Some of your family's household duties may soon become obsolete.The United Nations' annual World Robotics Survey predicts the use of robots around the home will surge seven-fold by 2007.
    The boom is expected to be seen in robots that can mow lawns and vacuum floors, among other chores.The study says that by the end of 2007, more than 4 million robotic devices are likely to be in use. Lawnmowers will make up the majority, but window-washing and pool-cleaning robot sales are also predicted to take off.Robots have also made a dent in the toy industry. The study says there are now nearly 700,000 "entertainment robots" around the world.The term "robot" covers any machine that operates automatically to perform tasks in a human-like way.