Vacuuming Up Wasted Time

Have you ever considered how much untapped potential there is in today’s electronic devices? Take computers, for instance. Many of us spec our systems out with the latest processor, enough memory to store a library’s worth of books, and a GPU that can rip through the latest games. But how much time is spent using that computer to check emails or browse the web, which could just as easily be done with a decade-old computer with moderate specs? And worse yet, how much time is the machine sitting idle, doing nothing much of anything?

Some efforts have popped up over the years that aim to put that wasted computing time to good use, like Folding@home, which uses spare CPU cycles to simulate protein folding. There are certainly more opportunities available to better use this computing time, but at least it is not completely wasted. But when it comes to physical systems, like robots, idle time is almost always wasted time. Researchers at the University of Bath believe it is time to change this, starting with domestic robots.

After looking into this possibility, they found that robot vacuums, like the Roomba, sit idle most of the day. On average, these vacuums spend under two hours per day cleaning, after which they just sit on their docks doing nothing. Since these robots are not only frequently idle, but are also very hackable, the team explored some of the many ways that they could be repurposed.

The researchers identified over 100 new use cases that go far beyond cleaning. These include everything from home monitoring and plant watering to playing with pets or acting as mobile signage. One especially creative application turned a Roomba into a mobile wireless charger that could locate a user and deliver power to their phone. Another equipped the robot with a projector for home workouts, shifting between floor and ceiling displays as needed.

They even demonstrated a robot that acted as a live home monitor, allowing users to remotely check on things like the oven or whether a door was left open. A final prototype was used as a movable "Do Not Disturb" sign to indicate when someone was in a meeting.

Many of the proposed future applications involve attaching accessories — like extendable arms, screens, or storage compartments — to enable robots to perform tasks such as delivering medication reminders, detecting unusual sounds, managing smart devices, entertaining children, or even tidying up toys. Some more ambitious ideas include recognizing household routines and proactively offering assistance based on learned behavior.

With the domestic robot market projected to grow by nearly 19% annually through 2028, these findings will increase in relevance over time. By tapping into their idle time and repurposing them, these machines could become true household assistants, not just cleaners.

If interesting and unusual robot vacuum hacks are your cup of tea, you might like to see how these robots can "fix" a mini Galaga arcade machine. Trust me, it's cool (and not just because I made it).