However, all of the above ought in principle to be possible by transmitting infrared (IR) signals from a DIY circuit... or a Raspberry Pi? For example, with older model Roombas people have used LIRC and an IR Blaster to tell their Roomba to start cleaning by mimicking the remote control - with the computer handling the scheduling.
Raspberry Pi Infrared Blaster, using a P2N2222A NPN transistor, and two IR LEDs in series with 3.3V |