A new laundry-folding robot is now available for purchase at $8,000 or rental at $450 per month, marking one of the first commercial domestic robots beyond simple vacuum cleaners. The machine promises to handle some folding tasks, though early reports suggest the results are less than perfect.

For over a century, domestic robots have been a staple of science fiction, but real-world progress has been painfully slow. While companies like Tesla have showcased humanoid robots like Optimus, these remain largely demonstrations with no practical household applications. Apple is reportedly developing its own robotics project, joining other tech giants in the race to create useful home automation.

The laundry robot represents a modest but tangible step toward automated household chores. However, its high price point and questionable performance highlight the significant challenges still facing domestic robotics. Until these machines can match human efficiency at a reasonable cost, most people will likely continue folding their own laundry.