This article is based in part on trends outlined in the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® report Five Technology Trends to Watch.
Overview
Identified in the CTA "Five Technology Trends to Watch" publication as a promising topic in the coming year, robots are enhancing everyday lives and paving a promising future.
As robots secure spots as top-notch vacuum cleaners, personal assistants, smart living companions and more, they’ve proven to be much more than the machines featured in movies that today’s tech leaders grew up watching.
Prominent in popular culture for generations, robotics have reimagined a technology-augmented lifestyle in more ways than one.
Robotic Caregiving
From reducing patient stress — including for those suffering from dementia — to assisting with home medical care, robots have become interactive companions that almost seem to have their own emotions.
PARO, a robot designed to reduce stress for the elderly, senses and reacts to touch, knows its name, and helps improve socialization between elderly patients and their caregivers.
AV1, a telepresence robot that can take a child’s place in the classroom, allows kids with long-term illnesses to see, hear and talk to their classmates and teachers remotely.
The potential for robots in caregiving is high, and although there are doubts about whether robots can perform tasks safely and effectively, robotic health care is on the rise. The aging demographic across the globe has created new opportunities for robot-centric companies to push for increased awareness and acceptance of assistive robots.
Robotic Educators
Robots are also teaching assistants and promoting STEM learning outside the classroom. The CTA Tech in Education: Parents and Educator Use and Sentiment report revealed that a majority of educators and parents agreed that “technology allows students anytime/anywhere access to education.”
Robots such as BinaryBot, featured at CES 2018, give children kits including cardboard components and circuit boards to learn how to code and understand more about the Internet of Things.
Traditional global brands such as LEGO and Fisher-Price have also made way into educational robotics. Robots are even telling stories to preschool-aged children and introducing problem-solving skills.
Robotic Retail
Exemplified by SoftBank Robotic’s humanoid robot, Pepper, the retail and hospitality industries are also seeing an effect from the growth of robots. Representing the largest sector for robot use, this category showcases how technology can make processes and customer experience more efficient and interesting.
As a concierge, a shop assistant, a general greeter and more, these robots are changing the game for the shopping and travel experience. At CES 2019, both LG and Samsung showcased service robot offerings, designed for airports, hotels, supermarkets and malls alike.
Consumers are first the see perceived benefits, including convenience, time saving and cost effectiveness.
A consistent theme at CES throughout the years, robotics are leading developments in machine learning, sensors, data connectivity and more. As robots report for duty as teachers, friends and customer service representatives, they’re set to reshape the future of tech-augmented life.
Learn more about CTA’s Five Technology Trends to Watch.