CES 2024: The Adorable AI Robot Companions Coming To A Home Near You
by Gary Catig
Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the press spent a day filled with press conferences from the world’s biggest tech companies. There were many exciting new product announcements but one of the more peculiar new innovations coming our way are small robot companions that can help around your smart home.
Back in 2020, Samsung first revealed Ballie, a diminutive spherical robot that can help make your life easier. This year, a new video was played showcasing more of Ballie’s features. It has the ability to turn on lights and other appliances around your home. Also, like any good companion, it can greet you after returning from a hard day at work.
One new feature is a projector that Ballie can shine on any surface. It’s a smart tech that can adjust the projection based on distance and lighting. It can even calculate the optimal angle based off of your posture and line of sight. Ballie can use the projector to entertain your pet, increase the size of your video calls, show you proper form for workouts, and more.
LG Electronics has its own robot companion called The Agent. It can help with your chores around the house and adjust your other LG smart home appliances.
The Agent is part of LG’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative and is used through its ThinQ platform. It is powered by an AI large language model which allows you to interact with it as well. It can determine your mood based off of voice and facial analysis.
Other tasks the Agent can perform include monitoring your pets while you’re away, alerting you to take your medications, and make emergency calls when needed.