Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the complexity of household tasks for robots, particularly the challenge of folding towels, which is considered more difficult than performing acrobatic moves like backflips due to the unpredictability and softness of the fabric [4][5][20]. Group 1: Technical Challenges - Folding towels requires advanced perception, planning, hand-eye coordination, and tactile feedback, as robots must identify the towel's state and adjust their actions accordingly [9][25]. - The video from Figure showcases a robot that can effectively pick up, unfold, and fold towels, demonstrating a high level of dexterity and problem-solving ability [7][11]. Group 2: Comparison with Other Robots - Many robots showcased in competitions are essentially remote-controlled devices that lack true intelligence, as they perform pre-programmed tasks without the ability to adapt to changing environments [13][15]. - In contrast, the ability to fold towels represents a significant advancement in robotic intelligence, moving beyond mechanical performance to autonomous decision-making in unpredictable scenarios [17][25]. Group 3: Future Implications - The development of household robots capable of performing tasks like folding towels could significantly reduce the time spent on mundane chores, allowing individuals to focus on more creative or valuable activities [20]. - The aging population presents a growing need for caregiving robots, which could alleviate pressure on families and society by assisting with tasks such as feeding and basic companionship [20]. Group 4: Market Outlook - Experts suggest that while the widespread adoption of household and caregiving robots may take at least a decade, advancements in deep learning, visual recognition, and tactile sensors could accelerate this timeline, potentially introducing initial products within five years [23]. - Despite the progress, challenges such as safety, cost, reliability, and human-robot interaction must be addressed before these robots can become commonplace in households [23].