Robots parking your car, drone deliveries, and robot cleaners may sound like science fiction, but it’s a reality in some apartment communities in this day and age. While some are only available in select places or a not-so-distant dream, there is some revolutionary tech that you may have already used without even noticing. Check out what currently exists in apartment communities when it comes to robots, AI, and automation, and what the future may hold.
Key Takeaways
- Smart tech and package lockers already simplify apartment living today.
- Select communities are piloting robot valets, cleaning robots, and EV-charging robots.
- Community-wide wellness monitoring and drone delivery remain future concepts still in development.
Robots and Automation Are Already Living with You
Apartment communities have readily adopted many technological advancements to offer these conveniences to their residents. These robots and automations are the latest chapter in renter life, and they’re steadily working towards being the standard, instead of just a luxury feature.
The smart technology that learns your habits and gives you control from anywhere
Worrying about whether you’ve turned off the lights or adjusted the A/C has become a part of the past with smart technology. It has rapidly evolved over time to become an autonomous system that controls apartment features, like the temperature, light, curtains, speakers, and more.
Smart tech learns from your habits and preferences to adjust your apartment’s environment without requiring input from you. The real benefit of smart tech isn’t just the time and effort saved, but also the mental load it removes.
Beyond automation, smart tech is also much more convenient as you can control it from your phone, wherever you are. Apps for the thermostat, lights, and locks put your apartment in your pocket. That same convenience extends beyond your front door. Smart intercoms let you see, talk to, and buzz in guests straight from your phone — no more leaving the comfort of your apartment to make the trek to let a visitor in.
Your package is already waiting for you in automated package lockers
Getting packages delivered to your apartment can be a hassle. You might have to pick it up from the front office or just wait and cross your fingers that it makes it to your door and not an apartment on the other side of the community. Automated package lockers get rid of both of these problems and streamline the process, so you can shop online without worrying.
Package lockers are basically like storage lockers except they hold packages for residents. The courier will place the package inside and then you can get it whenever you want via a secure code or app on your phone.
What's Coming Soon — And Already in Select Apartments
Some apartment communities are pushing the boundaries of tech integrations. They’re piloting brand-new technologies in real-world settings or offering exclusive tech that’s hard to find elsewhere. For renters, it feels like stepping into the next generation of apartment living.
Meet the robots moving into your garage
No more circling the garage trying to find a parking spot as robot valets, or robotic parking systems, will park your car for you. Not in the sense of a humanoid robot getting behind the wheel, but think more of a robotic system that lifts your car, often via a tray or platform, and moves it to its spot. Drivers will then use an app to request the retrieval of their car, taking anywhere from a minute to several minutes.
Having robots park cars saves time for residents, as they don’t have to find or drive to a parking space. It also helps efficiently park cars and allows the storage of more vehicles as robots don’t need lanes or tons of space to maneuver a car.
Automated appliance rentals spaces
Appliances are helpful tools. However, they can get expensive and take up space, especially if you don’t frequently use them. That projector may come in handy for the three movie nights you host a year, but it’s just gathering dust and taking up precious storage space the other 362 days. That’s why many apartment communities are adding automated appliance rentals.
These rental spaces are like giant vending machines where you can rent everything from vacuums and clothes irons to gaming systems and projectors. It is all done through the machine or app, so it is easy to use, open 24/7, and conveniently located right in your apartment community.
Humanoid robots that clean for you
Cleaning robots are exactly what they sound like: robots that clean your apartment. It’s perfect for those that may not want someone else in their home or prefer the additional convenience, flexibility, and predictability. You’ll be able to come home to a clean space without lifting a finger and have more time to do what you enjoy.
Robots patrolling apartment communities
Another place where robots may soon be moving into apartment communities is security. Like mobile security cameras, these robots will be able to record videos, patrol, and detect unusual activity. Since units are already on property, it lowers response times without the need for additional personnel.
Transforming furniture widens the possibilities
Apartments have fixed floorplans that renters squeeze their life into. Transforming furniture turns this reality on its head by reshaping the space around you: a bed drops down for the night, a desk folds out for the workday, and a closet retracts to open up the floor.
Transforming furniture does exist, particularly in cities where space is limited, but it is still quite limited and comes at a premium. As the technology evolves and becomes more accessible and affordable, these types of apartments could become more commonplace.
EV-charging robots that come to you
EV charging is an amenity that is already offered by many apartment communities. However, as a renter, it’s not as simple as walking into the garage and plugging it in. It means driving to the EV-charging spot, plugging in your vehicle, and walking back to your apartment. Then, a couple hours later, walking all the way back to retrieve your car and driving it back to a parking spot closer to your apartment.
This challenge of EV charging may eventually be eliminated with EV-charging robots that find your car. That means you can charge from anywhere and don’t have to worry about moving your car to the EV parking space.
Robots, AI, and Automation in Apartments That Are Still Waiting on the Future
While some ideas are already being tested, there are still plenty that are just concepts. These may reshape apartment living down the road, but they’re still waiting on development, technological advancements, and the necessary infrastructure.
When smart tech takes over the entire apartment community
Currently, smart tech is generally limited when it comes to the overall apartment community, though, in the future it may spread across the entire place. That means adjusting common space temperatures to stay comfortable as people enter and exit or even do certain tasks depending on who walks in the room, like pulling up gym equipment settings or even brewing a special cup of coffee.
Robots, robots, everywhere
You’ve likely encountered AI-powered chatbots on apartment websites that can give you the info you need without calling the office. That’s just the start, though. Robots eventually may join your apartment community’s team for good. From greeting potential renters and giving them a tour to running packages straight to your door, handling maintenance requests, and even staffing the front office, robots could become an integral part of apartment communities.
When your wellness is taken care of by the building itself
Imagine a building that not only handles daily tasks for you, but also cares for your wellbeing. Think automatic circadian lighting that supports your sleep cycle, continuous water testing for contaminants, and air quality monitoring with air purifiers that adjust based off the findings. It could even monitor your health and flag any concerns.
Drone delivery is still working out the wrinkles
Drone delivery is in testing in some places, but it’s still facing a lot of hurdles, like air space restrictions, weight limitations, guidance issues, and more. Companies are working on expanding these services and making them more reliable, so maybe in the far future you’ll be able to get everything you want delivered by drone.
The Future of Apartment Living Is Already Here — Find It on Apartments.com
Some robots and tech are still more concept than reality, like robot valets finding their footing, furniture that folds itself away, and buildings that monitor your health. A lot of it is already here, and ready to help simplify apartment living — starting with the search itself. Apartments.com Ai streamlines the renter experience by letting you type or speak exactly what you're looking for, eliminating extra steps and connecting you with rentals that fit your criteria in seconds.
From smart tech that you can control from your phone to EV charging, these are amenities that apartment communities offer today, and they're exactly the kind of details you can filter for on Apartments.com. So, whether you're chasing the latest in smart-home convenience or just want a place that makes everyday life easier, start your search with Apartments.com Ai and see which of these technologies is already waiting for you.
FAQs
Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?
Yes, robot vacuums actually work well in small apartments. Their compact size makes it easy for them to navigate tighter floor plans, get under furniture, and clean without much manual setup.
What are some examples of robots that are already in homes?
Robotic cleaning appliances, like vacuums and mops, are the most common example already found in apartments. Smart speakers and voice assistants also act as a kind of robot, letting you control lights, temperature, and other connected devices in your unit. On the community side, some apartment communities have started adding robotic parking valets and patrol robots as shared amenities.
How can I turn my apartment into a smart home?
Start with the basics: a smart speaker or hub, smart plugs, and smart bulbs are inexpensive, renter-friendly ways to add automation without modifying the apartment itself. From there, you can layer in a smart thermostat (if your lease allows it), smart locks, or a video doorbell for added convenience and security.
