When brainstorming on a concept for a future robotics company in Quebec, the question was, “what niche can we develop using our specialized knowledge?” One answer that quickly came to mind was a robotic snow blower. The idea wasn’t taken seriously, as the problem seemed too complicated for the potential returns. The Japanese company, Yuki-taro, thought otherwise (see above photo and video). The robot doesn’t throw the snow; it makes blocks of ice instead. They are aiming to reduce the price to $8000 within five years. I’m eager to see how it will handle storms like the last one - that would make a huge pile of blocks!
A simpler robot idea for our northern climate would be to create an automated Zamboni.