The Future of Smart Technology: Robots in The Home

What Are ‘Household Robots’?

Household robots are machines that automate everyday tasks in domestic settings, such as smart vacuums.

Right now, most domestic robots are devices that you can buy off-the-shelf at relatively accessible prices. For example, you can purchase robotic window cleaners that you simply place on glass. However, a major limitation is that most of today’s home robots require human intervention (i.e. you’ll need to manually trigger the device’s action).

While robotic mops and automated pet feeders ease the load of household tasks, their features remain basic compared to potential future innovations. For example, the next generation of household robots will likely include personal assistant robots that support elderly care. AI insights could also help robots act independently. Future robots might carry out chores before you even realise they need doing.

The Rise of Robotics in the Smart Home

As AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to evolve, there are more opportunities for robotics to do the same. With a connected system, you can set up house robots to interact with other tech and respond to triggers. For example, a mop could start cleaning once motion detection picks up that you’re settled in another room and won’t get in the way.

AI robots for home could learn routines, adapt to homeowners’ needs and anticipate tasks.

As more people adopt smart home technology, it’s likely that consumer appetite for sophisticated robots will increase, too.

Interim Solutions: Where We Are Today

If you’d like a home robot assistant today, look out for:

1. Cleaning robots for home: Automated vacuums, mops and lawn care tools are mostly off-the-shelf consumer products, but some show potential for future integration with wider smart tech.
2. Companion robots: We’re early on in market adoption, but some companion robots already exist, designed to improve people’s wellbeing and reduce loneliness (particularly among the elderly).
3. Security robots: Some robots can provide property perimeter monitoring and integrate with surveillance cameras and alerts, taking home security to another level.

While there are exciting products already out there, most commercially available home robots have limitations. For example, most are standalone devices that aren’t easy to integrate with other smart home tech. Typically, you’ll need to control each smart robot individually (i.e. through its own app, rather than your smart home dashboard). However, some smart home professionals will be able to customise certain devices to integrate them with your wider tech setup.

The Future of Domestic Robots in Smart Homes

The next generation of home robots could potentially be multi-task robots capable of cleaning, assisting and monitoring. At the moment, you usually need a robot per task. However, in the future, there may be all-in-one robots that can vacuum your floor, clean your windows and alert you to intruders.

Improvements with AI home robots could also see them more widely used as companions, security assistants and carers. Today’s companion robots provide limited company and practical help. However, advancements will widen the variety of tasks you can use them for.

It’s also likely that there will be more integrations with whole-home systems, including lighting, audio visual (AV) tech, access control, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The challenge here is the technical complexity and bringing down costs to make wider adoption possible. Plus, some homeowners have security concerns. Robotic devices need to be secure before you make them part of your smart home system.

Why Professional Integration Will Be Essential for Robotics at Home

Unlike the plug-and-play consumer robots you may already use, advanced house robots will rely on integration with wider home systems.

CEDIA-certified professional smart home installers would ensure: 

1. Robots connect securely to the network
2. Compatibility with lighting, HVAC, AV and security systems

Even though it’s not yet possible to integrate most household robots into smart home systems, a CEDIA Smart Home Professional can still advise on how to future-proof your setup so that it’s ready for when new robotic technologies arrive.

Without professional integration, attempts to connect house robots to your smart home could risk functionality, connectivity and security issues.

Security and Privacy in a Robot-Enabled Home

As many household robots have microphones, cameras and sensors, it’s understandable why some homeowners have privacy concerns.

It’s important to select robots made by reputable firms. You should also proceed with caution when connecting them to your systems. DIY products are more likely to have security flaws than professional-grade robots. 

Professional configuration ensures secure data handling, encrypted connections and safe integration. Plus, many professionals offer aftercare, meaning that they will routinely check for security vulnerabilities and update devices with the latest software.

Preparing Your Home for the Next Wave of Robotics

While some robotic technology is yet to hit the commercial market, you can still take steps now to make your home robot-ready.

To put yourself in the best position for using robots in your home:

1. Invest in a reliable smart home ecosystem.
2. Work with CEDIA-certified professionals to future-proof infrastructure.
3. Ensure you have robust network capacity with cybersecurity protections.

While today’s household robots are still relatively simple, the future points to AI-powered assistants that will transform home living. By preparing now, homeowners can make sure their smart home is ready for advanced robotics. 

Want to future-proof your property for house robots? Find a smart home professional near you.