Autonomous snow removal robot skepticism disappears when the blizzard arrives. You just spent $5,000 on what your family calls a ridiculous toy. A yellow tractor that mows lawns and blows snow. Everyone thinks you've lost it. Then New Jersey gets buried. You're sitting inside with coffee. Through the window, the little yellow tank is clearing 6,000 square feet of driveway while you stay warm. It runs for 90 minutes, returns to charge itself, goes back out. The internet sees your video and loses its mind.

 

Abel's first question as a reviewer: how does first generation tech handle reality? Does it only work on perfectly paved straight driveways or can it manage gravel, curves, actual conditions? The videos show it performing under storm pressure, but what happens when parts break? Canadian pricing is $6,899 delivered on Amazon in a week, $9,849 for the four season package. Apple released next generation AirTag at the same $39 price with better range and accuracy, but didn't call it AirTag 2. That gap signals more upgrades coming. Arizona students built a full size ENIAC replica with 1,600 hot glue sticks to show autistic kids what a 30 ton 1946 computer actually looked like.

 

The toy everyone mocked just cleared your driveway during a blizzard. First generation that works under pressure creates the market everyone else will chase.

 

Topics: autonomous snow removal robot, Yarbo snowplow, yard robots, first generation tech, smart home winter

 

GUEST: Kris Abel | @realkrisabel, realkrisabel.com


Originally aired on 2026-01-27

Autonomous snow removal robot skepticism disappears when the blizzard arrives. You just spent $5,000 on what your family calls a ridiculous toy. A yellow tractor that mows lawns and blows snow. Everyone thinks you've lost it. Then New Jersey gets buried. You're sitting inside with coffee. Through the window, the little yellow tank is clearing 6,000 square feet of driveway while you stay warm. It runs for 90 minutes, returns to charge itself, goes back out. The internet sees your video and loses its mind.
&nbsp;
Abel's first question as a reviewer: how does first generation tech handle reality? Does it only work on perfectly paved straight driveways or can it manage gravel, curves, actual conditions? The videos show it performing under storm pressure, but what happens when parts break? Canadian pricing is $6,899 delivered on Amazon in a week, $9,849 for the four season package. Apple released next generation AirTag at the same $39 price with better range and accuracy, but didn't call it AirTag 2. That gap signals more upgrades coming. Arizona students built a full size ENIAC replica with 1,600 hot glue sticks to show autistic kids what a 30 ton 1946 computer actually looked like.
&nbsp;
The toy everyone mocked just cleared your driveway during a blizzard. First generation that works under pressure creates the market everyone else will chase.
&nbsp;
Topics: autonomous snow removal robot, Yarbo snowplow, yard robots, first generation tech, smart home winter
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kris Abel | @realkrisabel, realkrisabel.com
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.