[CES 2024] The Era of AI-Equipped Companion Robots as 'Butlers of Our Homes'

Samsung Electronics Unveils AI Companion 'Bolly'
Surprises CES Audience with Sudden Reveal

LG Electronics Introduces 'Smart Home AI Agent'
Engages Users in Fluent Conversations and Dance Time

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics each unveiled AI companion robots at CES 2024, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technology. Samsung introduced the AI companion robot "Bolly," while LG showcased the household assistant "Smart Home AI Agent."

Samsung Electronics' AI companion 'Bolly' showcased at CES 2024 /
[Photo by Samsung Electronics]

On the 8th (local time), Samsung Electronics held a press conference at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, and revealed Bolly midway through the event. Bolly is a soccer ball-sized robot that provides personalized services based on AI. Attendees at the event were surprised and responded enthusiastically when the yellow Bolly appeared in the presentation video.

Samsung first unveiled Bolly at CES 2020 and, after years of research and development, introduced an upgraded version that learns user patterns and evolves. Bolly uses autonomous driving technology to come when called and executes voice commands without a separate controller. Cameras on the front and back of the device instantly recognize SmartThings-supported devices and connect to them immediately.

Samsung Electronics model using a volleyball /
[Photo by Samsung Electronics]

One of Bolly's strengths is its world-first dual-lens projector technology capable of both near and far projection, supporting optimal screens anywhere on walls, ceilings, or floors. It moves around the house, recognizes spaces, and autonomously creates maps while automatically linking various home appliances and devices with SmartThings, allowing users to manage and control products. This is why Bolly is called the "butler managing the home."

Bolly serves as a family companion that cares for family members and pets on behalf of the user. For elderly family members, it can check health status or serve as a communication tool with family. It also monitors family members and pets out of sight and alerts the user if any abnormal situations arise, helping them take necessary actions.

LG Electronics 'Smart AI Agent' Concept Device Appearance / Photo by LG Electronics

Samsung Electronics stated, "Bolly will resolve small and large inconveniences in daily life," and added, "We plan to develop and launch it as a product that provides personalized services."

LG Electronics also unveiled the advanced "Smart Home AI Agent," which combines sophisticated robotics and AI technology, for the first time at this CES. This product, conceptualized as a companion home appliance resembling a robot, can freely move around the house on two wheeled legs using autonomous driving technology. Based on multimodal sensing integrating voice, sound, and image recognition, along with advanced AI processing, it precisely recognizes user situations and conditions and can actively communicate.

LG Electronics is showcasing a 'Smart Home AI Agent' concept device at the CES 2024 exhibition. /
[Photo by LG Electronics]

At the LG Electronics exhibition hall set up at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), visitors could experience the Smart Home AI Agent through a pre-booth tour. The product engaged in fluent conversations with LG Electronics staff demonstrating it and even danced by moving a handle-shaped bar on top of the device to the rhythm of music. It was also impressive how it carefully reviewed the user's schedule and suggested changes.

Ryu Jae-cheol, President of LG Electronics H&A Business Division, said, "The Smart Home AI Agent is the result of relentless research and innovative technology aimed at liberating users from household chores," adding, "We will continue to strive to become a smart life solution company that enables customers to enjoy smarter and happier lives."