As our lives become more automated, the consumer robotics industry is only set to grow. But something is holding the market back – people find it difficult to trust these machines, especially in their homes and offices. Why do they make us uneasy, and what will convince people to trust robots?

A French advert is questioning the future of robot caregiving and its potential implications on loneliness among the elderly. The video, entitled 'BEN' – which stands for Bionically Engineered Nursing – offers a glimpse into a potential future in order to recruit more human volunteers.

Toyota has created a pint-sized robot that will chat with its owners and gradually learn about them, mimicking the organic progression of real human relationships. The Kirobo Mini is pushing people to rethink the value of robotics, shifting from objective functions to social companionship.

Robots in group chats are making awkward comments, bringing up the question of how to teach a bot the art of discretion. Although developers are working on the issue, the shortcomings of AI in social situations resonate with a wider public scepticism of non-human service.