CyberGuide
Robots at Work
FROM: JAN-FEB 2007 ISSUE | BY ROBIN DAY
The 21st century has finally arrived in my household: I purchased a Roomba robotic vacuum from iRobot. Of course this led me to wonder what is happening in the world of robotics for the home and office.
www.robotics.com/robots.html
A great starting point for general information on robots and robotics. Resources include robot-related FAQs, information on robotic programming languages, and magazines on robots. While I did not see anything that would wash dishes, some of the robots featured in the Robot menu section are fascinating.
www.engin.umich.edu/research/mrl/00MoRob.html
One area with enormous potential is the application of robotics in providing assistance to people with disabilities. The University of Michigan Mobile Robotics Lab site includes information on some promising products designed to assist those with visual and mobility impairments.
www.robotshop.ca/home/index.html
The RobotShop carries a variety of robots for the home. High on my list are the robot mowers from Zucchetti (www.zucchetti.com) and Friendly Robotics (www.friendlyrobotics.ca). These personal gardeners monitor the length of your grass and decide when it needs a trim; a perfect solution for accountants who can’t seem to get away from the office.
www.roombavac.com/sp.cfm?pageid=95
While the Roomba is not quite the sweet, caring Rosie of The Jetsons cartoon series, this electronic dustbin on wheels helps keep up with the never-ending mass of hair generated by our dogs. And for those muddy paw prints, there is also the Scooba, designed to scrub your floors while you relax.
While none of these products will completely take over our chores, they can give us more free time for enjoyable pursuits like reading the Income Tax Act and the CICA Handbook.
[ TOP ]
Robin Day, MBA, CGA, teaches financial management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is also president of Virtual Information Technologies Inc.E-mail rday@virtualit.ca.