Samsung claims its Ballie AI robot will actually be released this year

Ballie, the Rolling Robot, Set to Ship to Consumers in 2025

Am I the only one who thinks those wheels look a bit flimsy? Maybe Samsung is intentionally building in a weak spot and planning ahead for whenever Ballie secretly amasses an army and turns against us.

A Practical Redesign, But Will it Really Happen?

Ballie was first introduced at CES five years ago, and since then, the robot has undergone a more practical redesign. Maybe it’s really going to happen — but I’m still more skeptical than not.

What Can Ballie Do?

You can interact with Ballie using your voice and also by stepping on buttons projected onto the floor. Ballie is smart enough to use the wall when you need a larger view.

It can also project a movie, and when commanded to make the picture bigger, Ballie is smart enough to look for a wall that can accommodate the enlarged projection. The image wasn’t particularly bright, but the built-in speakers were plenty loud and didn’t sound tinny.

Visual AI Powers and Smart Home Control

Ballie has some visual AI powers at its disposal, allowing it to answer questions and provide information. For example, during a demo, the person operating Ballie held up a pair of wine bottles and asked the robot which would make a better pairing for his dinner.

Ballie also has power over the smart home, allowing you to control your lights and various routines.

Availability and Pricing

Samsung has announced that Ballie will be shipping to consumers in 2025, with TechRadar reporting a more specific “first half of 2025” timeframe. As for price, your guess is as good as mine.

Conclusion

Ballie is an adequate, if average portable projector with some charm. While it may not live up to the expectations set by BB-8 and WALL-E, it’s an interesting product that could have its uses.

FAQs

Q: When will Ballie be available?

A: Ballie will be shipping to consumers in 2025, with a more specific “first half of 2025” timeframe reported by TechRadar.

Q: How much will Ballie cost?

A: The pricing for Ballie has not been announced.

Q: What can I use Ballie for?

A: Ballie can be used to project images and videos, control your smart home devices, and answer questions and provide information.

Q: Is Ballie compatible with other devices?

A: It is not specified whether Ballie is compatible with other devices, but it is likely to be compatible with Samsung’s smart home ecosystem.

Q: Is Ballie accessible?

A: The accessibility features of Ballie have not been specified, but it is likely that the robot will have some form of accessibility features.