Maybe good robots are coming.  This Microduck from Pollen Robotics seems like a decent platform.  Out of the box, the Microduck can walk around and can get up after tripping.  The good part is the software is open-source, so more inventive people can generate programs to make the Microduck useful.

Don’t think of Microduck as a cute, waddling mechanical duck that just stepped out of a Pixar animation.  Okay, think of it like that, and Microduck would be entertaining for a couple of hours.  Maybe a couple of days if your friend buys one also.

Microduck is a mobile sensor platform linked to an AI controller.  Now it’s good for something.

There are a number of features the Microduck should or could have.

A docking station.  The Microduck is supposed to be able to run for an hour between charges.  It needs the ability to automatically recharge.

Privacy.  The Microduck comes with WiFi and Bluetooth and the ability to communicate remotely.  AI and control functions have to be able to run locally, without relying on the cloud or remote servers.

Manipulators.  The articulated paddle beak is practically useless for picking up or carrying anything.  The robot’s payload is limited, but with the ability to replace the beak with different manipulators, the performance would be improved.

Sensor rail.  An easy way to mount additional sensors would expand it’s abilities.

With sufficient functionality, what could a small mobile sensor platform be good for?

When you aren’t home, you could log in to your robot, and walk it around the house to do a security check.  You could also check on an elderly parent.

The robot could autonomously interact with pets.  The robot could call the pets name, lead it around the house, then trigger the release of a treat. 

The robot could autonomously do periodic patrols.  If a person is found laying on the ground after a fall, the robot could alert a caregiver.

The robot could autonomously do periodic patrols, and report if a pet has taken a dump in the house.  It wouldn’t be able to sufficiently remove the pile, but at least you’d know.

Maybe I am preoccupied with checking on old folks and pets, but that’s a helluva lot more useful than playing robot soccer or having a bunch of these things start squawking.

I’d like to see inexpensive, purpose-built robots for domestic use because the $20,000 general-purpose humanoid robots are not going to be as useful or available as we are led to believe.