Hom-Bot, The Security Spy in Disguise

Do you remember the mouse droids from Star Wars? You know, those small, boxy robots roving the corridors of the Death Star? According to Wookieepedia (that’s an actual thing), they are the MSE-6 series repair droids that perform basic maintenance and cleaning tasks. But we have another theory: they are actually surveillance drones in disguise, secretly spying on workers and looking for intruders while pretending to sweep the floor. Don’t believe us? Well, LG has already designed a room bot that does just the same. It’s a smart vacuum fitted with two cameras used for mapping the room and streaming live security video to your phone. We believe this little guy is the perfect second line fighter to catch burglars off guard.

LG’s latest robotic vacuum brings much anticipated innovations to the table. The square-ish frame allows it to better adjust its position when sweeping corners, plus it’s fitted with a learning algorithm that helps it memorize its route. So even if you pick it up and reposition the device, it still remembers which portion of the room is already clean. Still, the most notable feature is those two cameras strategically placed at the front and rear end. These additions not only help the bot better navigate around the house, but the device also snaps photos and sends them over to you if it senses unauthorized movement. Because we are speaking about a truly smart device, it maintains constant connection with the smartphone app, making it is possible to check the ongoing stream to assess the situation.

Of course, Hom-Bot Turbo isn’t the first smart home device that is fitted with security measures. For example, LIFX developed a color changing lightning bulb. When integrated into a home security system, these bulbs can be programmed to switch to a frightening red color whenever the motion sensor picks up movement. There are also clothes hangers that hide a camera. Virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri will also help coordinating your home automation items in order to spot and scare away thieves from your property.