Robot chores

BOW DOWN TO THE NEW MASTER RACE OF SUPER COMPUTERS, THEN SIT BACK, MAKE YOURSELF A NICE CUPPA AND LET THEM CLEAN YOUR HOUSE

Once they become self-aware, the nuclear holocaust is all but inevitable, but for now the robots are at our beck and call.

Although they’ve been available for over a decade now, robotic vacuums are only just getting good. Loaded with sophisticated mapping technology, ultrasonic and even laser scanners, they will not be deterred in their pursuit of persistent floor fluff.

Sure, they’re still super-expensive, and still can’t clean the stairs, but we challenge anyone not to get excited by the rise of the (domestic) machines. Here are five of our favourites…