City Swept away by robot agility

HOBOT LEGEE Q10: MACHINE THAT MAPS HOME, NAVIGATES BETWEEN CHAIRS

- Hein Kaiser

It's easy to fall in love with convenience, even if it comes with a little bit of cynicism ahead of time. But, after watching the German somewhat-horror Cassandra on Netflix, it's even easier to start wondering whether a robot in the home is a good idea at all.

Home automation has always been the science of lazy. When you clapped your hands in the '70s the lights could go on and off. Now, all you do is chat to Alexa and ask for music, open the curtains, turn on the telly or play a tune.

These days, the internet of things allows for heating up home before you get there in winter or cooling down sunsets. It's all here, right now, though it comes at a price.

My four and six-year-old are still more amenable to being sent to feed the dogs or do a few chores around the house.

They don't need to be programmed, just taught how to do stuff; one day ready to spread their wings and... move into an automated home.