Samsung unveils AI robot "Ballie" and new smart home devices at CES 2025

     Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of its first home artificial intelligence robot, "Ballie," which is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2025. Vegas, Nevada is a major event for the tech industry, where companies showcase their innovations.

     Ballie is a yellow spherical robot designed to improve everyday life by learning consumer usage patterns. It can control various household appliances, monitor children and pets, and notify users of anything unusual. In addition, Bally can recognize voices, carry on conversations, and navigate the house autonomously. It also has a built-in beam projector that can be used as a display.

     During CES 2025, Ballie showed off its advanced features, such as checking users' schedules and recommending wines to pair with meal menus. Han Jong-hee, vice chairman and head of the Device Experience (DX) division at Samsung Electronics, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the home. "Based on highly personalized experiences, home AI will make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable," he said. "We will bring this innovation to industry and society and play a pioneering leadership role for the next 100 years."

     In addition to Ballie, Samsung has introduced a variety of new appliances equipped with touch screens to improve convenience. The new "Bespoke AI Hybrid" refrigerator features a 9-inch touchscreen and an "AI Vision Inside" that automatically identifies ingredients and creates food lists. Samsung plans to launch a service in the US this year in partnership with Instacart, a US online grocery delivery company, that lets users instantly by missing ingredients from their fridge screens.

     Samsung also unveiled "SmartThings for Vehicles," developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group. This innovation helps to locate the vehicle and start the engine in advance, further integrating AI into everyday life. Pointing to the wider implications of these advances, one industry insider said: "The era of humanoid robots is likely to accelerate as small AI robots further develop functions such as autonomous driving and reasoning."

     Ballie's launch comes against a backdrop of intense competition, with LG Electronics having previously launched a similar product, the Mobile AI Home Center (Q9). Major home appliance manufacturers in China are also expected to follow the "imitation strategy" and demonstrate similar AI robots at CES 2025.