Puro: A Multifunctional Pet Care Robot

Designed by Taeuk Ham, Puro Combines Cleaning, Air Purification, and Play

The inspiration for Puro came from the common pain points of pet owners in South Korea, where most pet-raising households are single-person households. These owners often worry about leaving their pets alone and maintaining a sanitary environment. Taeuk Ham's solution is a multifunctional appliance that alleviates pets' anxiety disorders and insufficient exercise while ensuring cleanliness.

Initially, Puro was conceived as an enhanced robotic cleaner specialized in cleaning pet hairs and dust. However, as the design evolved, Taeuk Ham incorporated various electric sensors and parts, such as a camera, a gyroscopic sensor, and IoT connectivity, to expand its functionality. A separate treat container was added to the design to entertain pets and alleviate their anxiety and boredom when their owners are away.

The realization of Puro involved innovative use of technology. The cyclone motors, which take in a large amount of air, are used not only for cleaning dust but also for purifying air and collecting pet hairs above the ground. A purification filter was added to the back of the charging station, allowing the robot to filter out polluted air while charging. The camera and gyroscopic sensors, initially used for mapping the floor, can now detect the pet's position to precisely throw treats.

Puro operates in three modes: Play Mode, Clean Mode, and Air Purification Mode. In Play Mode, Puro throws treats to engage the pet in exercise. After playtime, it switches to Clean Mode to clean up the crumbs. Finally, as the pet rests on the pet bed-shaped station, Puro connects to the station and activates the air purifier, removing hairs and odors.

The design of Puro was based on extensive user research and surveys conducted by Taeuk Ham's team. The research revealed that the major concerns of single-person households raising pets were leaving their pets alone and dealing with sanitation issues. Puro addresses these concerns effectively, making it a valuable addition to any pet-raising household.

In conclusion, Puro is a testament to the power of design in improving our lives and the lives of our pets. By combining cleaning, air purification, and play in one device, Taeuk Ham has created a product that meets the needs of both pets and their owners. Puro is not just a pet care robot; it is a symbol of innovative design and technology making a positive impact on our lifestyles.