[CES2020] Samsung Dreams of a 'Future Together'

Intelligent Companion Robot 'Bolly' Unveiled for Personalized Care

[Las Vegas (USA) = Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] Kim Hyun-seok, President of Samsung Electronics Consumer Electronics Division, took the stage as the keynote speaker at 'CES 2020' held in Las Vegas, USA on the 6th (local time), defining the next decade as the 'Age of Experiences' and introducing Samsung Electronics' latest technologies including the intelligent companion robot 'Ballie'.

The intelligent companion robot Ballie, unveiled for the first time that day, is a personalized care robot combining advanced hardware and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Ballie, shaped like a ball and freely mobile, is a companion robot that recognizes and follows the user. It can perform various roles such as security functions that monitor every corner of the home and home assistant functions linked with devices like smartphones. Its functions can be infinitely expanded through AI software updates to include fitness trainer, music player, conversational companion, and more.

President Kim said, "Ballie, which acts as a companion in personal life, is a good example that represents Samsung Electronics' robot research direction pursuing human-centered innovation." He added, "Most people expect not the ownership of a product itself when purchasing it, but the positive life experiences such as convenience, stability, and enjoyment that the product brings," emphasizing, "These individual demands will collectively drive technological innovation."

Kim Hyun-seok, President of Samsung Electronics, is introducing the intelligent companion robot Bolli.

The keynote speech proceeded with multiple speakers following President Kim in a relay format, introducing Samsung's latest technologies expanding from personal to home to city (Me-Home-City). Sebastian Seung, Vice President of Samsung Research, introduced the heart disease rehabilitation program 'HeartWise.' HeartWise uses mobile devices to monitor the heart condition of chronic heart disease patients and connects them to timely medical care by professional medical staff when abnormal signs occur.

Advanced innovative technologies that transform living spaces using AI, 5G mobile communication, and augmented reality (AR) were also showcased. Federico Casalegno, Head of Samsung North America Design Innovation Center, said, "A home is like a living organism that responds and reacts to the user's needs," adding, "Since everyone has their own idea about their home, personalized technology should be applied to homes as well." He then demonstrated a user wearing the wearable walking assist robot 'GEMS' receiving customized fitness training from a virtual personal trainer through AR glasses.

Samsung Electronics also shared its vision for smart cities. Referring to home Internet of Things (IoT) cases applied to Banpo 'Raemian Prestige,' they showed examples where residents can easily call elevators with simple voice commands or conveniently check energy usage and vehicle access information and control smart appliances through a single application. President Kim concluded by saying, "Samsung's technology ultimately aims to create a better world for everyone," emphasizing, "We will prioritize data security and privacy so individuals can safely enjoy advanced technology, and we will pursue ethical technology."