iRobot’s newest machine will be the Connectr, which essentially is pitched as a human replacement when you want to be somewhere to see someone, and you can’t. Meetings, checking on disabled or elderly, seeing family members etc. With a camera, speaker, microphone and wireless connection – you control it via the internet with joystick like instructions, you see what it sees, hear what it hears, and can talk to those near it. Does include a privacy button so you can’t just roll it into someone’s bedroom. We think a name like Rosie, HERBIE, or HAL might have been better.  If only it hovered, as in the photo (it rolls). Expected to run around $500.

And another thing to forget…the lawn. Husqvarna’s Automower robot lawnmower will cut your lawn, recharge itself and do it all again, whenever you want – as programmed. It’s rainproof, has an anti-theft device (alarm if mishandled without 4 digit PIN), handles slopes, and gently backs away from any trees or obstacles it encounters. Charges itself. Get an automatic sprinkler system, and you’re done. $2,000.