Robot vacuums are ‘too idle’ and can be reprogrammed to water plants, researchers say

Scientists reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, including playing with pets, in an effort to maximise the downtime of robot vacuums - (iStock/ Getty Images)

Robot vacuums can be modified to complete simple household tasks like watering plants, researchers have revealed.

A team of computer scientists from the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks in an effort to maximise its utility during idle hours.