Home robots have been lurking on the horizon for years. BIG-i is NXROBO's most recent contribution to this industry, a home robot which can interact with family members and smart appliances. The robot uses a custom operating system designed by NXROBO to analyze voice commands and visual cues. The robot, which currently only speaks English and Mandarin, is programmed through if-this-then-that style voice commands. For example, parents can define different conditional situations like "If you see Tommy grabbing food, remind him to wash his hands".

The concept of a robot assistant in the home is moving from sci-fi to reality thanks to a new product that claims to be the first personalised household robot. BIG-i is able to interpret voice commands and perform simple household tasks, such as controlling other smart devices and providing reminders. NXROBO, the company behind the robot, believes that in the future every family will have a robot which will act as the'hub for all smart home appliances.' BIG-i is a natural-interaction robot with mobility, 3D vision, voice programming, and active perception. The robot, which stands 2ft 6ins (80 centimetres) tall, is able to move freely around the home as necessary, avoiding obstacles and can be controlled via a smartphone app as well as voice commands. It also has facial recognition technology that allows it to recognise family and friends in order to carry out specific tasks, such as reminding the children to remember their school lunchbox before they leave the house.

Wouldn't it be fun to play a rousing game of hide-and-seek with the droid you're looking for? Don't you think you'd sleep better at night knowing R2-D2's got your back? Well, this advanced bot not only resembles the famous droid, with its pill-like shape, it's smart like him too. BIG-i is a personal home assistant that takes care of you and your family. The bot encourages you to don a light jacket if it's chilly outside, entertains you with an enthralling tale, and more. The robot's eyeball, which swivels in any direction, reminds me of Hal, the maniacal computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

In case you haven't yet managed to find the perfect social robot for your home, this is BIG-i. BIG-i is going to stare at you without blinking until you decide that you want it. Seriously though, BIG-i should get your attention if for no other reason than it's a design that's completely different (and significantly softer) than anything we've seen before. It's also mobile, with what looks to be a simple and useful if-this-then-that-style verbal programming. The Kickstarter just Kickstarted off and has already just about reached its goal, but if giant eyeballs are your thing (and let's be honest, everyone has a thing for giant eyeballs), this robot is probably worth a look.

With its auto-navigational skills, BIG-i will be able to navigate itself throughout your home without effort. So even if you're on the move, BIG-i will follow suit. And don't worry about charging, for it will also be equipped with an auto-dock charging capability as well. NXROBO is prepared to bring BIG-i into any and all willing homes by April of next year, but they'll need help to ensure it operates at peak efficiency and is everything we've ever dreamed of. Which is why they'll soon be initiating their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter where you'll be able to purchase your own BIG-i for only 799.