Vaccum

Will the robots forget about all this when they take over? Or will they want payback?

A new generation of robot cleaners could be taking over the cleaning duties in scores of Chinese homes. Not only will they be able to sweep away all before them but they will also be able to recharge themselves when their batteries are running low.

Pham Ngoc Thang’s repertoire of inventions includes a vacuuming robot, an electric massager and software to help students with their homework.

And he’s still in high school.

The diminutive 17-year-old’s most recent invention is his "multifunctional robot", which is programmed both to vacuum floors, detect and avoid obstacles, and to serve as a security guard.

Find out how the latest high-tech cleaning tools can lighten your domestic load.