Fig. 1. Robot vacuum cleaner

The convergence of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics is redefining the modern home. Domestic robots – once limited to vacuuming or entertainment – are now becoming autonomous, context-aware, and socially intelligent systems that collaborate with humans. This paper explores the current state, technological foundations, social implications, and ethical challenges of the domestic robotics revolution, arguing that the evolution of smart homes is transforming both domestic labour and the meaning of “home” itself.

Fig. 2. The robot loads the dishes into the dishwasher.

Early smart homes focused on automation – programmable devices performing fixed tasks. The new generation integrates AI-driven robotics capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting to dynamic human environments. (Yang, 2024)

Domestic robotics relies on a synergy of three domains: IoT sensors for environmental awareness, AI algorithms for perception and decision-making, robotic platforms for physical interaction. This integration enables a responsive domestic ecosystem where devices collaborate intelligently. (Hasan, 2024)

User experience is shaped not only by functionality but also by affective design and communication. Studies highlight that empathy, transparency, and personality in robots enhance trust and long-term usability.

Fig. 3. The robot vacuums the floor in the modern room.

One of the most promising applications of domestic robotics is eldercare. Assistive robots can provide companionship, monitor health, and support independent living. Yet technical challenges remain in mobility, context understanding, and emotional engagement.

Smart domestic systems can significantly reduce energy consumption through intelligent scheduling, sensor-driven heating/cooling, and robot-assisted waste sorting. Robotics thus contribute to environmental sustainability as well as convenience. (Torres-Hernandez, 2025)

As domestic robots collect visual and audio data, privacy and cybersecurity concerns intensify. Risks include data misuse, unauthorized surveillance, and algorithmic bias. Ensuring data sovereignty and transparency is essential for public trust. (Stanford Gendered Innovations Project, 2024)

Fig. 4. The humanoid robot with a screen displaying a human face stands in a modern kitchen and holds a tray. It is a shot from Cassandra series.

Automation of household chores could redistribute unpaid domestic labour and reshape gender roles. However, the high cost of advanced robotics may exacerbate social inequality between early adopters and lower-income households.

Recent research in embodied AI and large multimodal models enables robots to perform diverse, unprogrammed household tasks. Instead of narrow-purpose devices, we are moving toward adaptive “home companions” that can learn from natural language and demonstration.

Smart home devices from different manufacturers often lack compatibility. Developing open standards and shared data protocols is vital for seamless integration between AI assistants, sensors, and robotic platforms.

Domestic robotics is not merely a technological innovation – it redefines the home as a hybrid space where humans and intelligent machines coexist. This shift demands interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, ethicists, sociologists, and designers to ensure human-centered development.

The domestic robotics revolution represents a turning point in human-technology cohabitation. Smart homes equipped with learning robots promise safety, comfort, and sustainability – but also introduce new ethical, cultural, and social questions. Achieving “smarter lives” requires not only smarter machines, but also smarter governance, design, and public understanding.

References:

1. Yang, M. (2024). The Future of the Smart Home: AI-based Automation for Home Robots. Atlantis Press.
2. Hasan, T. et al. (2024). AI, Blockchain, IoT, and Robotics in Smart Homes. Journal of Student Research, 13(2).
3. Torres-Hernandez, R. et al. (2025). Smart Homes: A Meta-Study on Sense of Security and Automation. Technologies, 13(8):320.
4. Stanford Gendered Innovations Project (2024). Domestic Robots: Case Study on Gender and Design.