New Home Robot to Debut at CES
Will Serve as Manager in Smart Cottage
Humanoid Plans on Hold, Focus Shifts to Appliance Robots
LG Electronics is considering implementing a "robot-based residential solution" in its modular homes, where robots would actually manage the living space. The company plans to demonstrate the concept of a "robot butler" by applying the home robot unveiled at CES 2026 to its modular homes, allowing direct control of appliances and the residential environment.
According to industry sources on January 3, LG Electronics is reportedly reviewing a plan to deploy its home robot, "LG CLOiD," in its modular home "Smart Cottage" to manage the living space. The idea is for the home robot to move indoors while the residents are away, performing tasks such as organizing, cleaning, and managing home appliances.
In the long term, there have been discussions about the home robot monitoring the operational status of appliances such as washing machines and dryers in real time, and even taking care of post-cleaning, laundry, and drying management. The aim is for the robot to serve as a "home manager," overseeing the entire living space, including IoT (Internet of Things) devices, rather than simply assisting with appliances.
LG Electronics will unveil the home robot "LG CLOiD" at CES 2026, the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition, which will be held from January 6 to 9 (local time). According to a teaser video released on LG Electronics' global social media accounts on December 25, the home robot is depicted with two arms and five fingers attached to its body. LG Electronics explained that the product was designed based on the belief that a new form factor is needed-one that not only reduces the time spent on housework through appliances, but also directly performs household chores itself.
The Smart Cottage, first launched by LG Electronics last year, is a modular home that can be used as a second house in suburban or rural areas. It features LG Electronics' heat pump HVAC system and AI-powered appliances as standard options and can be installed anywhere, which is a key advantage. The interior is equipped with various AI appliances from LG Electronics, enabling automated integrated control. However, there is currently a limitation in that some human intervention is required, as control is still app-based.
LG Electronics' vision is for the home robot to overcome these limitations by directly controlling appliances and the residential environment within the modular home. The strategy is interpreted as an effort to further enhance the autonomy and convenience of living spaces through robotics.
Recently, the company has also been reorganizing internally to expand its robotics business. In a recent organizational restructuring, LG Electronics established the "HS Robotics Lab" under the Home Solutions (HS) Business Division, signaling a full-scale strengthening of its robotics business. Starting with CES 2026, an integrated strategy encompassing AI appliances, robotics, and residential solutions is expected to become more visible.
However, it appears that the humanoid robots that major companies such as Samsung and LG had been preparing for unveiling at this CES will not be showcased. LG Electronics' CLOiD is also expected to be at the level of an assistive robot with a body and two arms. Industry sources say that neither company has yet achieved the level of humanoid robot technology demonstrated by overseas companies in the United States and China. An industry insider stated, "LG Electronics is preparing for future development with the aim of creating humanoid robots that manage appliances within the home."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
