While Samsung has been teasing its AI-powered Ballie since 2020, it was thought that the company would actually launch the robot this summer. New reports from industry sources indicate that Samsung’s Ballie may be struggling with an identity crisis, and another delay is to follow.
Samsung’s Ballie has had users excited for a number of reasons. When it was first teased, it was a project that materialized AI in the real world. Objectively, a robot that rolls around as an AI companion is a fun product. Since then, Ballie has been delayed by Samsung, with the previous launch window set for this summer.
That may have changed, according to industry sources familiar with the project (via Korea Times). It’s suggested that Samsung is reportedly holding back the AI robot yet again as it struggles to find where the product fits into users’ homes.
The design and tooling are likely ready to roll out units, or at least close to it. Still, it seems that Samsung is slowing the project down to make changes before a full launch occurs.
In essence, Ballie can handle a lot of what Samsung’s own devices can with Galaxy AI. It offers access to Gemini’s AI models with Samsung’s own language models to process data. That data comes from built-in cameras and microphones. Users can interact via the app or through voice.
On top of that, Ballie will be somewhat of an in-house watchdog, allowing residents to check in on their pets or family members when needed. The robot will also carry a projector to display images and interact with users.
One advertised use case is controlling smart devices. This is something one can do with their own phone or even through Gemini on their Android device. It seems odd that Samsung is pushing the notion that Ballie can turn on lights and other devices in your home, since there is a way that’s likely much easier.
All of this, combined with an expected high price point, seems to have Samsung rethinking Ballie’s launch and delaying the robot’s entry into users’ homes. It’s unknown what the company will do or if it will release the robot as a limited-quantity product. Further, there is still no information on when Ballie will be released, if at all.
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