The Vergecast Your robot is about to get its own robot
195 snips
Sep 5, 2025 
Jen Pattison Tuohy, a tech journalist based in Berlin, shares exciting innovations from the IFA trade show, including a remarkable stair-climbing robot vacuum and smart home advancements. Lauren Feiner, a senior policy reporter, discusses the recent Google antitrust ruling that affirms Google's dominance with minimal restrictions, raising questions about market competition. The conversation also covers the future of AI in home automation and the balance between innovative gadgets and practicality in everyday life.
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Robots Carrying Robots
- Jen describes stair-climbing robot platforms that carry robot vacuums up stairs instead of cleaning stairs themselves.
- She found the concept impressive but over-engineered and noted safety/utility limits like not cleaning the stairs.
Lights That Sense Motion
- Philips Hue will update bulbs (2014-onward) to act as motion sensors using Zigbee RF disturbance sensing.
- The system needs a Hue Bridge Pro and multiple bulbs per zone to triangulate motion reliably.
Set Up Hue Motion Zones Correctly
- If you plan to use Hue RF motion sensing, place at least three bulbs across the area to ensure triangulation and avoid clustered track lighting.
- Expect to need the new Hue Bridge Pro because the bridge runs the heavier motion and security algorithms.