Offbeat Sheet: Ori, the Room-Expanding Robot

PR Return’s Offbeat Sheet examines some of the world’s most interesting technology, marketing and innovation stories. Often pushed quickly through the news cycle, we think they deserve more time in the spotlight.

Do you ever wish your apartment could magically expand (and that you could hide your unmade bed from guests)? Now, just down the block from our office at Chicago apartment building Avenir in the River West neighborhood, these wishes can become your reality! Check out this video of apartment-transforming robot Ori from Crain’s Chicago Business. Now, residents can have a full-sized living room AND plenty of room to sprawl out and sleep.

Another perk of these cutting-edge units is the cost saved in furniture. All tenants need to get settled is a mattress and couch. And, don’t worry about your pets; Ori is smart enough to stop if it senses your dog or cat in motion. You’ll be safe too, since the Ori unit doesn’t close flat, but leaves a gap at the wall to protect you from becoming, well, one with the room.

“The name of the building means ‘future,’ and these Ori walls are part of the future of living in smaller apartments,” said building developer Stephane Rambaud.

What do you think? Would you move into an apartment like this, or do you prefer your furniture stays where it is?