Summary
Researchers have programmed a robot vacuum to do more tasks than just cleaning. They believe these robots, common in homes, are underutilized and could be assigned many more duties, with a little reprogramming and some additions.
Key Facts
- The project was conducted by scientists from the University of Bath and University of Calgary in Canada.
- They believe robot vacuums are not used to their full potential and can perform many more tasks.
- The team reprogrammed a Roomba vacuum robot to carry out four new tasks including charging a mobile phone, projecting a workout video, monitoring the home through live video, and displaying a 'do not disturb' sign.
- They identified up to 100 new tasks such robot vacuums could perform with some modifications.
- The global household robots market was valued at $10.3 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach $24.5 billion by 2028.
- The researchers suggest that all these additional tasks could be carried out during the robot's "idle time", when it's not cleaning.
- However, some of these additional tasks would require parts that the average robot vacuum owner may not have, like a cart, a helmet, and a robotic arm.
- The suggestion that robot vacuums could be modified to carry out more tasks is based on a study, not a finished product available to consumers.
