital assistants vs. social robots. Therefore, I’m going to try to stay away from digital assistants in the form of speakers. I don’t consider them a true robot, although I may be persuaded. Also, their integration might be a necessary evil these days.
Anyway, the conclusion is: surprise! Amazon rules the day with their brand-new Amazon Astro Household Robot.
Amazon Astro - #1 in Best Personal Robots
This thing is awesome...
This is no toy. Or at least it is a very adult toy. This is the Amazon Astro Household Robot. It has security features, can be controlled remotely using the camera to navigate, and can deliver things to specific people through its recognition technology. We feel at Family Robotics that this honestly may be what we’ve been waiting for. It’s a great first try anyway.
Which brings us to the next point. This is still in what Amazon calls its “Day 1” Edition and it’s available by invitation only. However, we are confident that as 2022 rolls in, Amazon rolls this out. We’re really hoping that they don’t run into supply issues…
At $999.99, it’s not cheap but it’s not unreasonable.
If you want to skip this review, go get it now!
Home Security
Astro can send you alerts when it sees people in your house or hears noises that it doesn’t recognize. Basically, this is a moving security camera. While you’re away, it monitors your home. You can check in on your home from anywhere and move the robot to where you need to see. In other words, if you need to check if you left the light on in the kitchen, you use the app and tell the robot to go there. Meanwhile, you are monitoring the camera. You can see and hear everything in your house.
You can also connect the Astro to your Ring Security network. We are going to pass on that option for now, but definitely will revisit. That’s a subscription service that we don’t need right now.
Navigation
Amazon also added some really smart features. For example, when it’s not in use, it moves to low traffic areas to stay out of your way. It also can sense objects and moves around them without an issue. Finally, it can deliver things to people that it recognizes.
This can be handy in many instances but remember that it can’t go up or down stairs…as of this writing anyway. Basically, their engineers need to make this happen. A huge percentage of homes have a second floor or a finished basement. We think that Astro must be capable of changing floors if it’s going to be viable.
Privacy
Ok, so Amazon is obviously going to integrate Alexa heavily into this. While I’m not thrilled, I feel like the security and convenience are too much to turn down. There is a one-touch privacy button that shuts off the mic and camera. The issue is remembering to do it.
I think we’ll let it slide for now but will monitor our privacy concerns via the news, web, and Amazon themselves. Undoubtedly, the more we can be re-assured that Amazon isn’t collecting any info, the better.
That being said, you can check in on your house from anywhere. Essentially, you trade a little privacy for a lot of convenience. Plus, you can’t have better peace of mind without being physically present. This takes the anxiety out of going away.
Amazon Astro Household Robot - Family Robotics #1 in Best Personal Robots for 2022
At this point in time, Amazon is the name to beat in this space. Despite being brand new and not officially released yet, they have a robot that offers security, entertainment, even functionality like delivery and pet treats (with an add-on). It’s reasonably priced at $999.99 for the product it offers. We can’t wait to see what else Amazon integrates into this. Who knows, maybe one day it will have a vacuum on the bottom.
Click here to purchase from Amazon.
And the competitors to best personal robots for 2022...
The competition is hodgepodge of robots. Some have functional advantages over the Astro, like being able to ride. Some are more advanced from a programmatic standpoint. However, all have their major disadvantages like price, functionality, or just being a toy.
That being said, we are looking forward to all the improvements on these products specifically, and as an industry. Here are the closest competitors to each of the Amazon Astro Household Robot listed above.
Segway Ninebot Loomo
This is the Segway Ninebot Loomo. First, it’s $2,199.99, much more than Astro. However, you can ride it. It’s essentially a mini-Segway. It also follows you. Because of that, it was tough to eliminate this one from the best personal robots category. We eventually concluded that Astro is more of a household robot, whereas Loomo is more of a utility.
Keep in mind, this thing is a beast. It goes 11 mph and can go 22 miles without charging. Just because it didn’t win the category, doesn’t mean that we don’t want one. We do.
This is definitely on the list to buy for 2022.
Double 3 Telepresence Robot
Ok, so we went a little outside the box on this one. This is the Double Three Telepresence Robot . It was eliminated for two reasons. Firstly, it’s $3,899.00. Secondly, it’s functionality is limited to telepresence. On the other hand, the telepresence is unbelievable. Think outside the box. Imagine a grandparent in FL interacting with their grandchild in NJ, as if they are in same room. Then, off to the kitchen to discuss something with mom. The possibilities here are endless.
Here is the official website to check this one out further. This is the future of communication.
Ruko Smart Robot
This is the Ruko Smart Robot. Basically, this is a modern day Robosapien. It’s only $110.49, so it’s a budget robot. But really, this is just a toy. Don’t get us wrong, we love it as a toy and educational robot for kids, but we were looking for something more advanced for this category. We’ll check in from time to time to see what the hacking community is up to with this one.
Makes a great gift for ages 4-9.
