For HomeBot founder Clara Mulligan, every day at work, in a dynamic environment like hers, is a learning experience.
Clara Mulligan is the founder of HomeBot Irelanda west Cork robotics company developing robotic vacuums, mops and lawn mowers. His business idea, like other strong businesses, was founded on the idea that simple everyday problems can have good and practical solutions.
“I’ve always been a problem solver”, Mulligan told SiliconRepublic.com. “Even when I was young, if I saw something not working, whether at home or at work, I felt that I had to find a better way to do it.
What is the problem? He explained that his father-in-law previously had trouble mowing the grass because it was separated and he used to mow his neighbors’ lawns, which required him to transport the machine in a van. The action that caused the ankle fracture.
He said, “HomeBot exists because there was a real problem in front of me that needed to be solved. I think when products are built with a real need, they tend to work better because they’re focused on real life rather than theory.”
On the topic of theory versus real life, there are many myths circulating on the topic of robots that Mulligan is determined to recreate. In particular, those robots are by their very nature, very expensive, complex, or only for technical enthusiasts.
He joked, “I still haven’t been able to come up with a robot that washes, dries and folds my laundry, contrary to rumors, but I’m working on it,” adding that, although people are quick to think that robots are out of their reach for the reasons listed earlier, the situation changes. “Technology has become more accessible these days and allows ordinary families to access it.”
Everyday robots
On that point, Mulligan is of the opinion that robots are more integrated into ordinary homes and are part of everyday activities, no longer limited to beginners. A logical change for a robotics expert as he explains, there is a huge demand in this area.
“I really like, for example, how robots can support people who really need it, the elderly, people with mobility challenges, or busy families. For me, it’s never been about technology for its own sake, it’s about practical solutions that make life easier.”
He predicts that further change will come as people continue to prioritize time and independence, looking to advanced technology to relieve the burden of daily, manual or mundane tasks. In the same way that HomeBot changed the way Mulligan’s father-in-law maintained his garden.
“Technology that handles repetitive household tasks gives people hours back in their week and reduces physical strain, which can be overwhelming for busy families, when you think of children and pets, people with mobility challenges or the elderly.
“We hear that all the time from our customers. Something that feels new at first is often something you wouldn’t want to live without. Jobs that are no longer on your to-do list because the robot will take care of them for you. And the robot becomes part of the family.”
Describing HomeBot as a startup, Mulligan is excited about the future, as his company, entering its second year of operation, looks set to grow.
He said, “I’m focused on continuing to grow the product range and expand our line of smart home robots to window cleaners and solar panel cleaners over the next few months. For me, the mission remains the same as before, keep things simple, listen to consumers and build technology that genuinely helps people.”
“Watch this space as it begins. It’s been an incredible two years and I’m excited to see how the space evolves over the next few years. There’s a huge opportunity for technology to improve everyday life, and I’m proud to be a small part of that.”
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