Robots – Scenario 2020

If you've always wished you could get reliable and affordable household help, you've got something to look forward to. In a few years, service robots will perform a wide variety of tasks. They'll clean windows, serve beverages, empty the dishwasher and more. And they'll enable older people to live at home longer.

"There you are at last!" Christine Dost hugs her son Peter and his young family. "I apologize, mom, but the sales rep for the new Multi-Rob stopped by. You know, that's a great gadget! A robot for everything! Cleaning windows, mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, serving beverages. There are all sorts of accessories too, anything you could ask for. Just what you always wanted, right?" But Peter's mom isn't impressed. "I've already got so many of those little helpers in the house. I don't need another one," she says. Peter grins a little at this. It's always the same with his parents—at their age you get a little set in your ways. But he's sure that when Multi-Rob rings the doobell at Christmas, wearing a winning smile plus a ribbon and bow around its metallic midriff, they'll be thrilled.

A transporter robot glides past them with the family's suitcases on its way into the house. "I want one of those!" exclaims little Elizabeth Dost, pointing at a Robo-Doggy another young girl is proudly walking on a leash nearby. "Why don't you all come in," Christine says. "Grandpa will be down in a minute to join us." Upstairs, Marcus Dost is just getting out of the bath, assisted by an intelligent wheelchair. He's been having a lot of problems using his legs. Without help, Christine wouldn't be able to take care of Marcus any more. But it's been working out well so far, thanks to the little robot helpers. The wheelchair transports Markus to the living room downstairs—smoothly, gently, safely and automatically. It has effortlessly memorized the route during its initial orientation tour.

As the visitors enter the living room, a Siromob emerges from the kitchen—one of those almost humanoid robots with a rounded head and very agile arms. Because of its noiseless piezo motors, the Dosts didn't immediately notice this electronic assistant despite its height of almost five feet. But there has never been an accident, since this very smart robot with its sensors and neurocognitive system appraises any situation in an instant. If Christine or anyone else should approach it too closely, it will announce its presence with visual signals or verbally and will also maneuver skillfully to avoid her.

The Dost family is having a nice time visiting. Siromob is serving cake. "I want the biggest piece," insists Dominic. "No, I do," retorts his twin sister Elizabeth. Siromob seems confused, not knowing who should get the largest piece, then decides to give it to Dominic, who has asked for it again. "We have a reason to celebrate," Peter's wife Karen announces. "You remember last year we bought Rheingau Wine Investment Fund shares? Yesterday we sold them at an enormous profit."

But the Dosts aren't the only ones celebrating in this charming little wine-growing town. A group of very merry tourists is passing by outside on its way to the next winery. Their guide, a humanoid, biped robot, is pointing out the sights and teaching them all they want to know about viticulture. If they have any questions—in any language—their guide generally understands them and is pleased to answer. Only near the end of such tours does it tend to get a little vague, because, after several "tastings," the guests are beginning to speak less than distinctly.

"We've got a surprise for you. Look who's here!" announces Christine. It's Melanie Dost, Peter's sister, and she looks pretty exhausted. She has tried for the umpteenth time to beat her opponent at tennis. "Hi everybody! I'll just go and freshen up a bit. That mechanical jock has beat me again. Next time I'll select level 4. At level 5 and against two rackets I just can't win." Her tennis partner doesn't need a break. It's a sports robot equipped with a special fuel-cell system that ensures it's always ready for the next game.

"Siromob, would you please bring me a glass of water?" Melanie is back and flops onto the couch. In a minute the robot returns, handing her the glass. "You know, I can't imagine how people ever got along without robots." "Big deal," Peter teases her. "You've always been good at getting out of doing housework." "Here we go again!" laughs Christine. Siromob runs into a problem when it's supposed to get orange juice for the twins. None is left. It looks sad as it tells the kids about it. Karen puts her coffee down and gets up: "I'll run down to the gas station and get some juice. I need to refill the car's fuel cell anyway." And she's out the door. "Siromob almost looks a little relieved! Say, Grandma, does it really have any feelings?" Elizabeth wants to know. "No, it doesn't. But who knows, maybe in a few years it will."

As she arrives at the gas station, Karen is pleased to see that the orange juice is being brought to the car. "Thoughtful of Siromob to send a message," she thinks. She stretches luxuriously in the seat of her new car and selects one of her favorite songs from the display, which is immediately downloaded from the Internet. She smiles dreamily as she watches a robot refill her fuel cell and her sound system starts playing "In the year 2525" by Zager & Evans, one of those golden oldies from over 50 years ago.

Ulrike Zechbauer