Samsung and LG to Compete in 'Robot Battle' Following 8K TV Launch in Second Half of This Year

Samsung Electronics Robot 'Ballie' Revealed in CES Keynote Speech

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expected to compete in the robot market in the second half of this year, following their 8K TV battle last year.

Both companies have expressed their intention to prioritize research and development of products that can be used in daily life in the robot field, which is considered a core theme of the 4th Industrial Revolution alongside 5G and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to industry sources on the 11th, Samsung Electronics recently showcased ‘Ballie,’ a ‘Companion Robot’ at CES 2020, the world’s largest IT and home appliance exhibition held in Las Vegas, USA.

Ballie is ball-shaped, moves freely, and monitors various parts of the home according to user commands. It performs various home care tasks by linking with major smart devices such as smartphones and TVs.

In particular, it is equipped with an ‘on-device AI’ function, enabling it to serve as a security robot that enhances security and privacy protection or as a fitness assistant.

Kim Hyun-seok, President of Samsung Electronics’ Consumer Electronics (CE) Division, said about Ballie, “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 suggested the potential for robots that can interact actively with users and communicate emotionally. Samsung Electronics mentioned plans to launch new robot products around June to July.

At this CES, LG Electronics set up a ‘CLOi Table’ exhibition zone where visitors could experience robots providing services such as customer service, ordering, cooking, serving, and dishwashing in restaurants.

The CLOi Table is linked with LG ThinQ, allowing users to easily make or change restaurant reservations and check menus via voice commands using AI speakers, TVs, or mobile devices at home or in vehicles.

Kwon Bong-seok, President of LG Electronics, said, “LG intends to focus its business on robots that can be easily encountered in daily life,” adding, “Industrial robots have inconsistent demand and limitations in rapid growth.”

President Kwon added, “We have secured foundational technology by acquiring robot companies,” and said the launch plan will be “discussed in detail in the second half of this year.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.