‘Consumer Robots,’ which include Smart Toys, Educational Robotics/Hobby Kits, Hobbyist Robots, Home Care/Lawn Care Robots, Home Healthcare Robots and Personal Robots, are robotic technology products that are purchased by an individual for use in the home.  The purpose of this article is to provide readers with an understand of the leading selection criteria for the various classes of consumer robotics products, as well as an understanding of the technological and social drivers that will act to expand the consumer robotics market.  To avoid sampling only robotics early adopters, as well as technology laggards, it was decided to target the survey instrument to home technology enthusiasts.  The data in this article is based on a survey instrument that was distributed to the readership of Electronic House magazine and ElectronicHouse.com, a leading publication and online presence targeting consumers looking for information on advanced home technology and products.  The final sample size was 780.

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Table of Contents

• Six Classes of Consumer Robotics Products
• Core Functionality and Basic Performance
• Robotic Smart Toys
• Educational Robotics/Robotic Kits
• Hobby Robots
• Home Care/Lawn Care Robots
• Personal Robots
• Growth in the Consumer Robotics Market
• Resources