9 Helpful robots that will actually help you around the house

While we may imagine something futuristic when we think of robots, they've been around and helping us for decades. From working on the factory floor to entertaining our pets, robots have come a long way for the consumer.

• What did the first robot do? The first industrial robot was called Unimate and worked in a General Motors factory in 1961.
• What are the most innovative robots? This industry is rife with innovation, but Boston Dynamics comes out with incredible designs all the time.
• Where can I stay up to date with new robots? Check out our entire robots category!

Let’s be honest. The reason we invented helpful robots was so they could do all the work we don’t want to do. From scrubbing toilets to cleaning under furniture, it’s time we put robots to work.

Incredibly, all these robots do the work automatically, without human intervention. As a result, you can truly kick back and relax.

Braava Jet Robotic Mop by iRobot

For the messes that need a little more elbow grease, this robotic mop is the answer. With just a tap it gets to work scrubbing and shining a variety of floor types.
(Price: $169.99)

Why we love it: It can scrub clean 100 square feet in just an hour.

Jibo Intelligent Home Robot

Jokes, quips, news, traffic — this tiny robot knows it all. Plus, Jibo has both voice and facial recognition as well as physical reactions. It’s more like another member of the family.
(Price: $899)

Why we love it: It also takes snapshots whenever you want to capture your memories.

Looj 330 Gutter Cleaning Robot by iRobot

Keeping your house as clean on the outside as it is on the inside is tough. Enter the Looj 330. This mighty device intelligently scrubs your gutters with a press of a button.
(Price: $439.99)

Why we love it: You no longer have to reach your gutters from a precariously tall ladder.

Shark ION ROBOT Voice Control Robotic Vacuum

Robotic vacuums aren’t anything new, but one that responds to your voice commands is incredible. The Shark ION ROBOT also has Smart Sensors to adapt to different floor types.
(Price: $289.98)

Why we love it: It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

SpinX Automatic Toilet Cleaning Robot

With a universal fit, this robot totally cleans your toilet to leave both the bowl and the seat sparkling clean. In addition, it cleans and dries all on its own so you don’t even need to lift a finger.
(Price: $219)

Why we love it: Finally, a powerful and thorough robot for the worst chore in the house.

Winbot 950 Automatic Window Cleaning Robot

With a four-stage cleaning system, this spiffy robot can reach all those nooks and crannies that are just out of reach. It also works with glass doors and railings or even your glass shower.
(Price: $398)

Why we love it: Although it remains plugged in, this robot doesn’t stop until the job is done.

MIA Interactive Pet Robot

There’s a robot for every member of the family, including your pet. This robot engages in activities with both cats and dogs to help reduce anxiety (and dispense treats!).
(Price: $131.66)

Why we love it: It keeps your best bud happy and enriched all day long.

Husqvarna Automower 315 Robotic Lawn Mower

Great for those with a big yard, this robotic lawn mower can handle steep slopes and it even works in the rain. Even with all this power, it runs quietly so you can enjoy your day.
(Price: $1569.99)

Why we love it: It provides a uniform length of grass across your lawn, all with a touch of a button.

Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot

The only bad part of a BBQ is the cleanup. With the Grillbot, you can tend to your guests late into the night without worry. Attaching to your grill, it thoroughly scrubs with no involvement from you.
(Price: $89.95)

Why we love it: It also includes an LCD alarm so you can have total control.

Which chores around your house do you wish you had a robot for? Tell us in the comments below!