LG expands commercial robot portfolio

Following the introduction of the company’s robot lineup a year ago, LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled three more work robots at CES 2018. LG is introducing three new concept robots specifically developed for commercial use at hotels, airports and supermarkets. These new robots represent LG’s commitment to expanding its business into a future growth engine based on its robotics technology.

All part of LG’s new CLOi (pronounced KLOH-ee) robot brand, the Serving Robot, Porter Robot and Shopping Cart Robot follow in the footsteps of the Airport Guide Robot and the Airport Cleaning Robot that recently completed successful trial runs at Korea’s Incheon International Airport. The Lawn Mowing Robot and the affable Hub Robot, which recently participated in a trial at one of Korea’s largest financial institutions providing information and servicing customers at the bank’s branches, are also part of the CLOi family.

The purpose of the Serving Robot is to deliver meals and drinks to guests and customers at hotels and airport lounges quickly and efficiently. The robot can deliver food or refreshments around the clock and with its built-in sliding tray, present the tray to the customer for easy removal. Once the delivery is confirmed, the Serving Robot makes its way back on its own.

Designed to deliver luggage to the guests’ rooms, the Porter Robot minimises the inconvenience that may result from slow service and long wait times during a hotel stay. The Porter Robot can also handle express check-in and check-out service and take care of payment, allowing busy guests to check out and have their luggage delivered to a waiting car in a fraction of the time.

LG is also applying its robotics know-how to improve the shopping experience at premium supermarkets. With the help of LG’s Shopping Cart Robot, customers can scan items using a barcode reader on the robot to view product prices and see their complete shopping list on the face display. The robot can also guide shoppers to the products they select on a smartphone app.

LG’s CLOi robots will be developed in parallel to ThinQ products, LG’s AI brand for consumer electronics and home appliances. LG CLOi is LG’s brand designed to deliver both emotional interaction and innovative convenience to customers utilising AI technology.

“As an important part of our future growth engine, LG is committed to expanding its portfolio of robots that can deliver real convenience and innovation in our customers’ lives,” said Ryu Hye-jung, head of the smart solution business division of LG’s Home Appliance and Air Solutions Company. “We will continue to develop a wide range of products across commercial and home robots while seeking new opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the robotics industry.”