Having your floors swept and your washing sorted by robots may no longer be the product of science fiction. New research reveals that more than 1 in 10 American homes will have a housekeeping robot by the year 2020. And if history repeats itself the UK will surely follow.
Urbanisation and a reduction in available time for household chores were cited as key drivers behind the growth. In 2016, global unit shipments of robot housekeepers reached 15.7 million. However new findings by Juniper Research estimate 48 million will be shipped in 2020.
The research titled 'Consumer Robotics: Investment, Disruptors & Future Prospects 2017-2021' predicted that consumer demand for social robots will not gain traction until 2021. So-called 'companion' robots, such as Jibo, Kuri and Pepper, are currently unable to differentiate themselves in any meaningful way from smart home assistant devices such as Amazon’s Echo.
Many such robots are currently sold at more than five times the price of Amazon’s device.
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Social robots v healthcare robots
Research author Steffen Sorrell: “Presently, social robots are little more than expensive smart home speakers – they may look impressive but their performance is limited. Visual and aural understanding, service integration and emotional intelligence will form the key pillars that drive consumer interest in social robotics.”
Healthcare robots are predicted to penetrate the market similarly to housekeeping robots. The research noted that ageing populations would mean that development and commercialisation of healthcare robots would become prevalent.
Humanoid robots, with cultural awareness and a good bedside manner, could help solve the crisis over care for the elderly, academics say. In a separate study, researchers from Middlesex University and the University of Bedfordshire will assist in building personal social robots, known as
Pepper Robots, which can be pre-programmed to suit the person they are helping.
It is hoped culturally sensitive robots will be developed within three years. The European Union and the Japanese government are funding the programme.
An international team is working on a £2m project to develop versatile robots to help look after older people in care homes or sheltered accommodation. The robots will offer support with everyday tasks, like taking tablets, as well as offering companionship. Academics say they could alleviate pressures on care homes and hospitals.
It is hoped culturally sensitive robots will be developed within three years. The European Union and the Japanese government are funding the programme.
An international team is working on a £2m project to develop versatile robots to help look after older people in care homes or sheltered accommodation. The robots will offer support with everyday tasks, like taking tablets, as well as offering companionship. Academics say they could alleviate pressures on care homes and hospitals.
