CES wouldn’t be complete without Samsung unveiling an intriguing and endearing robot, and this year is no exception. During its CES 2024 press conference, Samsung introduced a robot named Ballie, equipped with a built-in projector. Surprisingly, The Washington Post reported that Samsung announced the robotic sphere would be commercially available within the year.
Ballie made its debut in 2020 as a household and potential fitness assistant, capable of tasks like opening smart curtains, turning on the TV, and even calling for help if someone fell. Fast forward four years, and Ballie has matured, now reaching the size of a bowling ball. According to the Post, it features a spatial LiDAR sensor and a 1080p projector with two lenses. This projector enables Ballie to display movies, video calls, and personalized greetings on surrounding surfaces.
During the keynote, a video showcased Ballie projecting a welcoming message to a user returning home, as well as displaying a conference call, workout video, and content from a nearby PC. In an adorable moment, the robot projected a video of greenery onto the floor for a golden retriever.
Samsung demonstrated users controlling Ballie through voice commands and text messages. In its responses, Ballie sent clips of its surroundings, such as the activities of a pet left at home. Similar to its predecessor, the updated robot can automatically control connected lights, gadgets, and even non-connected appliances using its infrared transmitter.
While Ballie bears a resemblance to LG’s Rolling Bot from 2016, which never made it to market, Samsung seems poised to release it in 2024. Despite lacking detailed information and pricing details, the transition from an adorable concept to a plausible prototype is promising, leaving the possibility of purchasing Ballie in the near future.
Maybe not doing the rest, but the new iRobot can clean your house within no time…
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