LG, a leader in smart home technology, is set to redefine the AI assistant landscape with its latest innovation – a mobile, two-wheeled personal home robot. Unlike traditional AI assistants such as Alexa that are confined to stationary devices, LG’s AI agent roams freely around the home, providing an interactive and dynamic user experience.
Announced on December 27, 2023 and debuting at the January 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the AI-powered personal home robot self-balances on two motorized wheels and autonomously navigates across various surfaces, including floors and carpets.
The robot’s advanced perception capabilities are powered by Qualcomm’s Robotics RB5 Platform, a combination of hardware and software that drives the bot’s AI program. Equipped with optical and depth-sensing cameras, the bot can identify human faces, pets, and various household objects. It can also monitor environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality using other onboard sensors. If these parameters deviate from desired levels, the AI agent can wirelessly adjust connected appliances like furnaces, air conditioners, or humidifiers, ensuring optimal living conditions.
Users can program these personal home robots to patrol their home when they’re away. As it does so, it keeps an eye on pets and watches for unusual activity such as break-ins. It can also detect if windows have been left open or lights left on. Upon detecting any issues, the device sends a notification to the user’s smartphone.
If lights have been left on, the robot can connect to a “smart” wall outlet to turn them off.
One of the robot’s standout features is its ability to interact with users. When the user arrives home, the personal home robot greets them at the door. It can discern their emotions by analyzing their voice and facial expressions and selects music or other content to suit their mood. The robot’s articulated leg joints allow it to express emotions through movements, adding a unique touch to user interactions.
Like stationary smart home aids such as Alexa or Apple HomePod, LG’s personal home robot can also provide information about the weather, remind users to take their medications on time, and engage in conversations about news, weather reports, and daily schedules.
Currently, LG has no information available regarding the robot’s release date or price. However, the introduction of this innovative AI assistant marks a significant step forward in smart home technology, offering users a more interactive and dynamic way to manage their homes with personal home robots.
If you'd like to read more please see: “LG's new AI assistant will roam your home on two wheels,” by Ben Coxworth published in New Atlas, December 27, 2023. “LG developed a two-legged AI-powered robot that can watch your pets for you” by Malak Saleh published in engadget, December 28, 2023. “LG'S AI Agent Brings Your Home Into the Future” by Samantha Mangino published in Reviewed, January 9, 2024.