Samsung’s Rolling Robot Ballie Set for 2025 Consumer Release
Samsung has announced that its rolling robot, Ballie, is slated for consumer release in the first half of 2025. The spherical assistant, first unveiled at CES five years ago, has undergone a significant redesign to enhance its practicality for home use.
At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, Ballie made another appearance, showcasing its updated features and capabilities. During Samsung’s First Look event, the robot demonstrated its ability to project images, interact via voice commands, and respond to projected floor buttons.
One of Ballie’s key features is its projection capability. The robot showcased this by projecting information about a nearby attraction, The Sphere, onto both the ground and a wall. It also demonstrated movie projection, adjusting the image size to fit available wall space. However, the projection’s brightness appears limited, performing better on floor surfaces.
Ballie’s visual AI capabilities were also on display, with the robot identifying wine pairings in a controlled demonstration. While responses to queries were quick, some skepticism remains about the authenticity of the demo responses.
In terms of smart home integration, Ballie is designed to control various devices and routines. Communication with the robot is primarily through voice commands and projected buttons, though questions remain about its accessibility features.
Despite the impressive demonstration, some industry observers express skepticism about Ballie’s readiness for consumer use, particularly regarding its wheel design and overall functionality.
While Samsung has confirmed the 2025 release window, pricing details have yet to be announced. As the launch approaches, consumers and tech enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how Ballie’s real-world performance measures up to expectations set by fictional robots in popular culture.
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