Your robot vacuum cleaner spends most of your time collecting dust instead of cleaning it. Now, researchers have found a way to make these idle devices earn their own by converting them into versatile home assistants.
Computer scientists at the University of Bath have identified over 100 ways to repurpose domestic robots during downtime, demonstrating four practical applications that can immediately improve our daily lives. Their findings were presented this week at the Human Factor Conference in Computing Systems.
“Like robot vacuums and lawn mowers, they are considered limited single-piece task equipment, but there is a strong argument that they are idle for most of the day,” said Yoshiaki Shiokawa, lead author of the study.
The team found that robot vacuum cleaners usually need to be cleaned for less than two hours a day, leaving a lot of idle time, which can be used for other tasks. Through interviews with 12 experts on human computers and human robots, they developed a comprehensive framework to extend the capabilities of these devices.
To demonstrate their concept, the researchers reprogrammed the standard Roomba-type device to perform four new functions: Used as a mobile wireless phone charger, projecting workout videos onto walls and ceilings, remotely monitoring home security, and displaying a “Don’t interrupt” message during work calls.
“We should extend its utility beyond its main tasks by programming it to physically browse the house to perform a range of other functions,” Shiokawa explained. “Just think about how effective the home would be if the room bag could be converted into a home assistant.”
The team’s proposed app ranges from practical to romp. With the least modification, domestic robots can water users, remind users to take medication, entertain pets, and even help elderly users stand in a sitting position.
Unlike fixed smart home devices, mobile robots can physically browse different spaces, making them uniquely suitable for tasks that require movement. By connecting different tools such as projectors, screens, or robot arms, a single device can play multiple roles throughout the day.
Dr. Adwait Sharma, co-author and director of the study, highlighted the unexplored potential: “Idle time provides unique opportunities for value-added interactions and is growing with the growing demand for adaptive robots and integrated systems that can seamlessly fit our daily lives.”
With the domestic robotics market expected to grow nearly 19% per year by 2028, this study shows a future where our home assistants do far more than one-time cleaning tasks. You may soon find yourself wondering how to manage without a multitasking mechanical assistant instead of hanging out all day.
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