The e-commerce giant plans to test domestic robots in homes later this year
Bloomberg reports that Amazon has been quietly working on a new project that could have big implications: domestic robots. The retail and cloud computing giant embarked on the ambitious, top-secret plan a few years ago to build a domestic robot. Earlier this year, Amazon began to aggressively ramp up the process. There are dozens of listings on the company’s job page for openings like “Software Engineer, Robotics” and “Principle Sensors Engineer.”
A goddess in your home?
Code-named “Vesta,” after the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family, the project could put robots in the homes of employees by the end of this year. A rollout to consumers could potentially happen as early as 2019. Amazon Robotics already deploys robots in Amazon warehouses to move goods around.
Much more than a freewheeling vacuum
Bloomberg talked to people familiar with Amazon’s plans, but it’s unclear exactly what functions the robot might be able to perform. It’s safe to say the Vesta will be a kind of Echo on wheels. However, Vesta might be able to do much more than your Echo. Creating domestic robots that offer companionship or perform basic chores has long been an obsession among engineers. So far, the most practical of any of these developments is vacuuming bots like iRobot’s Roomba. An Amazon home robot could become the first of its kind to go mainstream.
Markets on the rise
Economists estimate the consumer robot market will be worth about $15 billion a year by 2023, which would be up from about $5.4 billion this year.
Another industry on the rise is real estate. Check out my recent blog about how economists say real estate prices will continue to grow in 2018. If you’re looking to move in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please call at 805.886.9378 or email me at [mail_to email=”Cristal@montecito-estate.com”]Cristal@montecito-estate.com[/mail_to]. I’ll happily add your listing to my portfolio of fine homes in the area and find your new dream home for your family and your new domestic robot!