12 Household Appliances That Don’t Exist Today

Technology has advanced quickly, but many household appliances remain basic compared to what is possible. This article outlines 12 appliance concepts that are not available today but could be developed with modern science and engineering. Each example focuses on efficiency, convenience, or sustainability.

1. 1. Self-Cleaning Closet

A closet that cleans and refreshes clothes automatically could be built using steam technology, air filters, and sanitizing UV light. The system would remove dust, odors, and bacteria without needing frequent washing. This would save water and energy compared to traditional laundry. While partial versions exist in high-end appliances, a complete solution has not yet reached the market.

2. 2. Dish Sorting Dishwasher

Today’s dishwashers clean effectively, but they still require manual unloading. A dish sorting dishwasher would use robotic arms and item recognition sensors to place dishes into cabinets. This would reduce repetitive kitchen work. Although robotics has advanced, no household version of this technology has been released.

3. 3. Bed-Making Machine

A bed-making machine could straighten sheets, adjust pillows, and pull covers into position automatically. Prototypes exist for hospital use, but they are not designed for everyday homes. A consumer version would save time and improve comfort for people with limited mobility. Despite the demand, the technology has not been adapted for the home market.

4. 4. Self-Cleaning Windows

Glass coated with nanomaterials could break down dirt when exposed to sunlight and allow rainwater to wash it away. Some experimental coatings exist in construction materials, but they are not common in household windows. A full system for homes would reduce the need for manual cleaning. This would be especially useful in high-rise buildings.

5. 5. Noise-Reducing Walls

Walls with active noise control could block or cancel unwanted sounds using sensors and built-in acoustic panels. The technology is similar to noise-canceling headphones but scaled to building materials. This would improve sleep quality and concentration in noisy environments. Although possible, no household-ready system has been developed yet.

6. 6. Self-Stocking Refrigerator

A refrigerator with built-in inventory tracking could automatically order items online when supplies run low. Weight sensors, cameras, and barcode scanners would help track food accurately. This would save time and prevent shortages of essential groceries. Some smart fridges can monitor items, but none are fully automated.

7. 7. Smart Trash Bin

A trash bin with scanning sensors could sort items into recycling, compost, or waste. This would improve recycling accuracy at the household level. The system could also compress waste to save space. While prototypes exist, they are not widely available to consumers.

8. 8. Automated Cooking Oven

An oven that identifies ingredients and prepares meals automatically could combine image recognition and cooking algorithms. It would adjust temperature and time to cook food correctly without human input. Some smart ovens assist with recipes, but none perform the entire cooking process. This could make healthy meals more accessible.

9. 9. Universal Folding Machine

A machine that folds all types of laundry, including difficult items like fitted sheets, would reduce one of the most disliked chores. Current folding machines can handle simple garments but cannot manage complex fabrics or shapes. A universal model would require advanced mechanical design and textile handling. Such a device has not yet been perfected.

10. 10. Pet Care Station

A complete grooming station for pets could wash, dry, and brush animals safely at home. Existing devices can perform single tasks, such as washing or drying. A combined system would make pet care more efficient. This would save time and reduce reliance on professional grooming services.

11. 11. Automatic Pantry Organizer

A pantry with rotating shelves and sensors could bring older items to the front and track expiration dates. This would prevent food waste by ensuring proper use of supplies. The system could also notify users when items are running low. Although automated warehouses use similar technology, it has not been scaled for home kitchens.

12. 12. Energy-Generating Floors

Floors with piezoelectric materials could generate electricity from footsteps. This technology already exists in certain public spaces and stadiums. In a home, it could provide small amounts of renewable energy for low-power devices. Household versions have not yet been mass-produced.

• Tags:
• home technology
• future appliances
• Smart Living
• household ideas
• appliance design