Tech giants LG and Samsung have recently revealed their latest innovations at CES in Las Vegas – robot home assistants. These robotic helpers are designed to perform various tasks, including playing music, reminding users to take medication, feeding pets using smart pet feeders, and even facilitating video calls. However, to enjoy these services, customers must consent to the devices tracking their habits, learning their faces, mapping their homes, and accessing personal information.
Samsung’s robot home assistant, called Ballie, is a small, yellow ball-like device that can divert dogs from destructive behavior and control other smart home devices. In its advanced version, Ballie comes equipped with AI-powered camera hardware and a projector, enabling it to recognize faces and project video calls or entertainment visuals. Though no details about its price or release date have been disclosed, it is anticipated to cost over $1,000.
Additionally, LG has introduced its own AI robot butler, resembling a small white creature with a digital screen for a face. This smart home agent is capable of following users around and performing information-based tasks, while also learning their moods and habits to provide a personalized experience. However, LG has not revealed any information regarding the price or availability of their smart home agent.
While the concept of having personal robot butlers is undeniably exciting, questions arise about whether these devices offer tangible benefits beyond collecting data on users’ habits. As customers eagerly await further details regarding pricing and release dates, the debate over the true value of these robot home assistants continues.
