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Robot Vacuum Owners Affectionately Assign Nicknames to Smart Home Devices, Survey Reveals
More than half of robot vacuum owners have affectionately given their devices playful nicknames such as “Mr. Cleaner” or “Tony Shark,” according to a recent study surveying 1,000 UK adults. Variations of the name Robert, including Bob, Rob, and Robbie, were also frequently selected as popular choices for these smart home cleaning appliances. The research highlights a trend of consumer tech users personalizing their home appliances.
Naming Extends Beyond Robot Vacuums
The survey indicates that this naming practice isn’t limited to just robot vacuums. The study discovered that 18% of participants had given their laptop a nickname, while 13% had done the same for their coffee machine.
Increased Enjoyment Through Personalization
Interestingly, a significant majority – eight out of ten – of those who named their robot vacuum reported that it made the device “more enjoyable” to use. This suggests a link between personalization and user satisfaction with consumer tech products.
Research Context and Expert Opinion
Study Commissioned for Product Launch
The research was conducted to mark the launch of the Shark PowerDetect device and gathered data from participants in several countries, including the UK, Germany, Spain, France, the UAE, Norway, Italy, and Poland.
Expert Insights on Human-Robot Relationships
Dr. Guy Laban, a research associate at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Computer Science & Technology, an expert in human-robot interactions, provided insights on these findings.
Dr. Laban stated, “In my research, I explore how interactions between humans and robots can develop emotional significance and create affective meanings.”
He added, “We have observed that beyond simply making our lives more convenient, robots can also improve our emotional state. People tend to feel more comforted and less lonely when social robots are present.”
Regarding the trend of naming robot vacuums, Dr. Laban commented, “It’s not surprising that people name their vacuums. This reinforces and personifies the emotional connection that forms when robots, like robot vacuums, operate in shared spaces or respond to social cues.”
“I believe this pattern will become increasingly common, and we may see even more people embracing robotic companions in their homes in the coming years,” he concluded.
Humor and Personal Connection Drive Naming Trend
Adding Humor to Household Tasks
The survey revealed that a significant 77% of respondents believe that giving their devices a name introduces an element of humor to routine tasks.
Generational Trends in Tech Nicknames
Furthermore, younger demographics, particularly individuals under 35, are more likely to nickname their tech devices compared to older generations. This suggests a generational shift in how people interact with and personalize their technology.
Personal Touch to Technology
Survey participants also indicated that naming their robot vacuum or other devices adds a personal touch to their technology, fostering a sense of connection.
Industry Perspective on Consumer-Device Relationships
James Kitto, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Shark, remarked, “Our latest robots are rapidly becoming integral members of our consumers’ families.”
He continued, “We aim to strengthen these bonds and further integrate into consumers’ daily routines.”
“It will be interesting to see if Robert, Bob, and Robbie continue to dominate as popular names in 2026,” Kitto added, reflecting on the evolving relationship between consumers and their smart home devices.