Slideshow: Robots Turn Housekeepers

In the US animated series The Jetsons, a family of the future employed the services of Rosie, a humanoid robotic maid who whizzed around on wheels, tidying up around the house. She was less a housekeeper and more a part of the family.

While we haven't yet achieved this level of robotic help, inventors have developed quite a few robot helpers which, like Rosie, not only assist with household chores, but in some cases serve as robotic companions.

Robots range from iRobot's Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner, to Windoro, which cleans windows on two sides simultaneously and automatically, to the Toyota Human Support Robot, which can lend a helping hand -- literally -- by reaching for objects on high shelves.

Click on the photo below to see examples of available and conceptual household robots that can help ease the burden of work at home and can even provide companionship.

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