Shoveling Snow a Problem? Now There's an App For That

TIVERTON, RI — Someday, a snow shoveling robot could take care of the mess after a winter storm. Kobi, the prototype that's already received some ink, looks like a bit like robot vacuum cleaners already on the market but with jumbo wheels.

At a cost close to $4,000, though, the Kobi is too pricey for most budgets. So, until the robots become more affordable, a Rutherford, N.J. company is stepping up with a new app, unSnow.me.

At last count, the app was available in about 150 cities nationwide, according to Lori Shepherd. Basically, you put the job out to bid, and someone in the snow biz makes an offer, she said.

The providers can run the gamut professional snow removal companies to neighborhood kids, according to company founder Scott Reimels.

"We're in Rhode Island with contractors registered in Hope, Pawtucket, and Providence as of today," Shepherd said on Dec. 27. "It is a free app to post projects/jobs and to respond to them. The only cost is $1.99 per transaction to the job poster when he/she enters into a work contract with a service provider."

Shepherd said they are adding more communities daily.

Now, if only someone could figure out how to train the iPhone to shovel.

Image via Shutterstock