The AirButlr is a prototype drone that can be programed to automatically carry out preset cleaning tasks around the home, including cleaning windows and mowing the lawn. It is currently in the prototype stage, however the AirButlr creators are preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign.
The AirButlr uses sensors and complex mapping algorithms to create a complete 3D map of your home and the areas that it is programmed to maintain. It’s sort of like a flying Roomba, however instead of only being able to work on a single axis it can perform multiple cleaning applications and tasks in a 3D space thanks to the flying drone. Unfortunately this butler doesn’t have a British accent, but he could certainly be programmed to keep your Batcave tidy.
Created by two Belgian entrepreneurs, Wouter Nuytten and Thomas Broekaert, the AirButlr system consists of three basic components. It is a small UAV that silently patrols your home on the look out for dirt. Each cleaning task that your drone is programmed to carry out will require individual cleaning applications that the drone will attach to itself and proceed to operate. These cleaning applications will be stored in the AirButlr base station, which also acts as a charging station while the drone isn’t in use. The entire system has been developed to be programmed and controlled with a smartphone app.
The AirButlr team is currently working with 3D Hubs to produce 3D printed drone body frames that were designed with Autodesk 123D, including noise reducing propellers to help make sure the drone remains silent while it works.
“We started building our proof-of-concept with duct tape and cardboard to get a clear idea of the proper shape and size for the products,” Nuytten told 3D Hubs. “We barely used software, not even sensors at that time. For the AirButlr, we bought a 3D Robotics quadcopter. So our first proof-of-concept was a flying robot taking off from a box and transporting a smaller box around. This box would later become a cleaning application.”
Nuytten credits 3D printing with allowing them to proceed so quickly from their duct tape phase to coming very close to producing a functional prototype. This is a product that seems to be a natural evolution of the home robotics market, and I’m a little surprised that it’s a small start-up that is developing the idea and not the company who makes Roomba’s. Not only would this be a fun home product, but the potential to put automated cleaning drones in public and private buildings and offices could be a big win for the start-up. If they can create an affordable and functional product then I think there could very likely be a new 3D printing Kickstarter success story in the making.
