Samsung first introduced its companion robot, Ballie, in early 2020, but it hasn’t been available for purchase since. That’s expected to change this summer, when Ballie will debut in the US and South Korean markets. Ahead of its official release, a promotional video was released earlier this month, and now it’s been confirmed that Ballie will come with Google’s Gemini smart assistant built into it.
“Through this partnership, Samsung and Google Cloud are rewriting the way AI is used in the home. By combining the multimodal power of Gemini with the capabilities of Ballie, we are ushering in a new era of personalized companionship through AI – one that moves with the user and anticipates their needs,” said Yongjae Kim, executive vice president of the Visual Display Division at Samsung.
On the other hand, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian emphasized: “By integrating Gemini directly into its products, Samsung is demonstrating how generative AI can be placed at the center of technology for mass users. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering reliable solutions with lasting value.”
Ballie will use advanced technology to analyze data from voice, images captured by its camera, and information from its surroundings. This will allow it to adapt its behavior and responses in real time to help with care, well-being, and home life management. However, the price has not yet been announced – although it is clear that Ballie will not be a cheap device.