Technology

The robotics industry is often painted with broad strokes – expensive, complicated and geared towards tech enthusiasts. But Clara Mulligan, co-founder of HomeBot Ireland, is challenging those perceptions. Based in West Cork, Ireland, Mulligan’s company is building a reputation for creating accessible, practical robotic solutions for everyday household tasks, and she’s on a mission to debunk the myths surrounding the technology.

HomeBot Ireland emerged from a very personal problem. Mulligan explained that the initial spark came from observing her father-in-law struggling with lawn care. “He had a split-level lawn and would often mow for neighbors, requiring him to lift a heavy machine in and out of a van,” she said. “This resulted in a broken ankle.” This experience highlighted a genuine need for a simpler solution, leading to the creation of ‘Buddy,’ HomeBot’s first product – a wireless, AI-powered robotic lawnmower. The company, now entering its second year of operations, is expanding its product line to include robotic window and solar panel cleaners, demonstrating a growing demand for smart home robotics.

Mulligan’s approach is rooted in problem-solving. “I’ve always been someone who likes to solve problems,” she told SiliconRepublic.com. “Even when I was younger, if I saw something that wasn’t working, I felt the need to figure out a better way of doing it.” This drive, combined with a background in business and customer care, and her husband Alan’s expertise in engineering and AI, has been instrumental in HomeBot’s success. The company sold over 200 products in its first year, and is experiencing growing demand for its range of robotic vacuums and mops, according to the Southern Star.

Debunking the Robotics Myths

One of Mulligan’s primary goals is to dismantle the common misconceptions surrounding robotics. “I haven’t yet been able to come up with a robot that both washes, dries and folds my laundry, contrary to rumours, but I am working on it,” she joked, highlighting the gap between public perception and current capabilities. However, she emphasizes that the landscape is rapidly changing, with technology becoming increasingly accessible to everyday families. “Technology has become much more accessible these days and it is enabling regular families to access it.”

Mulligan believes that robotics are becoming seamlessly integrated into daily life, moving beyond the realm of early adopters. This shift is driven by a growing need for solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly for those who could benefit most. “I am particularly interested, for example, in how robotics can support people who genuinely need it, older adults, people with mobility challenges, or busy families,” she explained. “For me, it’s never been about tech for the sake of it, it’s about practical solutions that develop life easier.”

The Impact of Everyday Robotics

The benefits of this integration extend beyond mere convenience. Mulligan points to the potential for robotics to alleviate physical strain and free up valuable time for individuals, and families. “Technology that handles repetitive household tasks gives people back hours in their week and reduces physical strain, which can be huge for busy families, think children and pets, people with mobility challenges or the elderly,” she said. She notes that once people begin using these technologies, they often become indispensable. “We hear that all the time from our clients. Something that feels very new at first often becomes something you wouldn’t want to live without. Chores that simply don’t gain on the to-do list anymore because the robot will handle them for you. And the robot becomes part of the family.”

HomeBot Ireland’s success story is as well a testament to the power of identifying a genuine need and building a solution grounded in real-life experiences. Mulligan, who currently takes a minimal salary of between €0-20,000 as profits are reinvested into the business, according to EchoLive, emphasizes the importance of listening to consumers and keeping things simple. Her background isn’t traditionally tech-focused – she holds qualifications in the equine industry from Kildalton College – but she’s found that experience with customers and running her own business has been invaluable.

What’s Next for HomeBot Ireland?

As HomeBot Ireland looks to the future, Mulligan is focused on expanding the product range and scaling the business. The company is preparing to launch robotic window and solar panel cleaners in the coming months. “Watch this space as we’re only just getting started,” she said. “It’s been an incredible almost two years and I am very excited to see how the space evolves over the next few years. There’s huge potential for technology to improve everyday life, and I am proud to be playing a small part in that.”

The evolution of home robotics, driven by companies like HomeBot Ireland, promises to continue reshaping our relationship with technology and the tasks that define our daily routines. What remains to be seen is how quickly these innovations will become commonplace and the extent to which they will address the diverse needs of households across the globe.

What are your thoughts on the increasing role of robotics in the home? Share your comments below and let us grasp how you envision the future of smart home technology.

Xbox Game Pass subscribers have a robust lineup of new titles to look forward to in February and March, headlined by the highly anticipated Kingdom Reach: Deliverance II. The addition of the sequel to the critically acclaimed medieval RPG was announced by Xbox on Tuesday, promising a deep and immersive experience for players on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and via cloud streaming.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, set in 15th-century Bohemia, continues the story of Henry of Skalitz, offering a narrative of revenge, betrayal, and discovery. The original Kingdom Come: Deliverance was praised for its historical accuracy and realistic gameplay, and the sequel aims to build upon that foundation. Xbox’s announcement signals a commitment to bringing high-quality, story-driven experiences to its subscription service.

But Kingdom Come: Deliverance II isn’t the only addition. The February and March Game Pass wave includes a diverse range of titles, catering to various gaming preferences. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition will also be available on console and via cloud streaming, offering players a massive open-world adventure. The full version of Towerborne is rolling out, and several new releases are also joining the service.

New Games Coming to Xbox Game Pass

Here’s a complete list of the games joining the Xbox Game Pass library in late February and early March:

• Aerial_Knight’s DropShot (PC, Xbox Series X/S, Handheld, and Cloud) – February 17 (Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
• Death Howl (PC, Xbox Series X/S, Handheld, and Cloud) – February 19 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass)
• EA Sports College Football 26 (Xbox Series X/S and Cloud) – February 19 (Game Pass Ultimate)
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition (Console and Cloud) – February 19 (Game Pass Ultimate and Premium)
• TCG Card Shop Simulator (Game Preview) (PC, Xbox Series X/S and Cloud) – February 24 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass)
• Dice A Million (PC) – February 25 (Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
• Towerborne (PC, Console and Handheld) – February 26 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass)
• Final Fantasy III (PC, Xbox Series X/S and Cloud) – March 3 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass)
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PC, Xbox Series X/S and Cloud) – March 3 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass)

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass

As with each update, several titles will be leaving the Xbox Game Pass library on February 28th. Subscribers looking to continue playing these games will necessitate to purchase them separately:

• Monster Train (PC, Console and Cloud)
• Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (PC, Console and Cloud)
• Injustice 2 (PC, Console and Cloud)
• Middle Earth: Shadow of War (PC, Console and Cloud)

The addition of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II to Xbox Game Pass is a significant win for subscribers, offering access to a highly anticipated title at no extra cost. The diverse range of other games joining the service further solidifies Game Pass as a compelling value proposition for gamers. The service continues to evolve, offering a constantly updated library of experiences across a variety of genres.

Looking ahead, Xbox is expected to continue announcing new additions to Game Pass throughout the year. The ongoing strategy of bringing both first-party and third-party titles to the service is likely to remain a key focus, further enhancing the value and appeal of the subscription offering.

What games are you most excited to play on Xbox Game Pass? Share your thoughts in the comments below!