Scientists Turn Lazy Robot Vacuums Into Multi-Tasking Home Helpers

You might only think of your robot vacuum as that cute little disk that zooms around your floors for an hour or two before going back to its dock for a long nap. But what if it could do more—like charge your phone, help with your workouts, or even water your plants?

That’s exactly what researchers at the University of Bath have been exploring. They’ve reprogrammed a Roomba vacuum cleaner to take on a handful of unexpected tasks, all to prove a point: our household robots are seriously underused.

“These machines are in homes everywhere, but they spend most of the day doing absolutely nothing,” said Yoshiaki Shiokawa, the lead author of the study. “With a few smart tweaks, they could be doing so much more.”

The researchers didn’t just make a wishlist—they put it into action. They turned a Roomba into a:

• Mobile phone charger that follows you around the house
• Personal workout assistant with a projector that displays fitness videos
• Home monitor that streams live video, so you can check on your oven while lounging on the couch
• Do-not-disturb sign on wheels that can roll to your room’s door and ward off interruptions

And that’s just the beginning. Their study suggests over 100 different tasks these robots could be taught to do with some clever programming and a few add-ons. Think grocery hauling, pet entertainment, or even basic plant care.

Of course, some of these upgrades would take more than just a software tweak—you’d need things like a robotic arm or a small cart—but the researchers say it’s time to start expecting more from these devices.

“There’s no reason these bots should spend 22 hours a day doing nothing,” said Dr. Adwait Sharma, a co-author from the University of Bath. “They’re ready for a glow-up—and so are our homes.”

As the global household robot market continues to grow—valued at over $10 billion in 2023 and projected to more than double by 2028—it might not be long before your humble vacuum becomes your new workout buddy, tech assistant, and grocery cart.