Smart lifting robot for home

Mobile robots have already proven their worth in logistics and could also be useful at home. A Japanese company called Preferred Robotics thought so too and developed the mobile lifting robot "Kachaka". This robot can lift and transport shelves and other items to get them to the desired location in the home, and is equipped with various sensors that allow it to intelligently navigate and avoid obstacles.

The Kachaka robot has an angular, elongated shape and at first glance resembles a vacuum cleaner robot. It is equipped with a LiDAR sensor on the top and several sensors on the front. These sensors ensure safe navigation and help the robot detect and avoid obstacles.

Mobile robot lifts heavy objects

The use cases for the Kachaka robot in the home are many. The robot can carry shelves on casters offered by the manufacturer, which can be loaded with different items such as files, books or drinks. This allows the user to transport these items around the house or apartment without having to carry them themselves. It can also carry heavy items such as boxes, shelves or cabinets from one room to another, making it a useful aid when moving house by helping to transport furniture. The robot consists of a platform cart with four wheels on which items can be placed. The cart is then controlled by a robotic arm that lifts the item and pushes it onto the platform. The robotic arm is capable of transporting items weighing up to 20 kilograms.

In addition, the Kachaka robot can also help clean the house by lifting heavy objects and cleaning the floor underneath. This can be especially beneficial for heavy pieces of furniture that are difficult to move.

There are also potential uses for installing appliances such as televisions or air conditioners. It can lift the heavy equipment and move it to the desired location, reducing the risk of injury or damage.

Once placed on the cart, the furniture can be controlled using a remote control or mobile app. The Kachaka robot then independently navigates through the house and transports the piece of furniture to where it is needed. Thanks to its four wheels and robust construction, the Kachaka robot is also able to negotiate stairs.

Kachaka robot could be of particular benefit to people with physical disabilities. Elderly people or people with disabilities often have difficulty moving or rearranging furniture or other heavy objects around the house. With the Kachaka robot, this becomes much easier and less strenuous.

But the mobile robot also offers advantages for people without mobility impairments. For example, it could be used in offices or stores to move heavy pieces of furniture effortlessly.

Breakfast in bed can also be served by the smart robot, as a video on the manufacturer's website shows.

Compact and powerful

The Kachaka robot is remarkable not only for its ability to transport heavy objects, but also for its size and weight. With dimensions of 240 mm × 387 mm × 124 mm and weighing only about 10 kg, it is surprisingly compact and lightweight. Yet it is capable of lifting twice its own weight of 20 kg.

Although the Kachaka robot has a comparatively low speed of 40 cm/second, this is sufficient for typical home space conditions. It is also equipped with cameras and a lidar, which increases its safety.

The price of the Kachaka robot is 1,600 USD. It is also possible to rent the robot, which could be an attractive option for many users. The monthly rent is 35 USD and there is also a monthly service fee of 8 USD.

Future prospects

The development of the Kachaka robot is an example of how robot technology can make our daily lives easier. It is likely that more robots will be developed in the future to assist us in our daily lives.

Given demographic changes and an aging population, it is likely that the demand for robots to help with everyday tasks will continue to grow.