Samsung shows off cute new tabletop robot, and we hope it sees the light of day

Samsung is once again teasing a compact home robot, this time in the form of a small tabletop companion that leans heavily into charm and everyday utility. The company recently showcased the device at Milan Design Week, positioning it as a friendly assistant designed to sit on your desk or counter and help with simple everyday tasks. While details remain limited, the concept taps into Samsung’s broader push toward AI-driven home experiences.

A smaller, friendlier take on household robots

The new robot, dubbed Project Luna, features a circular display mounted on a swiveling base, giving it a mechanical personality similar to Pixar’s Luxo Jr., with subtle audio cues that echo Wall-E. Unlike larger, more complex home robots, this one is designed to stay put, acting as a smart hub with a bit of character.

Early footage suggests it can respond to voice commands, display information, and potentially integrate with other smart home devices. Samsung hasn’t shared a full spec sheet yet, but the direction is clear. Project Luna is meant to be more approachable than traditional robots, that blends into your daily routine rather than disrupting it.

The design language also leans into the “cute tech” trend, which could make it more appealing for casual users who might not otherwise consider a home robot.

Will it make it to market?

If this all sounds familiar, that’s because Samsung has taken a similar route with Ballie before. First introduced in 2020, Ballie was pitched as a rolling home assistant capable of following users, controlling smart home devices, and acting as a personal AI companion.

But Ballie never made it to market. Samsung delayed the project multiple times, quietly pushing back timelines before eventually shelving it altogether. Despite repeated updates and reappearances at events, it failed to transition from concept to a consumer-ready product.

That history makes Project Luna a bit harder to take at face value. While it looks promising and arguably more practical than a rolling robot, Samsung hasn’t committed to a launch. The company has made it clear that this is still a concept, and it remains to be seen whether it will become commercially available or follow the same path as Ballie.