autonomous personal service robot to monitor its owner for symptoms of distress and provide assistance . the system may include sensors to detect situations before they affect people such as smoke , heat , temperature and carbon monoxide sensors . the system can provide security for the home . the pra may comprise features such as a medicine dispenser and blood pressure cuff . features such as broadband internet , mp3 player , reading lights and eye glass tracker provide butler type capabilities that enable the system to appeal to markets beyond the elderly and infirmed . the system may also include an x10 transmitter / receiver to automatically control various household lights and appliances . equipping the system with a robot arm enables the robot to fetch items , turn on and off wall switches and open the refrigerator .