Do We Really Need Home Robots?

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Maybe there was a time, when I was a kid watching 'The Jetsons,' that I fantasized of a walking, talking, productive robot in my house. It would do the laundry, cooking, cleaning, answer the door, walk the dog, dress the kids, make the bed, and so on.

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Buzz Feed

13-06-2025

• Buzz Feed

29 Kitchen Products You'll Use Multiple Times A Day

An expandable colander you can fit snugly inside your sink to clean fruits and veggies, drain pasta, *and* dry dishes while also bringing some life to a typically boring area of the kitchen. Or a game-changing Snap N' Strain you can use with any pot or bowl. Just think of how much space you'll save in your already-crowded kitchen cabinets! Reviewers use it to strain a variety of things (not just pasta)! Plus, a cutting board and strainer combo, your mom will "ooh" and "ahh" over when you excitedly show it to her over Facetime while *also* asking her, "Do you think this chicken is cooked?" A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, enjoy the fruits of your labor (yum) and then run it back again at dinnertime! Or an Emeril Lagasse dual zone air fryer over combo with precise temperature for both sides so you can cook two very different items at once (and in two different ways). It has the capability to air fry, bake, cook pizza, reheat, dehydrate, roast, broil, grill, toast, keep items warm, slow cook, and can be used as a rotisserie. Bam! Emeril is still killin' it! A set of stove burner covers to catch the inevitable splash of sauce that always finds its way out of your pot — it'll also help cover up some chipped the burners you unfortunately inherited from the previous owner. A self-draining silicone sponge holder you'll use constantly because, let's face it, you're tired of a gross puddle of dirty dishwater leaking all over your counter, and your brushes and sponges are in need of a home to call their own. It'll be a win-win! A set of gravity-activated grinders to make you feel like you're living alongside The Jetsons each time you season something. No twisting or turning needed — these automatically release freshly ground salt or pepper whenever you tip it over. Or hand-painted wildflower salt and pepper shakers that'll put a *spring* in your step — plus they'll be an adorable, functional and darling addition to your daily at-home dining experiences. A porcelain butter dish you'll for how pretty and practical it is but *also* be surprised by how often you reach for it during the day. Just think about it — on a typical day you could very well be slathering butter on a waffle, buttering up some toast, or popping some butter into a pan to saute some veggies! KitchenAid shears, because you should probably stop using your regular ol' crafting scissors when you're cooking. 😅 Use these to beautifully cut quesadillas or pizza into slices (a must-have for parents!) or to quickly chop herbs. A 2-in-1 knife and cutting board for anyone who detests cleaning full-sized cutting boards — they're so awkward to fit into my sink and I somehow always end up drenched in the process. It'll also be a great option for making custom salads for the whole fam who don't necessarily want the same thing in theirs. Cut a few pieces of cucumber into your bowl and a few slices of bell pepper into your partner's! A Dawn Platinum Powerwash dish spray that will become your right-hand man in the kitchen from here on out — it comes in various delectable scents and works wonders on caked-on food and grease. All you have to do is spritz, let it sit, then rinse it off! Reviewers are obsessed with it — it has over 90,000 5-star reviews. (WOW!!!) A soap-dispensing attachment to upgrade your Scrub Daddy into the ultimate dish-cleaning mechanism. You can go ahead and make an absolute mess of your pots and pants, knowing this gadget has got your back. And a set of cat-shaped double-sided sponges because why not turn one of your most hated tasks (scrubbing, well, anything) into an adorable experience that'll encourage you to do it *meow* instead of later? Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have you wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" It won't take up much counter space at *all*, and it doesn't need to be plugged in or charged, so you'll never find yourself waiting around too long for a fresh cup of joe. Plus a tiny but mighty milk frother to add all kinds of foamy goodness to your drinks while also making you feel like you just graduated from a special barista class. Making at-home bevs is about to be a lot more exciting. An affordable and excellent chef's knife you can use to beautifully cut up ingredients in a way even Gordon Ramsay would applaud. (And we *know* how much he loves to aggressively shout criticisms!) Or a set of floral kitchen knives that'll make every meal prep feel like springtime (how refreshing!) — a new, sharp, beautiful set of tools is sure to motivate you to make dinner at home instead of Seamless-ing dinner for the umpteenth time. And cut-resistant gloves for anyone who has already had the somewhat horrifying experience of slicing one of their digits. Sorry, Chef, but no one wants blood in their meatballs. Safety first! A super absorbent floral dish drying mat to add some pretty vibes into your kitchen and to your least favorite chore (doing the dishes, siiiiiiiigh) It's a functional *and* lovely option for anyone in need of somewhere to dry their cups, bowls, and plates. A family-size Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest! Talk about a fabulous gift, jeez. Or a 12-piece ceramic, nonstick Caraway cookware set complete with everything you'd possibly need to inspire you to make a mouthwatering meal in the comfort of your kitchen instead of heading out to eat (again). The set has a one-year warranty (phew) and is naturally non-stick, so you'll save $$$ on butter, oil, and cooking spray, and will be able to withstand waaaaay more cooking than those raggedy pots and pans you've been using since college. Extra long oven mitts to protect your arms while you're checking on the delicious veggies you're roasting for dinner and then again later when you're popping the oven open to see if your famous chocolate chip cookies are perfectly browned and ready for dessert. A compact Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster you can use like a regular toaster *then* flip on its side to transform it into a toaster oven. May waffles and reheated leftover pizza (which is superior to all other leftovers, BTW) be in your near future. A vertical pan handle attachment that'll make it easier than ever to lift that adorable cast-iron skillet you just HAD to have in a fun color to match the rest of your kitchen. Environmentally friendly dishcloths made of cellulose and cotton you can use to clean your counters, stovetops, dishes, shower doors, and mirrors and the tears you're likely to shed when you accidentally burn dinner for the umpteenth time. A set of Anyday microwaveable cooking essentials that'll completely change how you cook and store leftovers — each dish is microwave- and dishwasher-safe *and* can also be used for steaming, roasting, and serving! You'll have waaay less to clean so you can get back to doing more important things like catch up with your bestie on that questionable first date she went on last night. And a 12-ounce bottle of Mike's Hot Honey you can drizzle over any and every meal — breakfast, lunch, and dinner! This condiment is about to be there for you more than your ex ever was.

Miami Herald

06-06-2025

• Miami Herald

Amazon quietly tests innovation that could replace humans

Everyone seems to be obsessed with futuristic developments, and it might be because many of us grew up watching "The Jetsons," "The Matrix," and the "Back to the Future" trilogy. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter These movies gave hope to a future in which technology would take care of all the undesirable tasks to make humans' lives easier. And with recent technological advancements, it does sometimes feel like the possibilities are limitless. Related: Amazon's Temu and Shein killer makes key moves Now, those kids who were fascinated with flying cars and teleportation have grown up to become engineers and CEOs of tech companies. But are they considering the down side of these kinds of innovations? Image source: Bloomberg/Getty Images For years, Amazon (AMZN) has invested heavily in optimizing operations and making deliveries move efficiently. The company began its journey when it announced its drone delivery program in 2013, but after over a decade of testing and many difficulties, the project has yet to come to fruition. Related: Google brings Iron Man/Tony Stark tech to regular people In 2023, Amazon took it a step further by partnering with Agility Robotics to begin testing Digi, the first human-centric, multipurpose robot made for logistics work. This development aimed to make "the work experience of their employees safer, easier, and less repetitive," as Agility Robotics CEO Damion Shelton said in the press release. However, this time, Amazon is taking robotics and innovation to the next level, causing some to question whether it may have gone too far. Amazon is developing a new artificial intelligence-powered (AI) software for humanoid robots and building a park to test them, as reported by The Information. This innovation reportedly will enable humanoid robots to perform human tasks, such as driving Amazon's electric Rivian vans and delivering packages, in an effort to speed up delivery times. However, if successful, this test could potentially replace human delivery workers, putting thousands of jobs at risk. More Retail News: Popular tire company makes harsh cost-cutting decision amid declinesUnited Airlines slashes ticket prices for surprising reasonPeloton creates new way for consumers to get cheaper equipment As stated in the report, Amazon is fully developing the software for this project, while the hardware used to build the robots will be developed through partnerships with other companies. The test park under construction in San Francisco consists of an indoor obstacle course the size of a coffee shop. There, Amazon will test the Rivian vans with the humanoid robots inside to see if they can make simulated deliveries before taking them out into the real world to perform the task. Although the development of these robots may sound like a success to some, others are more skeptical. Professor Subramanian Ramamoorthy of the University of Edinburgh is in the questioning camp, stating: "If Amazon restricts the scope, which means using relatively clear driveways and standard layouts of doors and surroundings, then the task would be quite a bit simpler. As the environments become more complex and variable, and others enter the picture – such as pets and small children – the problems become harder." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.

Newsweek

05-06-2025

• Newsweek

Personal Flying Cars May Be Luxury's New Status Symbol

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. In the future, having a flying car will be a unique and cutting-edge status symbol, even more than owning a customized Maybach or Rolls-Royce. Elite travelers will take to the skies, avoiding traffic, in their personal vehicles. Doroni Aerospace is on the cutting edge of the market. The company recently secured $180 million in investment to bring America's first personal flying car to market. The very modern company has its roots in the cartoons of the space age. "My whole life I've been fantasizing about flying cars—ever since I was young. I grew up watching shows like The Jetsons, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Back to the Future—all the futuristic stuff," Doroni Aerospace CEO Doron Merdinger told Newsweek. "The idea basically started at the end of 2016. I had a 'eureka' moment when I saw this kid playing with a drone," he continued. "2016 was around the time when drones really started to be seen more frequently. I saw how accurately they flew, how sustainable they were, and how easy they were to control. I knew it was only going to progress." Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Doroni Aerospace The vision of what flying cars could look like led Merdinger to begin Googling like-minded people. "I knew I needed engineers from different specialties—like aerospace, battery technology, structural engineering, and more. Eventually, I pulled together a team: Ukrainian aerospace engineers, UK software systems engineers, and a battery expert from the U.S.," he said. The first concept the newly-formed team came up with was an open single-seater, something Merdinger likens to a flying motorcycle. "But over time, I realized that the open cockpit wasn't the most compelling or sustainable concept. You want to feel comfortable and secure," he said. By 2021, the company was approached by potential investors and shifted focus to a roadster-style two-seater prototype called the H1-P1. It was equipped with four ducted fans embedded inside the wings, engineering the company patented, and two rear thrusters. With advanced technology and market feasibility comes added challenges. "We understood the challenges drones and helicopters face. For example, drones need to tilt more as they speed up, which can be uncomfortable for passengers and inefficient from an energy standpoint. That's why we knew ducted fans would set us apart. They offer key advantages: safety from bird strikes or people getting close, the ability to fly near urban areas or trees, better energy efficiency and lower noise levels. Plus, they look better—clean and compelling," Merdinger said. In the post-COVID years, Doroni has been focused on developing a viable product that it can bring to market. The Doroni H1-X combines electric power with vertical takeoff and landing technology (eVTOL). "In February 2023, we began test flights. I even flew inside the full-scale H1-P1 myself. We have also secured a special airworthiness certification from the FAA. That was huge as it shows the FAA is beginning to recognize and provide credibility for vehicles like ours," Merdinger said. The company continues to raise funds. "Once the funding comes in, we'll expedite the vehicle's development. We'll have a 24-month runway where we will be focused on development and extensive testing, and parallel work on certification. There will be a lot of testing and building as we approach the product launch," the CEO said. The company's website touts the H1-X production model's fast recharge time. It can bring its state of charge up to 80 percent in 25 minutes under ideal charging conditions. It is said to be able to fly for 40 minutes at a time with a range of 60 miles. Owners will be able to take off and land their Doroni eVTOL on the flat rooftop of a two-car garage, or at one of the country's vertiports. A number of airfields and airports across the country are installing vertiports, including at some military bases. Potential customers can reserve their H1-X with a $1,000 deposit. The expected cost of the unit is estimated to be around $350,000, about the same price as a Rolls-Royce Ghost. "We currently have over 500 pre-order requests, many of whom have already put down deposits. All the pre-orders so far have come from individuals, which we like. We want to work closely with our first buyers to understand how they see this vehicle fitting into their lives, how they use it, how safe it feels. It's about learning together and delivering the safest, most groundbreaking personal vehicle possible," he said. The company predicts that it won't be able to deliver its eVTOL to customers until at least 2026. "We expect the MOSAIC rules approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to stretch into 2026. We're introducing a whole new category of vehicles. It's important to take our time, work closely with the FAA, and do things the right way. We know this is disruptive technology which is why we need to stay grounded—no pun intended. We're creating something entirely new. It's important to stay cautious, iterate carefully, and remain aligned with the FAA," Merdinger said. The FAA's MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rules are designed to expand the current light-sport aircraft category to include eVTOLs and other advanced aircraft. "Once we're out there, the market will only grow exponentially. Companies are already approaching us with use cases—from luxury shuttle systems flying from New York to Tokyo in under an hour, to servicing wind turbines in remote ocean locations, and to farming. The use cases are endless," he concluded. New York to Tokyo in under an hour may seem impossible at first glance. However, transportation and aerospace engineers are working on making it a reality. The 6,700-mile journey could be possible in three segments: a 20-minute flight using Doroni's H1-X from the passenger's home to the departure shuttle, a high-speed transcontinental flight lasting approximately 20 minutes and a final 20-minute flight from the arrival shuttle directly to the passenger's final destination. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Doroni Aerospace Fortune Business Insights projects that the flying car market will be valued at $1.53 trillion USD by 2040. There are several companies in the eVTOL development space, including Joby Aviation, which acquired Uber's flying car unit in late 2020. Uber then invested $75 million in the company. Lilium, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace are also working on eVTOL travel, as is aerospace powerhouse company Airbus.