Key Takeaways:
– Samsung’s Ballie robot returns with a redesigned look at CES 2024.
– The new Ballie veers away from the ball droid design, featuring a sphere mounted on three wheels.
– The larger design allows for a more efficient battery and installation of a projector.
– Big center rectangle is a projector, with stereo vision enabled by a camera on each side.
– Mystery sensors on the Ballie and the absence of visible charging ports raise questions about its navigation and charging mechanics.
Samsung’s innovative robot, Ballie, initially unveiled at CES 2020, is back at CES 2024 with a fresh design. Experts have suggested it’s set to hit the market later this year, according to a report from The Washington Post.
New Design, Different Appeal
Though similar to a concept car, the latest version of Ballie — once a small, ball-shaped robot designed to wheel around the house and stream camera footage — seems to have lost some of the original model’s unique appeal. The redesigned Ballie is not a ball droid anymore. Instead, it’s a sphere mounted on three wheels, similar to how a robot vacuum operates.
Size and Functional Upgrades
This new incarnation of Ballie is also noticeably larger. Roughly the size of a bowling ball, up from the softball size of its predecessor, and requires two hands to lift. This upgrade in size has provided room for a more practical battery and space for a projector. With stationary side body where the wheels are attached, the central part of the sphere still retains the ability to rotate, enabling Ballie to aim the camera or projector mounted in front.
Sensor Division and Mystery Elements
Interestingly, Ballie’s front seems to have five sensor windows on the visor. The massive rectangle in the middle is a projector, the robot’s two sides contain a camera, providing stereo vision. However, the purposes of the other two sensors still remain a mystery. Speculation suggests they could be linked to robot navigation. The backside reveals numerous openings which could probably accommodate a speaker.
Lacking clearly visible metal contacts, autonomous docking, and charging mechanisms seem to be missing elements. Unlike a typical robot vacuum cleaner, Ballie does not have identifiable ports or connectors, adding further mystery to its charging mechanism.
Final Thoughts
As we await Samsung’s new Ballie in the market, a lot remains to be revealed regarding its functional elements and user interface, particularly regarding the mysterious sensors and charging mechanism. Nevertheless, Samsung’s innovative venture into robots designed for domestic use remains an intriguing prospect as it continues to push the boundaries of technology and invention. With the expected launch this year, we can only anticipate how the newly designed Ballie will revolutionize smart home assistants.