ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Scientists have reprogrammed a domestic robot vacuum cleaner to charge a phone and assist in a home workout because they believe these machines are currently "too idle".

Researchers from the University of Bath and the University of Calgary claim most of these increasingly-popular domestic appliances are currently in use for less than two hours per day. But with a few minor adjustments they could be programmed to perform up to 100 new functions.

"Cleaning robots are perceived as limited, single-task devices but there is a strong argument that they are under-used for practical tasks," said study author Yoshiaki Shiokawa.

"For most of the day they sit idle. We should be extending their utility beyond their primary tasks by programming them to physically navigate the home and perform a range of additional functions."

Suggested tasks could include watering plants, playing with the pet cat with a laser pen and monitoring home security. Robots could also be used to help an older person to stand from a sitting position, receive and deliver packages and carry groceries from the car to the house, claims Shiokawa.

However, he admits that some of these applications would require upgrades plus the provision of additional equipment such as a cart, a helmet and a robotic arm.

The study's co-author Dr Adwait Sharma adds: "The idle time of these devices presents unique opportunities to meet the growing need for adaptable robots and integrated systems that can seamlessly fit into our daily lives."