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Bark-Activated Washers

The ‘Woof to Wash’ Lets Dogs Do Your Laundry for You

— November 26, 2013 — Tech
John Middleton of UK-based commercial laundry and dishwashing specialists JTM Service has recently invented ‘Woof to Wash.’ The idea behind it is that, now, even dogs can be trained to do the laundry through the unlocking of a footpad and sound activation; with a simple “woof.”

On the ‘Woof to Wash’, Middleton says on the site, “[a] voice-activated washing machine, combined with a single 40 degree wash cycle and facility to automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent, could be invaluable to people who are visually impaired, have manual dexterity problems, autism or learning difficulties.”

Now, not only can disability assistance dogs strip beds, help an individual to undress or dress, they can now turn laundry machines on. The dog footpad and a microphone system has been installed to recognize a dog’s bark. The dog can also unlock the machine by pressing the pad with their paw and use a rope to close the door.

The bark-activated laundry machines will be manufactured by Miele.
Trend Themes
1. Smart Home for Pets - Innovative technology that uses voice-activated commands and specialized equipment for animals to improve independent living for individuals with disabilities.
2. Assistive Pets - Pets trained to help with household tasks and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities using voice command technology.
3. Animal-assisted Therapy - Innovation that incorporates dogs and other animals to create an interactive experience for individuals, helping to improve their mental and physical health using smart technology.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Home Technology - Smart technology designed for pets that can be used to help individuals with disabilities live more independently at home.
2. Pet Industry - Pet owners can utilize smart technology in the pet industry to improve the quality of care and functionality of home devices and products.
3. Healthcare Industry - Incorporating animal therapy and voice-activated technology in healthcare settings can improve patients' experiences and outcomes while reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
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