Scientists Propose New Uses for Idle Robot Vacuums in the Home

Researchers from the University of Bath, in collaboration with the University of Calgary, have demonstrated that household robot vacuums like Roombas can be reprogrammed to perform additional useful tasks beyond just cleaning. According to the study, these devices are typically only active for less than two hours a day, leaving them idle for the majority of the time. To address this underutilization, scientists retrained a robot vacuum to carry out a variety of chores, including charging a phone, projecting workout videos, serving as a mobile home monitor, and displaying a ‘do not disturb’ message in specific areas of the house. They identified up to 100 potential tasks that such robots could perform with relatively minor adjustments. Although some proposed upgrades, like robotic arms or carts, may not be accessible to the average user, the researchers believe these devices could be repurposed to handle more diverse functions around the home. The global market for household robots was valued at $10.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $24.5 billion by 2028, reinforcing the relevance of enhancing their functionality.