Consumer Robotics

Consumer robotics is a field of robotics that focuses on the development of robots for use by consumers. Today, consumer robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as cleaning, companionship, and entertainment.

 

Vacuum Robots
Vacuum robots are designed to clean floors and carpets. They are typically equipped with sensors that allow them to navigate around obstacles and avoid furniture.

Mopping Robots
Mopping robots are designed to mop floors. They are typically equipped with a water tank and a mop head.

Pet Robots
Pet robots are designed to provide companionship for pets. They are typically equipped with sensors that allow them to interact with pets.

Toy Robots
Toy robots are designed for entertainment. They are typically simple robots that can perform a variety of actions, such as walking, talking, or dancing.

Educational Robots
Educational robots are designed to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They are typically equipped with sensors and actuators that allow them to interact with the environment.

This is a rapidly growing field, and as the technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more and more sophisticated consumer robots being developed. These robots have the potential to make our lives easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

 

Increased Convenience
Consumer robots are helping to automate tasks, such as cleaning and lawn mowing, which can free up our time for other activities.

Enhanced Social Interaction
Many users treat their home robots as companions, giving them names and talking to them as a form of companionship and support for people who are lonely or isolated.

Promoted Education and Learning
Consumer robots are used to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Reduced Costs
Consumer robots can help to reduce costs by automating tasks and improving efficiency.

Use in healthcare is very early and exploratory at this stage. Early research is being done to explore use cases such as:

• Telemedicine – to provide telemedicine services, such as video conferencing with doctors and nurses. This can help patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling to see a doctor.
• Medication Delivery – to deliver medications to patients. This can help patients to stay on their medication regimen and reduce the risk of medication errors.
• Patient Monitoring – to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health data. This can help healthcare providers to identify potential problems early and intervene as needed.
• Rehabilitation – to help patients with rehabilitation after surgery or injury. This can help patients to regain their mobility and independence.
• Socialization – to provide companionship and social interaction for people who are lonely or isolated. This can be especially helpful for people who are in long-term care facilities or who have chronic health conditions.
• Patient Education – to provide patient education and support, as well as to conduct research on human behavior (Sophia, created by Hanson Robotics, is a well known example of this).

 

Telepresence Robots
Telepresence robots are being used by hospitals and clinics to provide telemedicine services to patients. For example, the InTouch Health RP-700 telepresence robot is being used by the Mayo Clinic to provide care to patients in rural areas.

Medication Delivery Robots
Medication delivery robots are being used by hospitals and long-term care facilities to deliver medications to patients. For example, the TUG Robot is being used by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to deliver medications to patients in their rooms.

Patient Monitoring Robots
Patient monitoring robots are being used by hospitals and clinics to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health data. For example, the Medtronic Guardian Connect continuous glucose monitoring system uses a wearable sensor to track a patient’s glucose levels and sends the data to a smartphone or tablet.

Rehabilitation Robots
Rehabilitation robots are being used to help patients with rehabilitation after surgery or injury. For example, the Ekso Bionic Suit is a robotic exoskeleton that helps patients to walk after a stroke or spinal cord injury.

Socialization Robots
Socialization robots are being used to provide companionship and social interaction for people who are lonely or isolated. For example, the Paro robot is a robotic seal that is being used in Japan to provide therapy to people with dementia.