Push a button or flip a switch from anywhere in the world with Microbot Push

[Shawn Knight]

Korean startup Naran is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a simplistic gadget that lets you push buttons or flip switches remotely via the Internet.

The device is called the Microbot Push. It’s a small mechanical device that, when activated, extends a small arm out that can be used to push a physical button or switch. The Bluetooth-powered button-pusher connects to a hub called Prota and can manually be activated via mobile app or from a computer (there’s also a physical button on top of the gadget that you can push to activate it).

The obvious application is wall switches but as shown in the clip above, its usefulness is only limited by your imagination and creativity. You could, for example, use a Microbot to turn on your computer while away from home for remote desktop use or power on your coffee maker when you wake up.

The Prota hub also allows you to automate Microbots using other sensors and services. For example, you could have your Microbots turn on your home’s lights when the sun goes down or fire up the coffee pot just by typing a phrase on Slack.

There are plenty of home automation solutions already on the market – even ones that allow you to build your own gadgets like littleBits – but few are as basic and practical as Microbot Push. Perhaps the only complaint is that they aren’t all that aesthetically pleasing.

Naran will be launching an Indiegogo campaign to fund Microbot Push starting November 9. The company also plans to show off its nifty gadget at CES early next year ahead of a planned March launch date in North America and Europe.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/62671-push-button-or-flip-switch-anywhere-world-microbot.html

 

[RustyTech]

Nonono...not until it gets beer out of the fridge

 

[OutlawCecil]

I like the idea overall. The obvious question is how much does it cost? If you need 2 just to turn on and off a light switch, I don't want to be paying $30 each. ($60 for a light switch) If they are less than $10, I can see that. Would be fantastic if they came out with a thinner model too. Seems wide for what it does, blocking the button/switch from actual presses.

 

[Adhmuz]

"Microbots turn on your home’s lights when the sun goes down or fire up the coffee pot just by typing a phrase on Slack."

These two examples are by far the worse ones possible, these two things already have automation in mind. If you don't already have a timer for your home lights, you should really get on that... And coffee machines have had the ability to be programmed for the better part of the last decade, even if you had your coffee maker switch on remotely it's internal memory would likely be cleared and still won't brew your coffee. Even computers have WoL options, this just seems like a lazy solution to something that could be so much better. For example, just replace the whole switch instead of having this thing on your wall all the time, it looks better, and functions as a normal switch. Figure you'd need two of these Microbots (they must be at minimum $20 a piece) or one WeMo at $50, you decide.

 

[stewi0001]

Neat and stupid at the same time. It is very creative though.