Samsung’s Ballie home robot is set to launch in the US this summer, with pre-registration now available on Samsung’s website, marking a significant step forward for the company in the home robotics space.
The ball-shaped robot, equipped with two wheels, is designed as a personal assistant for the home. It features a built-in projector, speaker, and microphone, allowing it to perform a variety of tasks. First announced in 2020, Ballie has undergone several upgrades, enhancing its capabilities to include controlling smart home devices through Samsung SmartThings, similar to smart displays.
One of the key differentiators for Ballie is its integration with generative AI, courtesy of a partnership between Samsung and Google. The robot utilizes Google’s Gemini multimodal AI and Samsung’s generative AI large language models to process various inputs, including audio, voice, visual data from its camera, and sensor data from its environment. This enables Ballie to offer personalized advice and services, such as accessorizing tips based on visual assessment and tailored suggestions for improving sleep patterns by integrating with smart home devices and utilizing data from trusted sources.
Demos of Ballie at CES 2025 showcased its capabilities, including projecting requested information on a wall, identifying suitable wine pairings for dinner, and responding to voice commands. The demonstrations highlighted the robot’s potential as a versatile home assistant, capable of interacting with users through various means, including voice and projected interfaces that can be controlled with gestures.
The development and launch of Ballie come amidst a competitive landscape in home robotics, with other major technology companies such as Apple, Meta, and Google reportedly working on their own home robots. LG, a key competitor to Samsung, announced its own version of a home robot last year. The success of home robots has been limited to date, particularly those lacking clear and specific use cases. Whether Ballie will overcome these challenges and prove indispensable remains to be seen, especially given its advanced AI capabilities.
While Samsung has made significant progress with Ballie, including announcing a launch date, a crucial piece of information remains undisclosed: the pricing of the robot. The anticipation for Ballie’s launch is tempered by the uncertainty surrounding its cost, a factor that will significantly influence its adoption and success in the market.
