Do we really need an Alexa-powered toilet? Well, perhaps those germaphobes out there will say an emphatic yes and thank their lucky stars that their prayers have been answered. No need to use a clicker anymore like John Cage the character from Ally McBeal. His remote control operated the toilets and allowed him to flush before he even entered ensuring his need for a “fresh bowl”. At one point, in the show the remote was even modified to put the toilet seat up and down. Well, John Cage, you have finally been heard.
This year, the list of Alexa-activated devices has just gotten longer and weirder. The list of new devices powered by Alexa rose to 4,000, from over 1,000 brands. Amazon has now gotten its voice-activated digital assistant into all manner of Internet-connected gadgets, kitchen and bath products made by Kohler is no exception.
If there is a race for the King or Queen of smart home control, Kohler’s toilet might just take the throne. (Punny, right?) Kohler’s smart toilet starts at $5,625, while the fancier version the Numi Black will cost anywhere from costs $6,500 to $7,500. Both will come out in the fourth quarter this year.
Kohler’s new toilet can be controlled by voice, with Amazon’s Alexa assistant. You can ask to heat up the seat, lift the lid, play your favorite tunes, and yes of course, flush. It also boasts a lid that automatically opens as you approach, along with a heated seat and a touch-screen remote.
Rockwell, Milwaukee is the headquarters of Kohler Co a 145-year-old manufacturer of toilets, bathtubs and faucets. It is there they have recently built the Kohler’s Smart Home Experience Lab and they are ready to bring your entire bathroom online.
The Numi delivers hands-free flushing, bidet cleansing, feet warming, air drying, odor control, music, a night light and automatic seat temperature management. With the Kohler Konnect app, you can customize these features, create user presets and even ask Alexa to flush.
Would you buy it for your home? No, I doubt it, but let’s just say you hit the mega millions what about then?
