When it comes to consumer robotics products, the rate of technological advancement is astounding. Robots that were previously prohibitively expensive and confined to R & D labs are now available en-masse in peoples homes. It seems that finally consumer robotics is changing the way we live our daily lives. 

Over the past 5 years prices have been coming down significantly as companies are able to grow and benefit from economies of scale, but a lot of the time they are still too high for the average person to justify what are often experimental purchases. However, on Black Friday substantial discounts on robotics products can make things a bit more affordable. 

Using previous Black Friday discounts and data from camelcamelcamel.com, here what discounts to expect this year on popular consumer robots including robot vacuums and toys.

Robotics Toys

Given Christmas is only one month after Black Friday, discounts on robotics toys and kits are very popular. Which also makes it a good time to pick up gifts for kids and adults alike! This year deals are expected from a number of different brands. Here are some top picks to look out for:

Anki - One of the most popular robotics toy makers, Anki primarily create kits designed to teach coding to all ages. The most well known robot is the cute Cozmo. Released in October 2016, Cozmo has been discounted on Black Friday by around 17-18% every year plus other sales of up to 30%, so there's a good chance of similar for 2018. However, this year the hype is all on Anki's new premium robot Vector. Given Cozmo was released just before Black Friday and was still on offer, Black Friday deals on Anki's Vector robot are also predicted.

Kano - Similar to Anki, Kano are an educational technology company that create coding kits for kids. However, where it differs is kids also have to build their own mini computers and more recently a Harry Potter robot wand! Then learn how to code by programming games, Apps and more. Historically, we have seen deals from the company and they have already confirmed confirmed 33% Black Friday discounts on Kano Computer Kits for 2018. However, 2 years ago stocks totally sold out, so don't wait around this year! Black Friday deals on the Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit are also predicted, though as it is so new there is limited data to predict the actual offer.

Ozobot Coding Robot - A fun and inexpensive introduction to the world of robotics, the Ozobot is a great starter kit for kids. Similar to most beginner robotics/coding kits, programming the bot is done in a drag-and-drop format with an App called OzoBlockly. On the entry-level Bit robot, past sales indicate there could nearly 40% discounts on Ozobot on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. The slightly more expensive Evo bot is expected to see similar. 

Lego Boost - The final robotics toy we are going to look at today is Lego Boost. This awesome kit is all about building your own robots with custom Lego parts - though it is compatible with the entire Lego ecosystem - and then programming them to do your bidding! This is taught through a drag-and-drop coding App. Lego Boost has been a big hit since it's release and has bagged multiple toy awards, but despite this there were no deals put out on Boost last year even though Lego are famous for their 'Brick Friday deals'. However, since it's been out for a year now Lego Boost Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales are predicted for 2018.

Robot Vacuums

 

Ever since the launch of the iRobot Roomba in 2002, robot vacuums designed to automate cleaning tasks like vacuuming and mopping have exploded in popularity. The technology has improved a lot in the past few years and there are now a handful of great companies in the market, which is great as more competition means deals are more likely! Here are some to check out this Black Friday:

Shark ION Robot Vacuum - The ION Robot was the first robotics release from vacuum giant Shark, though due to the brands name it became very popular in a short space of time. Despite only being released just before Black Friday last year, there were still 10-13% Black Friday discounts on the R72 & R75 Ion Robot models. Additionally, in September there was a flash sale with 30% off, so it's pretty likely there will be some offers on. 

Neato Botvac - Another popular and more established robot vacuum maker, Neato have an extensive range and some models are likely to be discounted. Past sales and price data from last year suggest there is a good chance of Black Friday sales on the Neato Botvac D4-D7 range of 15-30%. 

ILIFE - The ILIFE range are pretty extensive and again, very popular. Various models in the range were discounted online last Black Friday, with 5-30% slashed off the price depending on the model. However, in store there were discounts up to 70%! See this ILIFE robot vacuum Black Friday deal prediction for specifics.

Xiaomi Roborock - Last on this list is the Roborock made by the consumer electronics branch of Xiaomi. This was a relatively recent investment for the company, but the Roborock has come incredibly popular - especially in China for obvious reasons. Black Friday Xiaomi Roborock deals of 10-20% are expected, which given the premium price could still mean several hundred dollars off! 

Eufy Robovac - The final robot vacuum I've chosen to include an analysis of is the Eufy Robovac range. This may be a budget unit but it's still very capable and certainly worth considering if you are looking for an affordable way to automate cleaning in your home. Around 1/3 is predicted off the older models, though Eufy Robovac Black Friday discounts of 20% are thought to be put on newer models. 

Summary

That's all for now! I will continue to add more products and news to this list as it comes out, but please let me know in the comments if you want me to look into any specific products.