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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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For Many, Roomba Akin to Fido

Owners build bonds with their robots, treat 'em like pets

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(Newser) – There may be no purring or wagging of tail, but for some people the soft whirring of their Roomba stirs feelings akin to those reserved for the family pet, reports AP. Georgia Tech researchers found that many who own home robots such as the automated vacuum cleaners name them or dress them up. But, says one researcher, "A lot more was going on."

The study suggests the general public may be amenable to more electronic companions around the house, and that the devices' flaws actually help build affection for them. An added bonus: they get men more excited about housework. "Forty years of women's liberation hasn't done much for the redistribution of vacuuming labor," said the researcher. "But robotics—that has promise."

The tendency for some customers to develop a petlike fondness for the Roomba may imply a public readiness for robots in the home.
The tendency for some customers to develop a petlike fondness for the Roomba may imply a public readiness for robots in the home.   ((c) Eirik Newth)
The Roomba vacuum cleaner by iRobot Corp. is seen in Boston in this Aug. 21, 2007 file photo. A newly released Georgia Tech study shows how deeply some Roomba owners become attached to the robotic vacuums, and suggests there's a measure of public readiness to accept robots in the house...
The Roomba vacuum cleaner by iRobot Corp. is seen in Boston in this Aug. 21, 2007 file photo. A newly released Georgia Tech study shows how deeply some Roomba owners become attached to the robotic vacuums,...   (Associated Press)
The Roomba intelligent floor vac from iRobot runs automatically around a room to clean up messes.
The Roomba intelligent floor vac from iRobot runs automatically around a room to clean up messes.   (KRT Photos)
iRobot unveiled the iRobot(R) ConnectR(TM) Virtual Visiting Robot at the DigitalLife event in New York. The new virtual communications robot is designed to keep busy people connected with home, family and friends whether on the road or working late at work. In late 2007, a limited number of ConnectR robots...
iRobot unveiled the iRobot(R) ConnectR(TM) Virtual Visiting Robot at the DigitalLife event in New York. The new virtual communications robot is designed to keep busy people connected with home, family...   (Associated Press)
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