If you’re tired of pressing buttons, let the Fingerbot do it remotely

By Patrick Hearn Published November 22, 2019

A smart plug lets you control almost any appliance remotely, even those that might be considered “dumb” appliances by most standards. If your appliance requires a button to be pressed to use it, smart home tech falls a bit short — until now.

The appropriately named Fingerbot is exactly what it sounds like: A small box with a “finger” protruding from it. The device links to your Wi-Fi network and allows you to activate it from your phone, through a smart assistant, or even on a schedule. When the Fingerbot activates, its finger will extend and depress the button on the other side. Remote control of the Fingerbot requires the Adaprox Bridge device.

Recommended Videos

The Fingerbot has a number of different “fingers” you can attach to it, including the standard extension arm, the touch screen arm, the toggle control arm, the wall switch arm, and the wall toggle arm. The Fingerbot is reported to have a 6-month battery life and is designed to be easily installed. Although specific instructions have not yet been provided, images of the Fingerbot make the installation look like a simple matter of securing the device with an adhesive strip.

1 of 5

fingerbot remotely presses buttons to turn on appliances 8 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

fingerbot remotely presses buttons to turn on appliances 7 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

fingerbot remotely presses buttons to turn on appliances 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

fingerbot remotely presses buttons to turn on appliances 4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

fingerbot remotely presses buttons to turn on appliances 10 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The appeal of the Fingerbot lies in how easily older appliances can be connected to a larger smart home network. The Fingerbot can connect to wall switches, coffee pots, and microwaves. You can even connect it to your pet’s food dispenser and feed them throughout the day from your phone. The Fingerbot is not yet available for purchase, but interested customers can sign up for launch alerts on the device’s website. The early bird price is $25, but the standard retail price is supposed to be around $50. The relatively low cost of this device makes it an attractive option for someone that wants a smarter home but doesn’t want to invest in brand-new smart devices (some of which are cost-prohibitive.)

The Fingerbot connects to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and even Nest. For such a simple device, the Fingerbot has the potential to be incredibly useful. If pressing buttons is a drag, let this little smart device do it for you.

Topics

Mobile Writer

Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…

Smart Home

Do you need a regular vacuum if you have a robot vacuum?

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Robot vacuums are a great addition to any home. The best products on the market are capable of vacuuming and mopping without any manual input, giving you an easy way to automate your floor-cleaning needs. Some will even empty their dustbins and wash their mops -- making them shockingly autonomous. But should you still own a regular vacuum if you have a robot vacuum? After all, robot vacuums aren't cheap, and owning both types of products might seem superfluous and expensive.

Unfortunately, robot vacuums are not yet at the point where they can clean your entire home, making it important for all families to hold on to a regular vacuum. Here's a closer look at robot vacuums and why they're not a complete replacement for your upright or cordless vacuum.
Robot vacuums can't reach all areas of your home

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?

The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink and Ring are two of the best-known security companies, and they're responsible for many of the best security cameras on the market. The Blink Mini 2 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In are popular choices for frugal shoppers, as they carry reasonable price tags, yet offer most of the features you'd expect from a well-rounded camera. But if you only need one, which is right for you -- the Blink Mini 2 or the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the most affordable security cameras money can buy. It clocks in at just $40, though Blink often slashes its price to just $30. If you'd like to use the camera outside, you can bundle in the Weather Resistant Adapter for a total of $50. The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In is more expensive at $100, though with the launch of the Stick Up Cam Pro, it's typically available for $70.

Smart Home

Yale Keypad Touch lets you control the front door with your fingerprints

The Yale Keypad Touch installed on wooden siding.

Yale released the Approach retrofit smart lock last month -- the first-ever retrofit lock from the popular company. This month it's following up with the Yale Keypad Touch, a wireless accessory that lets you control the Yale Approach with nothing more than your fingerprints.

Because the Yale Approach smart lock doesn't include a keypad, most shoppers will want to add one to their purchase. Without a keypad, you'll be left controlling it with your smartphone. Yale previously let you bundle in the Yale Keypad with the Approach, turning it into something more akin to a traditional smart lock.