Since 2020, Samsung has kept consumers intrigued with the promise of an innovative robot named Ballie, depicted as a versatile home assistant. However, it now seems that Ballie is to be shelved indefinitely as vaporware.
During CES 2020, Ars Technica regarded Ballie as the most advanced concept Samsung presented. The robot, capable of facial recognition, could follow its owner and interact with smart home technology, like initiating a smart vacuum.
Ballie made a return at CES 2024 with a redesigned, larger spherical shape and a light ring, rolling around on its three wheels. Samsung demonstrated the robot projecting images, boasting up to “two to three hours” of usage before requiring a recharge. The company also showcased a demonstration of Ballie connecting with smartphones.
By CES 2025, Samsung provided limited demonstrations, portraying Ballie functioning by sending course directions to phones and suggesting wines. At the same event, Samsung promised a 2025 release date, initially set for the summer in the US and South Korea. However, despite these ambitious previews and stated plans, Ballie appears to be facing an uncertain future, unable to progress beyond the concept stage.