During CES 2017, LG is planning to showcase a range of new robots which will highlight the company’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Unfortunately, LG has not provided any images of the robots or detailed specs and/or detailed information. However, the company has explained they will be specifically showcasing three new types of robot which will each look to serve different purposes. Two will be designed for the home (although technically, one of those is for outside the home), while one will be aimed more towards engaging with people in public environments.
Of the three new robot technologies being showcased, the first is possibly the most useful to the average consumer. This one is being described by LG as a “Hub Robot” and will look to be used in the home as a general personal assistant, while also doubling as a general “smart home gateway”. The second announced robot to be showcased will be one which is designed more for outdoor use and in particular, for those looking for robotic help in “tending to one’s yard and garden”. While the third of the announced robots is actually more of a range of robots. Ones which could be used in public environments to assist members of the public. In the announcement, LG specifically details airports and hotels as two prime examples of where these robots could be best utilized, by providing general assistance to travelers.
Of course, it is largely expected that LG will not be the only company debuting or showcasing their latest advancements in the robotics sector as the underlying tech is largely dependent on the employment of AI – which in itself has proven to be a popular theme throughout 2016. As a result, it is likely to also continue to prove popular among manufacturers in 2017, with CES being the first real opportunity of the year for companies with AI ambitions to highlight and draw attention to how they view AI expanding in 2017. LG specifically notes that their next-generation AI-powered robots are an evolution of the technology which can be found in robot vacuums, much like LG’s own HOM-BOT. With both vacuums and these new robots drawing on analytics to not only navigate environments, but to also calculate the best way to complete a task.