Imagine a humanoid robot in your home, preparing meals with millimetre precision, washing dishes without complaint, folding clothes with expert care, cleaning windows until they shine, and taking out the rubbish exactly when needed.

A perfect assistant that can also look after children, keep track of medical appointments, and even engage in pleasant conversation when loneliness sets in. Until recently, this scenario seemed like something out of a science fiction film, yet it is increasingly within reach thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Companies such as Tesla and Agibot have already introduced their first humanoid robots designed for domestic use, promising to revolutionise daily life.

Tesla’s Optimus can perform tasks such as watering plants, assisting in the kitchen, and receiving deliveries, with an estimated price between $20,000 and $30,000. Meanwhile, China’s Agibot has unveiled Yuanzheng A2, a 175 cm tall, 55 kg robot equipped with advanced sensors, capable of carrying out complex tasks with remarkable precision.

With these and other initiatives taking shape, domestic robots are no longer a distant promise but a tangible reality.

This progress is part of a wider trend. According to a report by HTF Market Intelligence, the global domestic robotics market is projected to grow from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $14 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 15.2%. Leading companies such as Amazon, Sony, Dyson, iRobot, Xiaomi, Tesla, Agibot, and Samsung are competing to develop robots that enhance everyday living.

A Dream with History

The vision of household robots easing daily tasks has fascinated humanity for decades, fuelled by science fiction literature and cinema. However, the earliest attempts to bring this vision to life date back to the 20th century, when automation and robotics began to emerge in industry.

One of the earliest precursors of domestic robotics appeared in the 1960s and 70s, when pioneering companies such as Heathkit developed experimental robots with limited functions. These early attempts were little more than rudimentary mobile platforms that responded to basic commands and were primarily used for educational or entertainment purposes.

Interest in home robotics grew significantly in the 1980s. Companies such as Tomy Corporation introduced small toy robots like the Omnibot, a programmable device capable of recording and playing messages, moving light objects, and navigating household spaces.

A major breakthrough came in the 2000s with the development of functional robots designed for specific household tasks. In 2002, iRobot revolutionised the market with the Roomba, an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner that used sensors to navigate and clean without human intervention.

From that point on, the sector experienced rapid growth. Robots were developed for window cleaning, lawn maintenance, and even personal assistance. Advancements in technology made these devices increasingly sophisticated, enhancing their navigation, adaptability, and interaction capabilities.

Today, domestic robotics extends beyond cleaning. There are robots designed for home security, personal assistance with advanced conversational capabilities, health monitoring, and even humanoid models promising to transform everyday life.

With dozens of companies competing in this field, domestic robotics is set to redefine how we live at home.

Challenges of the New Paradigm

Despite the excitement surrounding domestic robotics, its widespread adoption faces several challenges beyond technological advancements alone.

One of the primary concerns is regulation. Clear legal frameworks must be established to ensure user safety and data privacy. The presence of robots in homes involves the collection and processing of vast amounts of personal data, raising questions about how this information is stored, used, and protected against cyber threats.

Another key challenge is consumer trust. While robots have already demonstrated their usefulness in tasks such as cleaning, many people remain sceptical about their autonomy and decision-making abilities in complex environments.

Concerns over potential malfunctions or unexpected behaviour create hesitation among some consumers, prompting manufacturers to improve transparency and develop more intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.

Cost also remains a significant barrier. Developing and manufacturing robots with advanced intelligence requires sophisticated technology and high-quality materials, driving up prices. While production costs are expected to decline over time, in the short term, these devices remain out of reach for many households, limiting their adoption.

Additionally, the rise of domestic robotics raises questions about its impact on employment. While these devices are designed to assist with specific tasks and enhance quality of life, they could also replace certain jobs, particularly in domestic services and care sectors. This sparks a debate on balancing the benefits of automation with the need to protect employment and create new job opportunities in an increasingly robot-assisted world.

An Increasingly Near Reality

American entrepreneur Jason Calacanis recently predicted that within seven years, every middle-class home in the United States will have a domestic robot, with an estimated monthly cost of around $1,000. While this forecast may seem ambitious, the reality is that domestic robotics is advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by AI, IoT, and improvements in hardware accessibility.

The future of this industry points towards greater personalisation and seamless integration with smart home ecosystems. Robots are expected to evolve into highly autonomous systems, capable of learning from their environment, anticipating user needs, and interacting naturally with humans.

As production costs decrease and technology advances, domestic robots could transition from being luxury items to everyday household tools accessible to a wider population.

The dream of having a robotic assistant at home is closer than ever. In the near future, robots could become as commonplace as household appliances, reshaping the way we interact with technology in our daily lives.