iShovel

I dont really have a problem with snow here in the UK, well not to the extreme where a robot is necessary to clear my driveway. However, for those who do then read on.  The iShovel is an automated snow shovel robot which is able to wait patiently in sleep mode on your driveway, and then when it detects 1″ of snow the iShovel moves into action clearing up to 800 square feet of snow in just 15 minutes. An onboard battery powers the robot which allows for up to 4,000 square feet of snow to be cleared before a recharge is necessary.

Currently only available as a prototype the iShovel or mini snow plow is able to clear snow within a set region which is predetermined by setting a boundary with a metallic tape.

Check out the iShovel in action:

There are still some issues that are unanswered as to how it copes in real heavy snow and whether it is able to gain traction on icy surface. Nevertheless, its a great idea and one I can see really catching on with individuals who hate clearing snow from their driveways.

Early indications are that it will be released within the next year, however we have no idea on price but presume it will be affordable to the masses.

[BotJunkie]