LG wants to bring artificial intelligence into everyday life and introduces new service robots. What do the autonomous driving CLOi bots do?
LG first unveiled the CLOi bot in 2019 at the CES electronics trade show in Las Vegas. Three years later, the autonomous driving service robot returns and is expected to be more than a mascot for LG's consumer AI ThinQ in the future.
LG robots serve snacks and show the way
During LG's thirty-minute keynote at this year's CES 2022 electronics trade show, several CLOi variants made an appearance. With their droll googly eyes, the robotic service workers are reminiscent of Amazon's Alexa robots. Unlike Astro, however, the CLOi variants seem to be geared more toward the B2B market.
The CLOi ServeBot has either two large drawers or three tray levels. Similar to the bots in China's AI restaurants, it takes orders, serves meals, drinks, or other small items. The CLOi GuideBot is designed to help people find their way around shopping malls, hospitals, or other public buildings.
Its customizable content management system captures building maps and displays points of interest such as stores, departments, or restaurants. Customers can enter their desired destination on the touch display and request the appropriate route. If desired, artificial intelligence can also accompany the customer to the destination.
LG delivery bot drives autonomously in all weathers
CLOi also supports security personnel and takes over their job as a night watch. According to LG, the autonomous robot can perform legally approved security patrols for "crime prevention and detection, building inspection and fire protection."
The highlight, however, is likely to be the LG Door-to-Door Delivery Bot for indoor and outdoor use. The little box on wheels drives autonomously and adapts to the terrain. It can raise or lower its tires while driving and thus drive over curbs or stairs.
The CLOi-Bot is unlikely to match Nuro's powerful delivery bots with external airbags, which can reach up to 72 km/h on public roads. LG's robot should, however, be able to cope with difficult weather conditions such as rain and snow.
