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Robot vacuums 'could water plants or play with cat'

Scientists, including researchers in Bath, have come up with 100 proposed uses for the robots.

Anyone who has watched a robot vacuum cleaner in action may argue these ideas are a little far-fetched, given that current machines sometimes struggle with the challenges presented by rugs and shoelaces while carrying out their core function. Mr Shiokawa, a PhD student in the department of computer science at Bath, said the project proved that "after making minimal adjustments, a Roomba can serve multiple roles around the home". The study's co-author Dr Adwait Sharma agreed, saying the device's "idle time" presented "unique opportunities" to meet the "growing need for adaptable robots and integrated systems that can seamlessly fit into our daily lives".

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