A washer-drier is all well and good, but what about after that? You need Laundroid.
It’s a washing machine that also folds your clothes. And it’s just announced that from next year, it will start taking pre-orders. Considering it started back in 2008, that’s not exactly lightning quick pace. But still, you’ll never have to fold clothes again!
Laundroid is a collaboration between housing firm Daiwa House, Panasonic and Seven Dreamers. In 2017, it will start rolling out folding machines for big institutions, followed by beta machines. Then in 2019, a full retail model should be available (though it is still in the development stage).
Engadget witnessed a demonstration, and while the firm is keeping schtum on how the machine actually works, it still looks impressive.
Read more: 6 best washing machines in 2015 – buying guide
This sorting process is part of the reason why it’s taking so long for the machines to be ready. It’s not easy differentiating between a t-shirt and a pair of pants, especially if said underwear are of the voluminous Y-front variety. It’s also not easy for a robot to fold clothes, because they’re so malleable. It takes a lot more dexterity to work with soft materials than hard ones like wood or metal.
A full wash load would take about seven hours to fold. So set it going, go to bed, and wake up to clean, dry and immaculately folded clothes. Sounds like the future to us.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
