# Episode Eighteen: Robot Talk Live — Robotics in the Home

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2022-06-24
- Length: 59m
- Episode: 18
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home

## Summary

Dr. Patrick Holthaus of the University of Hertfordshire’s Robot House, Prof. Praminda Caleb-Solly of the University of Nottingham, and Dr. Mike Aldred of Dyson discuss the current state and future of home robotics. They cover the transition from academic theory to practical products, highlighting Dyson’s 15-year journey to market with its first robot vacuum, and the development of assistive technologies like telepresence robots through Robotics for Good. The panel emphasizes that trust, safety, and reliable function are more critical than anthropomorphic design, arguing that robots must adapt to human environments rather than requiring users to modify their homes.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=7) Introduction: Robot Talk Live and Guest Overview
- [2:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=146) Patrick Holthaus and the Robot House at University of Hertfordshire
- [6:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=405) Praminda Caleb-Solly on Assistive Robotics and Robotics for Good
- [16:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=961) Mike Aldred’s 15-Year Journey to Dyson’s First Robot Vacuum
- [19:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=1176) Building Trust Through Function Rather Than Anthropomorphism
- [25:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=1520) Audience Poll: Household Tasks Robots Should Perform
- [32:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=1929) Cognitive Monitoring and Ethical Implications of Home Robots
- [36:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=2192) Adapting to Complex Home Environments vs. Pre-Engineering Homes
- [43:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=2589) Asimov’s Three Laws and Regulatory Realities in Robotics
- [52:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-24-episode-eighteen-robot-talk-live-robotics-in-the-home#t=3164) Advice for Robotics Startups and Incremental Innovation

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up, large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Robot House (other)
- Fetch robot (product)
- Carabot (product)
- Dyson (company)
- Robotics for Good (company)
- UK-RAS Network (other)
- University of Hertfordshire (company)
- University of Nottingham (company)
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory (company)
- Chiron project (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Inside 1x's plan to test humanoids in homes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-10-04-inside-1xs-plan-to-test-humanoids-in-homes) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [From Sci-Fi to Reality:  Physical AI's Future with Dr. Jan Liphardt](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-04-24-from-sci-fi-to-reality-physical-ais-future-with-dr-jan-liphardt) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [CES 2019 Special: Interview with Chris Jones, CTO at iRobot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-01-12-ces-2019-special-interview-with-chris-jones-cto-at-irobot) (EE Times Current)
- [Kate Darling on the Future of Robotics and AI Ethics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-10-24-kate-darling-on-the-future-of-robotics-and-ai-ethics) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [375: Hiding in Your Roomba](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-06-03-375-hiding-in-your-roomba) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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