Sebastien Conran, designer in residence at the University of Sheffi eld, believes they will provide home help and check health.

He said: “The technological hardware such as sensors, batteries and motors have been developed, but the software architecture has yet to be created outside of the research lab, and other innovations are still in a developmental stage.

“But in the next fi ve to 10 years, these different strands of technology should be able to work together reliably, and in 20 years they will be commonplace.

“All of these technologies will help people look after themselves so they feel more confident about staying out of a residential home.” 

Mr Conran wrote in Ageing Well – a collection of innovative thinking, published by the Whiteley Foundation for Ageing Well. He explained that he is developing a Care-Free Home System that at its heart will have Mi-Ro, a digital pet described as “a hybrid between Radio 4 and a puppy”.

Mi-Ro will be able to order the kitchen to make a cup of tea, remind the owner of people’s names, and if the individual is getting too forgetful, could even alert a GP to conduct dementia tests.

The package will cost about £7,000 in five years’ time. 

He said: “These autonomous devices will in crisis situations alert carers or doctors if the owners have fallen or had a stroke.

“The intention is not to replace human care but to take away the dull, dirty, dangerous and demeaning aspects. They can remind people to do things, such as drink liquids, take medicines and exercise. Just like a modern car tells you when it needs a service, the system will let you know when to get a check-up.

“This technology could mean people can live as they choose – at home, independent, but with earlier treatment and less fear of the future. They will have happier and healthier lives, as well as longer ones. I’d like to be part of that.”