During the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), LG Electronics announced its official entry into the humanoid robot market, launching its own developed robot to challenge competitors that are leading in the AI robotics field. LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan stated at the press conference, "Robots are undoubtedly the key to the future of humanity, and (LG Electronics) is developing humanoid robots for the home, standing at the forefront of robot research and development."
Previously, LG Electronics had launched service robots including the LG CLOi ServeBot and GuideBot, which primarily rely on wheeled designs. While they ensure mobility, their flexibility is somewhat limited. However, the newly introduced Q9 smart robot will serve as LG's new foundational humanoid robot model, expected to be released later this year.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, licensed by service provider Midjourney
LG Electronics is preparing to compete with local rivals such as Hyundai Motor Group and Samsung Electronics, companies that have invested heavily in humanoid robot research and development and also plan to launch similar bipedal AI robots aimed at mimicking human form and collaborating with humans to enhance productivity.
LG Electronics Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Kim Byung-hoon revealed that LG is researching several key technologies crucial for the development of humanoid robots. For instance, gesture control and gait recognition technologies will be applied to the Q9, combined with cognitive and joint movement technologies to further enhance the robot's intelligence. The Q9 is expected to undergo testing in February and March, followed by further optimization.
Additionally, LG Electronics announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft, where both parties will work together to promote AI technology innovation and develop intelligent agents, including the Q9, suitable for various environments such as homes, vehicles, hotels, and offices. LG stated that it plans to launch the Q9 through a subscription model, integrating it with its own AI smart home platform, LG ThinQ, to provide more users with an experience.
It is reported that the Q9 is expected to be launched in September in South Korea. This move by LG Electronics marks its further positioning in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics technology, showcasing its ambitions in the global AI robot market.
