LG's latest robot, Cloid, is not what you expect.

      I’ve just exited LG’s CES 2026 press conference, which was labeled a ‘World Premiere’, creating an impression of something innovative and thrilling on the verge of being unveiled (though it turned out that all discussed topics had already been announced in press releases).

      However, the main highlight of the event was clear: Cloid (or CLOiD, as LG prefers to brand it), a prototype wheeled home robot intended to illustrate the future of our living environments.

      The concept is straightforward and represents another step towards realizing the futuristic visions envisioned by those living in the ’50s. In this future, we wouldn’t have to worry about household chores, as machines would handle everything for us. (I recall an episode of The Jetsons where George had his teeth brushed by two robotic arms quite aggressively. I hope that scenario never materializes.)

      Cloid resembles the robots imagined by sci-fi writers from 75 years ago: it has a large wheelbase, deliberate movements, but impressive dexterity in its hands and arms. It’s LG’s perspective on our potential future.

      There was, predictably, a scripted moment: an LG executive appeared on stage beside Cloid, which was standing next to a washing machine. He handed the robot a wet towel, explaining it was rainy outside (although he was perfectly dry, suggesting the towel was extremely effective).

      He instructed Cloid to ‘handle it’, to which the robot complied by taking the cloth, slowly turning towards the washing machine, which automatically opened its door. The robot carefully placed the towel inside, and then the door closed on its own. It makes sense for the door to open automatically… after all, LG envisions a world where appliances communicate with one another. However, it was somewhat disappointing that we didn’t witness the robot trying to awkwardly open the door using its fingers.

      Digital Trends

      (The other alternative would have involved a washing machine on wheels greeting you and trying to take your clothes as you return home after rain—like a strange puppy—which would have made little sense.)

      The demonstration was well-executed, likely practiced step by step to minimize the possibility of any issues arising. The last thing LG desires is a malfunctioning robot, as the resulting headlines could be disastrous for early-stage robotic development.

      So, is it merely a robot?

      Nonetheless, I felt strongly that this was just the first glimpse of how home robots might operate—after all, this Cloid prototype cannot pick items off the floor or even bend below the knee level. It’s intentionally designed to move slowly for the safety of pets and children.

      While it might appear limited compared to the many robot showcases we see today (like one that plays tennis almost expertly), the technology within Cloid is still remarkable: it includes a display, speakers, cameras, numerous sensors, and generative AI for voice capabilities.

      You need to look past this slow-moving robot to understand LG’s actual message: it represents the connection these brands believe we’ll need to make AI a 'reality' in our homes, with Cloid serving as a tangible example. Imagine an oven that can brown your croissants to your liking or a robot that knows your preferred outfits and when you want to wear them. Then consider progressing beyond Cloid: AI that listens and learns your habits, adjusting, for instance, the cooling based on how you use it rather than simply what you input.

      Additionally, regarding the robot’s design—despite its LARGE hands (which, I must admit, unsettle me), they are clearly crafted for fine motor skills, and the arms offer an impressive range of motion. LG emphasized its development of actuators (a crucial robotics component) through its robotics design division—showcasing the Axium actuator significantly on stage highlights that this is part of LG’s vision for the future.

      At this year's CES, it seems every brand is striving to position itself at the cutting edge of robotics and AI. To LG's credit, it has simply given its initiative a face.