The Evolution of Home Robotics

Dynamic domestic robots are still not commonplace in households, despite the long-standing desire for them, as exemplified by the fictional Rosie from 'The Jetsons.' The Roomba has been the only notable success in this category, with around 12 million units sold since its launch in 2001. Charlie Kemp, a significant figure in robotics, views the emergence of the Roomba as a pivotal moment, sparking expectations for a rapid expansion of useful home robots. Currently leading efforts at Hello Robot, he works on Stretch 3, a robot designed for tasks like folding laundry, but it remains primarily an educational and research tool rather than widely accessible for average consumers.