Scientists from the University of Bath have reprogrammed a robot vacuum to prove its latent potential, and proposed over 100 new ways the device can alternatively be used within the home.

The new study is believed to be the first where scientists have investigated the untapped potential of a mobile domestic robot, exploring how it can be used to provide other helpful tasks around the home instead of being idle.

The study was presented at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, the premier intentional conference of Human-Computer Interaction, earlier this week. They demonstrated the feasibility of working robot vacuums harder by reprogramming a Roomba to perform functions outwith its original intent.

For instance, when fitted with a phone holder, the device became a mobile wireless charger, and even navigated through the home to find the phone owner when mobile charging was needed.

After being equipped with a projector, the robot displayed workout videos on a wall. When it was time for floor exercises, it shifted the projection to the ceiling for uninterrupted viewing.

Additionally, the robot monitored the home remotely, providing live video and task control, such as observing the oven while the user watched and controlled it.

Further functions proposed by the study’s authors, in consultation with 12 global experts on robots and AI, include searching for lost items, scanning the fridge and suggesting items to purchase, moving plants to sunlight, intentionally interacting with pets, checking if home doors are locked, receiving and delivering packages when the user is busy, among others.

With the right extensions and attachments, the researchers suggest that the robots could immediately undertake some of the proposed new tasks, such as delivering mobile light therapy for individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or reminding users to take their medication and schedule medical appointments.

Yoshiaki Shiokawa, who’s first author of the study and a PhD student at the University of Bath’s Department of Computer Science, said: “Mobile domestic robots, like robot vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers, are perceived as limited, single-task devices but there is a strong argument that they are under-used for practical tasks. 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 to perform a range of additional functions. Just think how much more efficiently households would run if Roombas could be converted into household assistants.

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“Our study proved that after making minimal adjustments, a Roomba can serve multiple roles around the home.”

The research team for the project also included Dr. Adwait Sharma, Dr. Aditya Shekhar Nittala, Winnie Chen, and Professor Jason Alexander.