Domestic robots: recent trends and innovations

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Robot Interaction

Background:

• The demand for Domestic Service Robots (DSRs) has surged, particularly post-COVID-19, for personalized household tasks and companionship.
• While basic DSRs like vacuum cleaners are successful, advanced multipurpose robots capable of real-time interaction remain a challenge.
• Existing DSRs face limitations in areas such as human interaction, environmental awareness, and task versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review of recent advancements in Domestic Service Robots (DSRs).
• To identify current gaps and challenges in DSR technology and real-world application.
• To outline future research directions for developing more capable and reliable DSRs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 83 research articles published after 2020 was conducted.
• Comparative analysis focused on DSR design, sensors, actuators, cognition, object manipulation, control algorithms, safety, and reliability.
• Emphasis on DSRs validated in real-world domestic environments.

Main Results:

• The review highlights the latest trends and developments in DSR technology.
• Identified key limitations in current DSRs regarding adaptability, complex task execution, and human interaction.
• Analysis of 83 recent publications reveals specific areas needing further innovation.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in DSR development, but critical gaps persist.
• Future research should focus on enhancing DSR capabilities for complex interactions and reliable real-world performance.
• Addressing identified challenges is crucial for the successful deployment of advanced Domestic Service Robots.