Samsung drops hints about release of robotic exoskeleton Bot Fit

The launch of Samsung Electronics’ first robotic exoskeleton, Bot Fit, and the companion robot, Ballie, may be just around the corner.

Samsung Electronics demonstrates a prototype of an exoskeleton robot at CES 2020. [NEWS1]

The launch of Samsung Electronics’ first robotic exoskeleton, Bot Fit, and the companion robot, Ballie, may be just around the corner.

An instruction manual for the Samsung Bot Fit Pro was briefly uploaded on Samsung Electronics’ official website in early September before being taken down, fueling speculation that the official release of Samsung’s first wearable robot is imminent.

Samsung’s wearable robot was first unveiled at CES 2019 with the name GEMS Hip, short for Gait Enhancing and Motivating System Hip. It was initially known as a medical mobility robot worn on the hips of users to aid older adults and people with disabilities.

The first batches of robotic exoskeletons were sold as healthcare assistants earlier this year to enterprise clients, such as hotel gyms and pilates centers.

A hotel fitness center that utilizes Bot Fit advertises that the robot gives the user "1.6 times more effectiveness" when it comes to exercise, according to its marketing materials.

The upcoming Bot Fit for consumers is designed for people over 14 years of age who don't have difficulty walking, according to the manual. The robot also prohibits use by people who have difficulties walking without human assistance or tools like mobility aids.

The main selling point of Samsung’s robotic exoskeleton is that it helps people with weight loss management, walking posture and building physical strength through the different exercise modes the device offers, including power walking, interval walking and walking at set speeds.

Bot Fit will also communicate with smartphones and smartwatches to utilize data from a heartbeat sensor and provide a tailored experience for users.

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-hee previously teased during CES 2024 that the consumer launch of Bot Fit is coming soon, despite a spokesperson saying that "nothing is decided yet."

Industry insiders speculate that the development of Bot Fit is complete but that the company is still reviewing the launch date.

The size of the global robot industry is set to grow from currently $25 billion to a range of between $160 billion and $260 billion by 2030, according to estimates by Boston Consulting Group.

Samsung's Ballie, a spherical smart device that follows the user in their household to “help” the user. [YONHAP]

Samsung will also release Ballie, a spherical smart device that follows the owner to help with household chores. Ballie is known to be equipped with the company’s on-device generative AI, Samsung Gauss, for communication with the user and to manage other smart home devices in the household. Ballie also features a projector that can display images and videos.

Samsung Electronics also intends to develop a humanoid robot in the future.

“The robot that Samsung Electronics is pursuing is one that is designed for the manufacturing and retail industries and for individuals, to be used at homes,” Han said, adding that the company’s ultimate goal is to produce “intelligent robots that can coexist with humans.”

LG Electronics' business solution division is spearheading the company's robot development. Following the release of Korea's first robot vacuum in 2023, LG Electronics is producing industrial robots for use in hotels, hospitals, restaurants and airports.

HWANG SU-YEON [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]