Smart home gadgets can be fun, but let’s be honest; many of them require replacing perfectly good devices or messing with wiring that most folks would rather leave alone. The new SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable tries to avoid all that. The company announced the updated gadget today, and it keeps the same simple concept that made the original SwitchBot Bot popular while finally adding a rechargeable battery.
If you have never seen one before, the idea behind the SwitchBot Bot is almost hilariously simple. Instead of replacing your appliances, the tiny robot physically presses buttons for you. You stick it next to a rocker switch or push button, and a small mechanical arm taps the switch on command. Suddenly things like coffee makers, heaters, fans, and light switches can be automated without installing anything complicated.
The new SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable keeps that straightforward approach intact. Installation is still tool free thanks to an adhesive backing, and it works with both rocker switches and single press buttons. In other words, if you liked the original model, nothing here will feel unfamiliar.
The big change is the power source. The updated device now includes a 370mAh rechargeable lithium battery that charges using USB-C. According to the company, the Bot can run for up to six months on a single charge when used once per day. That may not sound flashy, but anyone who owns several of these devices will appreciate not having to constantly swap out disposable batteries.
Beyond the battery change, the Bot still behaves the same way in a smart home setup. Pair it with a SwitchBot hub and it can be controlled remotely through an app or voice assistant. Users can also create routines that trigger the Bot automatically based on schedules or sensor activity.
That opens up some fun possibilities. Imagine having a coffee maker button pressed automatically every morning, or a heater turning on before you arrive home. Because the Bot physically interacts with switches, it can automate devices that normally cannot connect to smart plugs or WiFi.
That flexibility is really what makes the product interesting. Instead of replacing appliances, the Bot simply works with what you already have. It is a clever workaround that turns ordinary devices into automated ones with almost no effort.
The SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable is available on Amazon now with a suggested retail price of $33.99.
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