South Korean firm LG Electronics plans to unveil a smart-home artificial intelligence (AI) agent at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The AI agent uses robotic, AI and multi-modal technologies that let it move, learn, comprehend and engage in complex conversations. An all-around home manager and companion rolled into one, it can enhance users’ daily lives and showcases the company’s commitment to its zero-labour home vision.

With its two-legged wheel design, the agent can navigate the home independently. The intelligent device can verbally interact with users and express emotions through movements made possible by its articulated leg joints. Moreover, the use of multi-modal AI technology, which combines voice and image recognition along with natural language processing, enables the agent to understand context and intentions as well as actively communicate with users.

Functioning as a moving smart home hub, this AI agent connects with and controls smart home appliances and household IoT devices. The AI agent is equipped with the Qualcomm’s Robotics RB5 platform, enabling on-device AI features such as face and user recognition.

The agent uses its built-in camera, speaker and various sensors to gather real-time environmental data, including temperature, humidity and indoor air quality. LG’s AI technologies analyse these data, continuously learning and combining them with external information. The agent can even act as a pet monitor and security guard, providing users with the ability to see and care for their pets remotely and sending alerts if unusual activity is detected.

It can autonomously patrol the home when no one is there, moving from one room to another and sending notifications to the user’s smartphone if it finds an open window or any lights left on. Additionally, it can help conserve energy by connecting with a smart outlet and turning off unused devices throughout the house.

When the user returns home, the agent greets them at the front door, discerns their emotions by analysing their voice and facial expressions, and selects music or other content to suit their mood. It also helps users in their daily lives by providing transportation details, weather updates, personal schedules or reminders to take medications.

“Our ground-breaking smart home AI agent combines cutting-edge autonomous mobility and AI technologies with advanced communication capabilities and services to help free customers from household chores,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics’ home appliance business. “A smart life company, LG will continue to help customers experience a smarter, more enjoyable life at home.”

Visitors to CES (www.ces.tech) from January 9 to 12 can see all LG’s (www.lg.com) smart life offerings, including the smart home AI agent, on the company’s stand #16008 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.