LG Unveils CLOiD Robot: A Slow Yet Potentially Revolutionizing Household Helper

Could LG's Dream of a Labor-Free Home Become Reality?

When LG revealed its plans to showcase a robot capable of folding laundry and performing chores at CES 2026, I was immediately captivated. Roaming the aisles of Las Vegas Convention Center over the years, I have longed for a machine to handle tedious but necessary duties, like folding clothes. CLOiD, spoken like 'Floyd,' makes this theoretically achievable, though it might not be practical just yet.

During my visit to LG's CES exhibit, I witnessed CLOiD in action. The robot showcased tasks such as organizing laundry, delivering meals, retrieving items, and even providing fitness guidance. Throughout a meticulously orchestrated 15-minute performance, I saw this machine extract a milk carton from the fridge, bake a croissant, sort and arrange fabric items, and offer a set of keys from a couch to the human host.

Robotics and Appliance Integration: The Future of Home Care?

The exhibition emphasized LG appliances synchronizing seamlessly with CLOiD. As it approached the refrigerator, the door swung open on its own, and the same happened with the oven. Furthermore, when the LG-branded robotic vacuum struggled with a hamper, CLOiD kindly lent a hand to clear its path. Nonetheless, one noticeable drawback was the robot's sluggish movements, which became evident in the demonstration video.

This setup aligns with LG's vision of a 'zero labor home,' merging appliances and robotic technology to manage all domestic responsibilities. Perhaps my years of observing CES's grand yet unfulfilled promises have made me skeptical, but despite the flashy demonstration, the idea remains far from imminent realization in my eyes.

Exploring the Reality and Accessibility of Home Robotics

There is undoubtedly an allure in witnessing robots perform genuinely helpful household activities. However, this technology is still beyond the reach of most people. Furthermore, LG has provided no clear indications about CLOiD evolving beyond a CES exhibit. Instead, they present CLOiD as a testament to their aspiration for 'practical-function home robots' and 'robotized appliances,' akin to fridges with automatic doors.

While aiming for automated homes is a sensible direction for LG and another opportunity for them to promote appliance upgrades, it remains a distant dream compared to the alluring concept of a completely labor-free household.