The annual Consumer Electronics Show is a massive showcase of the latest technological innovations, some of which will become a permanent part of our lives while others will disappear without a trace.
AI was obviously the buzzword back then, and everything from the bathroom mirror to the cat flap was influenced by machine learning.
Some of these home tech inventions could catch on: We see the transparent TV becoming the new thing for minimalist decor enthusiasts. But others are a little creepy or even dystopian.
LG Smart Home AI Agent
This cute little robot with two short legs and protruding eyes will be both the home assistant and the ideal companion.
Equipped with all kinds of sensors and cameras, the robot can connect to other smart devices while patrolling and monitoring your home.
The robot can report temperature, humidity and air quality, and when you're away from home you can set it to go on patrol to alert you to any unusual activity.
The robot can also warn you if you leave the lights on or the windows open. For those interested, we hope LG adds a setting that allows you to track whether you left the hair straightener plugged in or not.
It can also be used as a pet monitor, a mobile camera for your four-legged friends.
In terms of business, the AI elements added by LG are intended to help the Smart Home AI agent communicate with homeowners. In addition to speech recognition, standard virtual assistants can also learn context and intent.
This means that when you get home, the robot can come up to you and judge your mood based on your voice and facial expressions, then turn on music tailored to your mood.
Electronics company LG says part of its vision is to create a work-free home environment, but without arms to help open stubborn cans, an AI smart home agent still can't do everything.
Baracoda BEsprit
As if comparing yourself to your reflection in the morning wasn't enough, this AI-powered smart mirror features an AI-powered mental health coach.
Using generative artificial intelligence (the type of algorithm that powers ChatGPT), it assesses your mood based on your expressions and makes suggestions for improvement.
If it senses you're feeling a bit down, the mirror can provide light therapy, a mindfulness coaching session, or provide some positive affirmations.
“BMind collects information without the use of invasive technologies and helps users integrate mindfulness practices into their everyday lives and even reduce loneliness through an immersive experience that uses light, sound and images,” promises Baracoda.
If affirmations and other affirmations seem a little polite to you, this may not be the mirror for you if all you want to do is brush your teeth. But it looks good, and if you already outsource some of your mental health care to apps, this could be a handy way to access it hands-free.