Technological innovations at the 2024 CES trade show in Las Vegas include big TVs, virtual reality glasses and home robots. Artificial intelligence is one of the pillars that this edition has focused on and with it robotics wants to take a leap. For this reason, the LG or Samsung brands, among others, have presented versions of home robots at this event, devices that intend to become one more in the family, that is to say.

Ballie, in its most modern version, thus joins the ever-expanding world of home robots. Amazon has Astro, Enabot introduced Ebo X earlier this year and now Ballie has been upgraded with artificial intelligence to better respond to user requests at home, make phone calls and even know how to feed your pet.

Unveiled as a concept in 2020, the Ballie has been kept low-key until Samsung's latest announcement. The ball now integrates a projector to display 1080-pixel images on the floor, wall or ceiling of the home, eliminating the need for a screen like the one used by Astro as a source of information and entertainment.

The brand has combined its robot with a growing passion for portable projectors around the world. Ballie is able to automatically adjust the projection depending on the wall and lighting conditions. "It is the world's first projector that automatically detects people's posture and face angle and adjusts the optimal projection angle," they say in a statement.

Also as a smart home, this robot acts as a home control center, organizing the different devices connected to it. For example, turn on and off the lights, turn on the air conditioner or the washing machine, as well as notify the owner of events in the house.

• Samsung Ballie Robot

Also as a smart speaker, this robot acts as a home control center, organizing the different devices connected to it. For example, turn on and off the lights, turn on the air conditioner or the washing machine, as well as notify the owner of events in the house.

Of course, he follows people around the house and comes out to greet them when they come in the door like some pets would. For all these functions, in addition to the projector, it has cameras, microphones and sensors.

Ballie is controlled via voice commands, as usual, but also chats with users as shown in the promotional video. "Hey Amy, I'm on patrol," he announced.

Apart from the video shared by Samsung, the company has given few details about the specifications of its upgraded robot. Nor has he indicated that he is considering putting it up for sale sometime in 2024. However, they end the video by showing a second device similar to Ballie's design, whose features and identity remain a mystery for an upcoming event.

• A bit of history

In 2020, Samsung first introduced Ballie, a home robot a little bigger than a tennis ball that could move freely around the house and included a camera, microphones and sensors. However, the product was canceled and never made it to stores.

After several years, the South Korean company has revived the project and presented a completely updated version of the Ballie. The robot, which currently has the shape and size of a soccer ball, debuts several functionalities to help users at home.

• Ballie, the housemate with AI

In addition to unveiling some of the innovations that will arrive on its TVs in 2024, Samsung also had its place for home automation at CES 2024. The new Ballie is introduced as a personal home assistant that helps us physically.

The robot has been designed to drive autonomously around the home, learn from users' habits and offer personalized solutions. We can understand this device as another piece of Samsung's product ecosystem and its connected home.

Ballie has the ability to control smart devices, but also has an infrared sensor to turn on "non-smart" devices such as air conditioners and TVs. You can also project images onto the floor or walls in 1080p.

Hardware components such as the camera, LiDAR sensor, microphones and speakers have various additional functions. The robot maps the rooms of the house to identify where household items are and provides reminders, for example, to water the plants.

Ballie can be controlled with voice commands or via mobile phone chat. The robot, as we can see in a demonstration, responds in a pleasant way. “Hi Amy (username). I'm patrolling”, “Now I'm watching Copper (house pet)”.