Service+Robotics+within+the+Digital+Home

Over the past few decades there has been an exponential growth in service robots and smart home technologies, which has led to the development of exciting new products in our daily lives. Service robots can be used to provide domestic aid for the elderly and disabled, serving various functions ranging from cleaning to enter- tainment. Service robots are divided by functions, such as personal robots, field robots, security robots, healthcare robots, medical robots, rehabilitation robots and entertainment robots. A smart home appears “intelligent” because its embedded computers can monitor so many aspects of the daily lives of householders. For example, the refrigerator may be able to monitor its contents, suggest healthy alter- natives and order groceries. Also, the smart home system may be able to clean the house and water the plants.