Tech Tools: Part pet entertainment, part home security with LG’s Rolling Bot

An 8mp camera and the ability to entertain your pets with a laser pointer - what more do you need?

The LG Rolling Bot, manufactured by LG Electronics Inc. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
The LG Rolling Bot, manufactured by LG Electronics Inc. Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

At this year’s Mobile World Congress, LG announced it was making a robot that would patrol your home, play with the dog and even interact with some appliances. The company is counting on the fact that there may be a completely under-served market of pet owners who want a device that will keep their pets occupied during the day while also turning on the TV when it has a moment.

Controlled via your smartphone, the Rolling Bot has an 8-megapixel camera that you can use to capture footage from around your home, so you can use it as a sort of roaming security camera. Hear a noise that shouldn’t be there? Send the Bot to investigate.

That’s one feature your Nest Cam can’t offer you. It also has a laser pointer, designed to drive your pets wild. And if you have compatible appliances, the infrared blaster will allow you to control them remotely.

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Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist