Introduction
Sometimes, the smartest solution is the dumbest one. If you can’t rewire a light switch or buy a smart coffee maker, why not just get a tiny robot to push the button for you?
This is the world of Button Pushers. These small cubes stick to appliances and physically extend a mechanical arm to press buttons. For renters, they are a superpower.
Contender 1: SwitchBot Bot
The original and most famous button pusher.
- Design: A sleek white or black square.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (requires a Hub for Wi-Fi/Alexa control).
- Best Feature: “Press” vs. “Switch” Mode. It comes with a little sticker add-on that allows the arm to pull a rocker switch back up, meaning it can turn lights on AND off.
- Price: ~$30 USD.
Contender 2: Tuya Fingerbot Plus
The budget challenger.
- Design: A cube with a touch button on top.
- Connectivity: Zigbee (Requires a Tuya Hub).
- Best Feature: Modular Arms. It comes with different arm lengths and shapes (straight, ring, cushioned) to fit weird buttons. It also has a physical touch button on the device itself.
- Price: ~$15-$20 USD.
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
- Buy SwitchBot if: You want reliability and a polished app. The “Pull” mechanism for light switches is superior.
- Buy Fingerbot if: You are on a budget and have deep buttons (like on a washing machine) where you need to swap out the arm length.
Top 3 Renter Use Cases
- The Intercom Hack: Stick a bot over the “Unlock” button on your apartment buzzer. When the pizza guy arrives, say “Alexa, Open Door,” and the bot presses the buzzer for you.
- The PC Power Button: Stick one on your PC tower. Turn your computer on from bed.
- The “Dumb” Fan: Automate that cheap box fan that has physical buttons.