Modern robots have become smarter than ever, capable of responding to their surroundings and completing a variety of tasks independently, without human supervision. As a result, robots are now widely used in industries such as manufacturing. According to the International Federation of Robotics, an estimated 1.7 million new robots were expected to be installed in factories worldwide by 2020.
Additionally, collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are gaining popularity. These machines are specifically designed to work alongside humans, serving as cooperative robotic colleagues. This development hints at a future where people and robots collaborate smoothly in numerous workplaces.
It’s no surprise that robotics is seen as a transformative technology trend—one that, along with automation, will significantly influence the future of work. That said, robotics doesn’t always have to be serious. Many of today’s robots are quirky, charming, or downright amusing. Here are seven of my favorite playful and unusual robots currently making waves.
1. Luka – The Owl-Shaped Reading Buddy
Luka is an interactive reading assistant for children—or, put differently, an adorable owl-shaped robot that reads picture books aloud. Place an open book in front of Luka, and it will narrate the story on the page. Turn the page, and Luka continues seamlessly. It can recognize over 15,000 English-language picture books and 45,000 in Chinese. For books not in Luka’s library, you can read and record them yourself, enabling Luka to recite them aloud in your voice later.
2. Robo-Shark – Stealthy Underwater Robot
Could the Robo-Shark autonomous underwater vehicle be the future of marine surveillance? At the very least, it has one of the coolest names in robotics. This six-foot, 130-pound robotic shark glides silently through the water thanks to a fin-tail propulsion system, making it ideal for covert observation. Fully customizable, it can carry cameras, sensors, or communications equipment and can operate up to 6,500 feet deep, controlled remotely from a base.
3. Forpheus – Ping Pong AI Opponent
If underwater espionage isn’t your style, how about a ping pong match? Forpheus is a one-of-a-kind robot designed to play ping pong, automatically adjusting its skill level to match yours. It features a robotic arm that swings the paddle, an AI brain to calculate ball hits, and multiple cameras to track the ball and its opponent. The AI ensures that every game is balanced for your skill level.
4. Lovot – The Hugging Robot
Lovot stole the show at CES 2020, and it’s easy to see why. This small, cuddle-worthy robot resembles a penguin on wheels with a sloth-like face. Its singular mission? To give love. Lovot interacts with visitors by blinking its large eyes and waving its arms when it wants attention or a hug, creating an irresistible charm.
5. BellaBot – The Robotic Cat Waiter
Restaurants now have a feline-themed robot waiter. BellaBot is an autonomous food delivery robot with a cat’s head and shelves for carrying trays. Equipped with cameras and sensors, it navigates a busy restaurant floor, delivering orders while meowing to signal customers. It even purrs when someone scratches its “head,” combining functionality and whimsy in one robotic kitty.
6. Petit Qoobo – Furry Robotic Pet
For those who cannot own a real pet due to allergies, living arrangements, or busy schedules, the Petit Qoobo offers companionship. This furry, headless ball robot has a tail that wags, providing a surprisingly comforting—but slightly uncanny—pet-like experience.
7. RollBot – Toilet Paper Delivery Robot
Finally, the moment I’ve long awaited in tech writing: the toilet robot. RollBot, developed by Charmin, solves the problem of being stuck on the toilet without a roll in sight. This tiny bear on wheels carries a fresh roll on its head and rolls over to you, ensuring you’re never left stranded. Civilization, it seems, has peaked.
Robotics is just one of 25 technology trends that are reshaping society. For more fascinating—and sometimes downright quirky—examples, check out my book Tech Trends in Practice: The 25 Technologies That Are Driving The 4th Industrial Revolution.
