Samsung’s AI-powered Ballie robot is making a return at CES 2024, showcasing significant advancements since its initial debut in 2020. The newly updated Ballie boasts a more polished and capable 3-wheeled mobile design, deviating from its simple spherical launch design. Unlike its predecessor, which had a mostly faceless appearance reminiscent of Dune stillsuits, the latest iteration draws inspiration from Pixar-designed robots with a colorful touch of Among Us aesthetics.
One prominent feature is Ballie’s front-facing monocular visage, giving the AI-powered assistant a distinct “face.” This port serves multiple purposes, acting as a projection point for images used in communication or functioning as a mobile video projector. Users can aim the projector at walls, floors, or ceilings, adding versatility to Ballie’s capabilities.
Market positioning of Ballie emphasizes its role as an autonomous personal home assistant, designed to greet users with the enthusiasm of a beloved canine companion at the door. While your pet may hold a special place in your heart, Samsung envisions AI robot companions becoming integral household members. The goal is to interconnect Ballie with a network of home appliances, enabling it to operate as a mobile monitoring system as well. To control various smart home devices, a small pop-up remote control emerges from the top of Ballie, allowing users to manage lights, air filtration units, laundry, and more.
In essence, Samsung’s Ballie aims to evolve beyond a mere proof-of-concept design, presenting itself as a futuristic personal home assistant with enhanced functionality and a more appealing design, promising to bring advanced AI capabilities to households in the near future.
