Mobility changes an assistant
A fixed speaker waits. A mobile companion can approach the user, change viewing angle, inspect another room and bring sensors to the context.
The companion model
Samsung presented Ballie as a multimodal Home AI Companion that can converse and help manage schedules and connected-home functions. It is an embodied smart-home agent rather than a humanoid manipulator.
Where wheels win
Wheels are energy-efficient, stable and mechanically simple on smooth floors. Their weakness is access: stairs, high thresholds and clutter can split the home into unreachable zones.
Privacy becomes spatial
A mobile camera can see more angles and rooms than a fixed camera. Good products need obvious privacy states, room permissions, no-go zones and clear recording indicators.
Likely long-term role
Companions may become the moving interface between residents, AI and smart-home devices — understanding context, gathering information and triggering interoperable devices.