A Fresh look at Consumer Robotics

Recently took another look at what I call consumer robotics. That is, robotics that are useful in the average home. Have been reading about useful robot butlers for a very long time (the 60s?). They are still not there, but applications like the floor-sweeping Roomba got me interested again. Also has some implications regarding how consumers will clean their homes in the future, of interest to us. Just did a quick search to get an update and discovered the blog Robot Stock News, which covers the work at IRobot quite nicely and appears to be up to date. It would appear that IRobot has more happening in the military world than with home care. Notably in their PackBot applications. Meanwhile Clorox is still making fluid for the Scooba floor washer, though the arrangement has received some critical comment. The Japanese work on eldercare robotics may the most important for consumer applications in the home in coming years, though what I have seen so far seems to be overplayed. Worth following closely, though. The Economist provides a broader perspective.