News

Samsung Unveils Multi-Functional AI Household Companion Robot

The innovative device is called Ballie, and can serve as a versatile pet feeder, projector, and smart home controller.

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2024

Nour Nasir

Samsung

After seeing Samsung’s demonstration video of its AI robot, Ballie, viewers might initially feel perplexed by the concept rather than persuaded to buy. At first glance, the compact, yellow robot, resembling a yoga ball looks pretty cute. However, some viewers may start to feel uneasy after seeing it chase after household pets. Nonetheless, its capabilities to carry out pet feeding, serve as a portable projector, and take on smart home control duties suggest it could be a valuable addition to households, should it ever materialize in stores.

Samsung Electronics debuted the prototype of the robot back at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where it appeared as a small, tennis ball-sized device accompanying the company’s CEO, H.S. Kim. Back then, its interactions were limited to emitting pleasant chimes in response to certain commands. However, a newly upgraded version of the robot was recently showcased in a pre-CES 2024 video presentation.

The video showcased Ballie’s versatile projection capabilities, from entertaining pets with tailored videos to projecting video calls on various surfaces and assisting in fitness routines by displaying workout videos. Samsung has explained that Ballie has the ability to autonomously adjust projections based on distance and lighting conditions, touting it as the first projector capable of discerning human posture and facial orientations to optimize projection angles.

Also Read: UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity

Beyond its projection prowess, the video spotlighted Ballie’s role as a smart home assistant, managing household appliances such as lighting, air purifiers, and pet feeders while relaying user updates via text message. Its ability to follow users throughout the home gives the assistant droid and R2-D2-like quality, albeit without the iconic dome head and chirping soundtrack.

Despite the captivating presentation, Samsung has yet to offer information regarding Ballie’s availability and pricing. Unlike its live debut at CES 2020, the Korean tech giant opted for a video demonstration this time around.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Robotics Samsung

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Yabi Introduces AI Financial Coach For Smarter Money Moves

The app provides real-time, personalized financial guidance, helping UAE residents manage money smarter, reduce debt, and build wealth effortlessly.

Published

18 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Nour Nasir

Yabi

Imagine having 24/7 access to an expert financial advisor — someone who understands your spending habits, helps you save more effectively, and offers guidance for every financial decision. That’s the vision behind Yabi’s revamped platform, an AI-driven finance app designed to transform personal finance management in the UAE.

Unlike traditional budgeting tools, Yabi acts as an always-available AI advisor, analyzing your unique spending patterns and offering real-time, tailored financial advice. Whether you’re making everyday purchases, planning a big trip, or saving for a major milestone, Yabi keeps you on track and helps you make informed financial choices.

Rakhil Fernando, CEO of Yabi, explains the mission behind the platform: “Financial literacy is not optional — it’s essential. But most financial tools today feel outdated and overly complex. Yabi is here to change that by offering AI-powered financial coaching that’s smart, simple, and accessible to everyone in the UAE”.

Here are some of the updated app’s new features:

AI-Powered Financial Coach: A 24/7 digital advisor providing real-time financial guidance based on your spending habits and available in multiple languages.
Live Insights: Connect your bank accounts for a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Tailored Budgeting: Yabi creates a budget that fits with your actual spending habits rather than generic financial advice.
Interactive Financial Education: Learn the essentials of saving, investing, and credit management through engaging content integrated into the AI experience.
Automated Expense Tracking: Receive instant alerts on overspending, identify hidden charges, and cut unnecessary subscriptions with ease.
Credit Score & Financial Health Monitoring: Get free credit score checks and AI-driven recommendations to enhance your financial standing.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Finally, Yabi is also gearing up to introduce its own debit card and a suite of financial products, making it easier to save, spend, and invest within a single platform.

Want to try Yabi for yourself? You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.