At IFA 2023 there was a preview of robots. Will these mechanical creations be on the streets or in our houses soon?
We have an upcoming podcast from a tech start up on the future uses of robotic technology.
Once upon time there was a major American department store named “Sears”. The Chicago based chain covered the retail landscape coast to coast from big cities to small towns offering everything from toys, clothes and household goods. What made Sears special? The once mighty retailer had Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances. Those two labels had a reputation of durability and quality. So well made, they came with life warranties and repairs. The process was easy, a buyer could take a tool back or call for a hassle free, at times no charge, service repair covered by the warranty. Modern appliance companies could take a cue from this vintage customer service template.
As the world shifts to pressing concerns and priorities, from AI, geo-political forces, energy shortages, supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns and Inflation Living Crisis, new models will have to develop.
Will the consumer appliances embrace the circular economy? What about Technologies Planned Obsolescence model? The Innovation Media Briefing for IFA 2023 came together to discuss upcoming trends in technology and consumer appliances. Will the consumer appliance brands embrace the circular economy? What about technologies Planned Obsolescence model? One of the major topics, developing a repairing and service economy for electronic goods. The EU is in the process of passing a right to repair laws, giving consumers a claim to repair electronic goods with access to spare parts.
As the consumers want more goods with a sustainable footprint, the buy now and throw away model is coming under scrutiny. When was the last time anyone had a display repaired? High cost and lack of repair professionals make it easier to buy another. Should I wait for a repairman when it would take me under fifteen minutes to work to electronic store? There are more barriers to fixing tech devices; companies control their supplies and services training.
Are buyers willing to spend money on the latest gadget during these times? Doubtful, in Berlin we face high energy bills this winter. More buyers are delaying unnecessary purchase in face of increasing basic living costs, keeping their old tech longer.
The technology industry after years of soaring above the clouds is dropping back to Earth in 2023, however, they are finding the world is a disparate place.
IFA 2023 starts August 31st.
I just happen to walk past the TOOA Booth at IFA. The Milan based brand has a store in the fashionable area of the city across from the D&G store. I have jetted past the establishment many times on my way to a fashion show on presentation. I will pop in next time I am there. The TOOA ice cream machine is chi chi in many colors.
The Neato D10 is a high end powerful robot vacuum for those of us who are not fans of cleaning floors. The very obvious D shaped device moves around the flat sweeping up debris efficiently.
My first impressions: speed, app, cleaning.
I tried the D10 without using the app to see how it worked. The docking process was straight forward. I hit the top “ON” button for a test try. There was a quick spin, off it went from one side to another. At first a bit awkward because the flat was unfamiliar terrain to the learning robot. On the device noise side, a constant whirl. The housing is smooth, simmering, sleek fast moving rolling and side brushes. The large 700 ml dust bin requires fewer emptying checks.
I got use to navigating the MyNeato app, but initially I found the somewhat software clumsy. Thankfully after looking at the reviews on Google Play and Apple Store I was not the only one. I had a struggle downloading to the OS System but had a smoother time with Android. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing functions were hassle free. Schedule the time runs and controlling the No Go Zones took a moment to learn, now it a simple touch on the screen. Before leaving on holiday, the floor space was set up for a run, while on the beach I clicked the button activating an Echo Mode session. The other cleaning mode is Turbo. However, I never use this feature because the energy saver speed is enough.
It is important to keep cables out of the way of the Neato. The smooth voice prompts comes across as the voice from the sci fi film “Logan Run” side.
After some runs the Neato D10 learned the layout of the floor. A complete cleaning took less than an hour, a short run was around thirty minutes.
The Neato D10 is pricey compared to other robot cleaners. But this floor cleaning device become a part of my household tech family intelligently roaming the rooms three times a week.
Worth a buy.
For the latest technology news from IFA Berlin check back here.
I saw Bob at IFA 2020. A cute, small and stylish mini dishwasher, the perfect counter top appliance for cramped quarters. Bob is now available in stores.
