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Boston Dynamics, owner of Spot the robot dog, is now officially part of Hyundai Motor Group

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It’s official, the friendly robot dog, Spot, has a new owner. Softbank, Hyundai Motor Group, and Boston Dynamics announced Monday that Hyundai’s acquisition of a controlling stake in the robotics company is now complete. Hyundai and SoftBank revealed there was a deal as early as last year, and as of today, it’s official.

What’s the Deal?

In December of 2020, the motor group paid around $880 million for the controlling stake. Not enough details were divulged about the deal, but reports have it that Hyundai paid a whopping $1.1 billion overall for this transaction. The car manufacturer now owns an 80% stake in the robotics firm, while the previous owner, Softbank, owns the remaining 20% through an affiliate company.

The Backstory

To date, Hyundai is the third owner of Boston Dynamics. Founded in 1992, Google acquired it after 11 years, in 2013. In 2017, Softbank Group bought. It was mainly operated as an R&D (Research and Development) organization since its founding. When Softbank acquired it, commercialization had become the focus.

The Reasons Behind

The robot dog’s new owner didn’t disclose any reason behind the acquisition. The only assumption observers have is Hyundai’s interest in robots. This, after a previous announcement by the carmaker that they have a new division devoted solely to create “walking cars.” The excitement for what they’re going to do with this grand acquisition leaves spectators baffled yet expectant.

Video Announcement

The same day of the announcement, Hyundai released a video about the acquisition. Unfortunately, it’s not definitive as not many details are shown. What we can see, though, is Spot, the robot dog. In the video, Spot showcases his many talents, primarily as a guide dog to help the elderly.

Walking Cars

Hyundai’s Director of Product Management, Dr. Ernestine Fu, said that the acquisition will pave the way for the car company’s walking car concept. They are relying on Boston Dynamic’s technology to help them make it a reality. The idea was pioneered when the automaker debuted the Hyundai Elevate at the 2019 CES show in Las Vegas in October 2020.

With four extendable legs with wheels, the Elevate is among many car designs which Hyundai calls their “Ultimate Mobility Vehicles.” It aims to get you through challenging terrains that the Jeep Wrangler will find impossible to navigate. The production date hasn’t been announced yet, but the excitement is palpable.

Realization of Progress for Humanity

According to Boston Dynamics’ press release, Hyundai said that they aim to develop advanced technologies in the field of robotics. The objective is to enhance people’s lives, promote safety, and realize progress for humanity. 

The auto manufacturer also said that they are expecting to work with the robotic company to use both their strengths in manufacturing, logistics, construction, and automation. The two are planning to create a robotics value chain that will manufacture robot components, smart logistics solutions, and many others.

Hyundai also reiterated their support for the continued expansion of Boston Dynamics’ product lines and sales and service footprint worldwide.

Spot, the Robot Dog

Spot is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot launched in June of 2020. Since then, there are now numerous Spots operating around the globe. In February this year, the company introduced Spot Arm, a robotic arm that converts Spot into a platform for mobile manipulation. Its usage is for autonomous monitoring of job sites, among many others.

Boston Dynamics

A global leader in the development and deployment of mobile robots, Boston Dynamics has released Stretch. This is a mobile manipulator to move boxes out of trucks and into and around warehouses. Along with Spot, the company has three robots in its portfolio.

In the video stated above, you can see one of their other product lines, the Atlas. Here, the humanoid is dancing with a child. The company gives these robots agility, mobility, intelligence, and automation. The exact technology that is ideal in Hyundai’s objective of bringing their walking car concept to life.

On the other hand, Hyundai has extensive experience in building and designing product lines for mass production. Thus, it may seem that this acquisition is a marriage made in robot heaven.

For other tech news, check out Owner’s Mag!

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Technology

VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter Review (2024)

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vsett 9 electric scooter

Do you need to get around the city without using a bike or going on public transportation? The scooter is the ideal mode of transport for you. However, not all scooters can take you anywhere without a hitch. One of the best in the market is the VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter. Check out the features of this amazing scooter before buying one for yourself.

Features of the VSETT 9+

vsett features
Image source: VSETT Shop

Engine

The VSETT 9 series has two models, the VSETT 9 and VSETT 9+. 

One notable feature of the VSETT 9+ is the double engines. This makes your scooter accelerate faster and climb slopes better. You can reach 31.06 mph with the VSETT 9+ and travel up to 50 miles in one ride. But the 50 miles depend on other factors, like weather, weight, and speed. Additionally, the battery is 48 volts with LG cells.

Suspension

The VSETT 9 model comes with the Spring-R suspension technology. It’s their patented shock absorption tech. Plus, it has pneumatic tires, too. With these two features, you’ll have a smooth ride anywhere! 

NFC Key Lock

VSETT 9+ prevents theft with the NFC key lock. The scooter has a tag allowing you to maneuver the VSETT 9+. However, make sure to keep all tags with you at all times since a display replacement is required if you don’t have them with you anymore.

Lighting + Horn

Do you love riding at night but are worried about safety? Don’t fret. The VSETT 9+ is equipped with brake lights, bright headlights, and turning lights. However, VSETT recommends wearing additional reflective clothing when riding at night. You can turn on the lights by pressing a button on the handlebar. Finally, it has an electronic horn to make other riders and drivers hear you.

Foldable Design

The VSETT 9+ is a foldable scooter, allowing you to carry it anywhere! The handlebars and stem are collapsible, and you can fit the folded scooter under dining tables!

Water-Resistance

Get caught in the rain during a ride? No need to alight the scooter and grab another ride. You can still have a safe ride even in the rain with its IP54 water-resistant rating. However, it’s only suitable for light rain or when there are puddles.

Weight

Are you using your scooter for work or school? It carries up to 265 lbs of weight!

Charging

It has two charging modes: standard and fast. On the standard one, you can charge up to 10 hours and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, fast charging can take up to 4 hours and 30 minutes!

Pricing

The VSETT 9+ is 2090.00€ ($~2291.79)

What Do VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter Users Think?

Vsett Scooter
Image Source: VSETT Scooters

Many VSETT 9+ users agree on one thing. The electric scooter is steady and sturdy. You don’t have to worry about wobbling; you’re safe whenever you use this on the road. The aluminum alloy frame also contributes to the robust design, making rides safe and smooth.

Plus, many users feel safe using the scooter, not only because of the light but also because of the rear disc brakes! 

Another pro of using the electric scooter is its comfort. Not only does the suspension offer comfort, but it also has palm rests. Additionally, the kick plate helps you balance your ride and controls your speed.

However, the VSETT 9+ isn’t the ideal scooter for everybody. For one, many users aren’t exactly happy with the scooter’s weight. Since the scooter weighs 58 to 59 lbs, it can be a drag to carry everywhere. Plus, unfortunately, the horn isn’t great since it’s not too loud. Finally, some squeaks could irritate the rider.

Alternatives to the VSETT 9+

Although the VSETT 9+ is an excellent option for a ride, what are the other electric scooters to consider before saying YES to the VSETT 9+?

Hiboy S2

hiboy s2 scooter

One affordable alternative to the VSETT scooter is the Hiboy S2. It retails at $599. You can choose to buy a seated version for longer rides. It’s foldable, too, so you can bring it anywhere or park it without taking too much space. Plus, you have a max speed of 18.6 mph. Finally, you can download the app to customize your rides.

NIU KQi3

NIU KQi3 scooter

One of the most lauded electric scooters of 2024 is the NIU KQI. One of its main features is the regenerative braking system. You power up as you slow down. Additionally, it’s one of the best rides at night since it has advanced dual-disc braking systems. Plus, it has a halo headlight and bell, so that you can be seen and heard by other motorists. Additionally, it has pneumatic tires that offer a good grip and a handlebar that allows you to steer easily. The pricing starts at 599€ (~$650).

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter MAX

segway scooter
Image source: Segway

Another fan-favorite electric scooter is the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. Many riders experience a comfortable and long-lasting ride. It has 10-inch pneumatic tires, 18.6 mph max speed, and built-in front LED lights. Another reason many love the Segway is its 20% hill-grade capabilities and rear-wheel drive to get you uphill without a hitch. Plus, it has three riding modes: eco, standard, and sports.

Final Thoughts

The VSETT 9+ is one of the best in smooth and safe rides. Plus, it’s one of the fastest scooters on the market. And you don’t have to worry about any wobbling and losing control with the suspension and the kick plate. However, it’s pricey, and users have found issues on the horn and other small areas that won’t fully affect your ride. Still, the VSETT 9+ scooter is one to consider if you want faster and safer rides on the road.

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Roborock S8 Robot Cleaner 2024 Review

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roborock s8

Robot floor cleaners are becoming more advanced and efficient these days. New models come up at a rapid pace, which makes finding the right one a huge challenge. One of the most popular brands, Roborock, introduces model after model of these cleaners, choosing one can be overwhelming. Here’s a review of its Roborock S8 to help you decide if this is the one for you.

The Different Roborock S8 Models

The Roborock S8 is a series of robot cleaners that comes in three variants: the entry-level Roborock S8, the mid-range Roborock S8+, and the flagship model, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. As expected from a series such as this, each robot has better features than its predecessors. In this instance, all of these robot cleaners can vacuum and mop your floors. 

The difference is that the Roborock S8+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra have dust bins that automatically empty. And since the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is higher up the ladder than the two others, it is equipped with an auto mop washing and drying capability.

Roborock S8 Overview

roborock s8

While the two other variants of the Roborock S8 have automated features, the Roborock S8 isn’t bad at all. It is the company’s entry-level model and is its most affordable option. It is not, in any way, inferior.

The Roborock S8 has impressive features and capabilities. Below is a quick overview of what it can do:

6000Pa Suction Power: this machine can easily tackle deep-seated dirt, pet hair, and debris from hard floors and carpets.

VibraRise Sonic Mopping System: it scrubs floors with 3,000 vibrations per minute, removing stubborn dirt and stains to leave your floors bright and shiny.

Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance: it uses 3D structured light and infrared imaging technology, allowing the robot cleaner to navigate obstacles precisely.

Multi-Level Mapping System: it can manage multi-level mapping for up to four floors. This means it uses its object recognition system to identify furniture or landmarks. This helps it determine which map it is currently on automatically.

DuoRoller Brush: dual brushes that reduce hair tangles to ensure that hair and dirt are swept away easily.

Adaptive Carpet Boost: This feature automatically increases the robot cleaner’s suction power when transitioning to carpets to ensure thorough cleaning.

Roborock App: allows easy control of the robot cleaner and sets your individual preferences.

Roborock S8 Setup

Unpacking and setting up your Roborock S8 is quick and straightforward. You can also configure it based on your preferences in the app. Firstly, you need to plug the power cord into the charging station. Then, fill the tank with about 300 milliliters of water, and it’s ready to clean! Just press a button at the top to get it started.

To set up the app, download it to your smartphone. Connect it to the Wi-Fi and map your home. Explore the app so you can set it for your preferred cleaning schedules and many more options.

Roborock S8 Features and Specs

roborock s8 features

Aside from those mentioned above, the Roborock S8 has many more features you’ll find useful. Below is a list:

PreciSense LiDAR Navigation: this feature creates accurate and detailed maps of your home for efficient cleaning and multi-level support.

No-Go Zones and Virtual Walls: you can set virtual boundaries to protect areas of your home you don’t want the S8 to go to.

Selective Room Cleaning: you can program the robot cleaner to choose specific rooms to clean, customizing it to your specific needs.

Auto-lifting Mop: the robot cleaner automatically raises its mop when moving from carpets to hardwood floors to avoid accidental wetting.

App Control and Voice Assistant Compatibility: this lets you manage cleaning tasks, monitor their progress, and adjust the settings from your smartphone or by using voice commands such as Alexa or Google Assistant.

Long-lasting Battery: this robot cleaner can do its job for up to 180 minutes on a single charge to cover a considerable number of areas efficiently.

Child Lock: to help protect against accidental activation by children or pets.

Washable Filters: keeps maintenance at a minimum and saves on costs.

Quiet Operation: a quiet mechanism to efficiently clean without disturbing the peace.

Here are the Roborock S8 specifications:

Color: black and white

Volume: 68.5dB

Suitable area: up to 300㎡

Rated power: 69W

Dustbin capacity: 400 ml

Battery Capacity: 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery

Runtime: Up to 180 minutes

Charge time: Approximately 4 hours

Weight: 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs)

Dimensions: Diameter: 353 mm (13.9 inches), Height: 96.5 mm (3.8 inches)

Water tank capacity: 300 ml

Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz

Roborock S8 Pros and Cons

While the Roborock S8 offers many wonderful features, it still has its downsides. Here is a list of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • It has a powerful vacuum
  • Quick and easy setup
  • It provides effective mopping and scrubbing
  • Accurate mapping capabilities
  • Functional and feature-rich app
  • Precise navigation capabilities
  • It is more affordable than the other S8 robot cleaners
  • Lift function that dries carpets while mopping

Cons:

  • No auto-emptying and maintenance features
  • No replacement mop included
  • It may not be suitable for thicker carpets
  • There are reports of the app experiencing glitches from time to time

Roborock S8 Review

roborock s8 review

The Roborock S8 is an incredible robot cleaner with powerful cleaning capabilities, smart navigation, and convenience features. While it does not have the bells and whistles of others in its series, it is still a robot cleaner worth your money. It delivers top-notch performance with high levels of customization and control.

Its affordability is due to its lack of an auto-emptying dock. This option is excellent for those who want thorough cleaning but want to stay within a budget. However, this can be a dealbreaker for those who want a fully automated cleaning experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a powerful cleaning tool that’s also cost-effective, the Roborock S8 is an excellent option. It is a high-end robot cleaning machine with a good blend of strengths and a few minor drawbacks. 

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Technology

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: The Best Robot Vacuum of 2024

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robot vacuum

Robot vacuums stand out as a common element of smart living. This modern chore assistant helps achieve spotless floors at the tap of a button. However, dozens of robot vacuums are available in the market today, making your search for the most reliable device tricky. If you want to own one this year, consider the ultimate cleaning power of Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Overview 

shark matrix plus 2 in 1

Source: sharkclean.com

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop represents an innovative cleaning technology catering to the diverse needs of modern households. This sleek device is more than just a vacuum. It is proof of Shark’s commitment to efficient and innovative cleaning. With features like Sonic Mopping, Matrix Clean, and a HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base, it guarantees to transform how we think about household chores. 

The product is designed to work on various surfaces with precision and care. The Sonic Mopping Technology can tackle even the toughest dirt and stains gently and effectively. It uses a vibrating cleaning pad that mimics the motion of hand scrubbing. Coupled with the Matrix Clean system, it provides deep cleaning, ensuring no dirt, pet hair, or dust is left behind.

The Shark Matrix 2-in-1 does not just clean floors; it understands them. The Home Mapping technology feature creates a detailed map of your living space, ensuring every corner is covered and cleaned efficiently. It allows users to choose specific rooms for cleaning or set no-go zones, providing complete control over the cleaning process. 

Likewise, it offers a powerful solution for households that worry about pet hair and other allergens. Its HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base catches and contains 99.97% dust and allergens, helping you achieve a healthier living environment. In addition, the CleanEdge technology tackles pet hair, making this robot vacuum an ideal choice for pet owners. 

But wait, the features don’t end there. The Shark Plus 2-in-1 is WiFi-enabled and compatible with Alexa for voice commands and remote control via an app. So, even if you are away from home, you can let your intelligent chore assistant make your home spotless. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions. 

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Technical Specifications 

shark matrix plus 2 in 1

Below are the detailed specifications of the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Special Features: 

  • Self-emptying Base that can hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris 
  • Reliable HEPA Filtration that captures and traps 99.97% of dust and allergens

Brand: Shark

Model Name: Shark RV2610WA

Unique Feature: High Precision Sensors, HEPA Filter

Color: Black/Silver

What’s Included in the Package: 

  • Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot
  • XL HEPA Self-Empty Base
  • 1 Filter
  • 1 Side Brush
  • 2 Microfiber Reusable Mopping Pads
  • 12oz. Starter VACMOP Cleaning Solution

Features: 

  • Tackle Stuck on Stains. The Sonic Mopping scrubs hard floors 100x per minute. Start Matrix Mop in the app to get 50% better stain cleaning in targeted zones for extra deep cleaning. 
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll. It thoroughly cleans carpets and directly tackles hardwood floors, effectively removing debris, hair, and dirt from every surface in your home.
  • Precision Home Mapping. 360° LiDAR vision accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean. The device can also detect and avoid objects in its path, day or night, and adapt to everyday changes in the home.
  • Ideal for Homes with Pets. With powerful suction, sonic mopping, and Shark’s self-cleaning brush roll, the robot quickly picks up pet hair and eliminates stuck-on pet messes.
  • Ensures No Spots Missed. The robotic vacuum cleanses in a precision matrix grid with Matrix Clean, taking multiple passes over dirt and debris. The Shark RV2610WA delivers 30% better carpet cleaning versus the RV2610WD model.
  • Self-Emptying and Self-Charging. It has a storage capacity for up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and its bagless base eliminates the need for additional disposal bags. With the Recharge & Resume feature, the robot automatically recharges and resumes cleaning from where it left off.
  • Incredible Suction and Sonic Mopping. The device serves as a powerful whole-home vacuum for carpets and floors, with the added convenience of emptying its dustbin. Additionally, it functions as a potent vacuum that simultaneously sonic mops hard floors. The battery life extends up to 60 days.
  • HEPA Filtration and Anti-Allergen Seal. The True HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens, reaching as small as 0.3 microns, all within the base.
  • Cleans Edges and Corners.  The CleanEdge Detect technology uses blasts of air and corner recognition to effectively remove debris. This innovative feature pulls debris into the cleaning path, resulting in 50% better edge cleaning compared to the RV2610WD with CleanEdge turned off.

Pros: 

  • Accurate and fast mapping
  • A self-emptying base is reliable and convenient
  • Smartly avoids collisions and stuck wheels
  • Don’tWon’t leave wet floors a sopping mess

Cons: 

  • Tend to be too noisy for nighttime operation

Conclusion

If you’ve had poor experiences with vacuums wanting to switch or are a beginner, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is the best option. Overall, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2610WA is a marvel of cleaning technology, designed to make life easier and homes cleaner. 

It’s not just about the innovative features like Sonic Mopping or the HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base. It is how Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 integrates these fantastic features to provide a seamless and efficient cleaning experience. Everything about the Shark Matrix Plus is crafted to enhance your cleaning routine. For those seeking a futuristic, efficient, and powerful cleaning companion, the Shark Matrix Plus is a clear choice. 

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