LG announced its new AI-powered home robot, CLOid, at CES this week, designed to revolutionize household chores by assisting users with tasks ranging from folding laundry to making breakfast and patrolling the home for potential issues. The company envisions CLOid evolving into an ambient-care agent that supports everyday life, according to LG representatives at the event.

The robot, demonstrated via rolling presentations on the convention floor, features autonomous movement and is equipped with cameras and sensors. These components, when integrated with LG's ThinQ smart home app, allow CLOid to leverage situational and environmental data, proactively suggesting ways to improve the user's life, LG stated. The robot also includes speakers for communication.

CLOid operates using an internal operating system, though specific details regarding the OS were not disclosed. The robot's ability to perform tasks such as laundry folding relies on a complex interplay of computer vision, machine learning algorithms, and robotic manipulation. The cameras capture images of the laundry, which are then processed by the AI to identify the type of garment and determine the optimal folding method. The robotic arms then execute the folding sequence.

The introduction of CLOid reflects a growing trend in the consumer electronics industry towards integrating AI and robotics into everyday appliances. Companies are striving to create devices that not only automate tasks but also learn and adapt to user preferences. The potential impact of such technology on the labor market and the future of work is a subject of ongoing debate among economists and technologists.

While LG has not yet announced a specific release date or pricing for CLOid, the company indicated that it is continuing to refine the robot's capabilities and explore potential applications. The next steps involve further development of the AI algorithms, improving the robot's dexterity, and conducting real-world testing in residential environments.