Tipron Cerevo
Cerevo’s new transforming robots may not save the world from Decepticons, but they might make home entertainment easier to enjoy. Tipron, the Internet-connected projector, can be programmed to turn on at specific times, roll out from its roost to a predetermined spot in the house, and project downloaded HD video onto the walls. Necessary? No. Awesome? Definitely.Drew Prindle/Digital Trends
Robomow
These lawn-loving robots automate America’s greatest chore. Capable of cutting between 1,300 to 11,500 square feet of grass — depending on the model — Robomow has the energy of a grandchild without whining about all the hard work. So sit back and relax as the sleek green machine tames your yard.Drew Prindle/Digital Trends
Qihan Sanbot
Sanbot is a multi-functional robot that's seeking work as a house maid, security guard, healthcare assistant, or teacher -- if only someone will hire it. Developed by Chinese firm Qihan, Sanbot can be purchased "as is" for $5,000 and programmed to perform various functions, depending on its needs. But Qihan hopes to push the product as a robotics-as-a-service, which would entail partnerships and subscriptions to access and develop Sanbot's most sophisticated features alongside the firm. Read more here.Drew Prindle/Digital Trends
NeatoBotvacs
Vacuum robots are nothing new but Neato’s Botvac D3 and D5 help make these cleaning machines more affordable, without skimping much on quality. Like Neato’s flagship vacuum, the D3 and D5 are both WiFi-connected, letting users order a cleaning from out of the house. The bots also feature the company’s unique laser-guided SLAM navigation system, which helps the vacuums map and adapt to rooms in real time. Read more here.Jenny McGrath/Digital Trends
Vestel TV-twirling trio
Not all robots are practical. Vestel’s trio of TV-wielding, industrial machines certainly aren’t, but their twisting, twirling display at IFA was as mesmerizing as a rhythmic gymnastics performance in Rio. Which made us wonder — when will synchronized robotics become an Olympic event?Drew Prindle/Digital Trends
Samsung’s robotic artist
There’s a thin line between technology and art, and Samsung’s sketching robotic arm showed off a bit of both. After analyzing pictures of IFA guests, the arm sketched impressive renditions on the Samsung Note 7 using it’s super sensitive stylus. Like Vestel’s robots, Samsung’s was merely there to demonstrate the company’s product, but it was impressive nonetheless.
Robots have been a staple of tech trade shows for decades at this point, and IFA 2016 was no different. As we made our way through the show floor this year, we encountered a wide variety of both old and new bots — some that mesmerized with their dance moves, others that tantalized with their industrial potential, and a few that left us wondering why they even existed. There were even some that weren’t being displayed as consumer products; they were just there doing crazy robotic things to attract people to a company’s booth. So to give you a taste of what this year’s robot roster looked like at IFA, here’s a quick roundup of the most amazing androids we saw in Berlin.
