Human relationships are messy; the future of companionship is robots that can take care of you, keep you company, and make sure you’re save. At least that’s what China’s Siasun Robot & Automation Company is betting on. Their Family Nanny robot is only about five years from being available for purchase – and when it hits the market, it could be a great companion for elderly people who don’t need 24-hour in-home care.
The Family Nanny is a small, lightweight robot that can let absent family members keep an eye on the household even when they’re away. Basic conversational skills help the Family Nanny keep its family company, while a camera and built-in monitor let doctors or parents check in visually. It can also keep an eye on the house while you’re gone, and it will text or call you and/or the police if it detects a gas leak. Its external sensors let the Family Nanny avoid household obstacles and navigate safely through any house.
The sweet little caretaking bot is energy efficient, requiring only a two-hour battery charge to run for eight hours. And at only around $1500, it’s a whole lot cheaper than hiring an actual caretaker for your parents or babysitter for your kids. The company hopes to use a similar model in search and rescue operations in the future.