LG’s CLOi ServeBot has achieved UL certification, with plans to arrive in the U.S. in early 2022.
The ServeBot LDLIM21 is a commercial service robot and has earned UL 3300 certification for safe operation in complex commercial environments like restaurants, retail stores, and hotels. It’s designed for workers to use as robot assistants that can navigate busy environments. Each robot features three shelves that can each hold up to 22 pounds for a total delivery capacity of 66 pounds. The robot can be programmed for a variety of floor plans, enabling precise multi-point deliveries ranging from densely packed restaurants to office complexes.
The ServeBot uses a variety of sensors and technologies, combining data from a LIDAR detector, 3D camera, Time of Flight (ToF) sensors, and a bumper sensor. It can recognize stationary and moving objects in its path and make real-time adjustments to avoid collisions. Each shelf also has its own ToF sensor, so the robot knows when an item has been removed and it can move on to the next destination. ToF sensors determine how far away objects are by measuring the time it takes a pulse of light to be reflected back, making them useful for both navigation and shelf occupancy detection.
As a customer service assistant, the LG CLOi ServeBot greets each encounter with a friendly face, complete with friendly, cartoon-like eye animations presented on the unit’s top-mounted 9.2-inch touchscreen. Operators can use the intuitive touchscreen interface to adjust designated locations and select different modes, in addition to modifying voice announcements and music played in response to customer interactions. When connected to the business’ wireless network, CLOi ServeBot enables cloud monitoring so users can receive almost instant status updates.
The LG CLOi ServeBot stands 52.7-inches tall, has a footprint of 20.1 by 20.1-inches, can turn on a dime, and features adjustable speed up to one meter per second (up to 2.2 mph). The on-board 23,000 mAh battery provides up to 11 hours of continuous operation and charges from 0-100% in five hours using a 120V outlet. Each shelf measures 19.7-inches wide by 15.75-inches deep and features a removable placemat for easy cleaning, providing plenty of surface area for multiple items and multi-site deliveries.
Each LG CLOi ServeBot must be pre-programmed with a map of its operating space and destination points, after which it can automatically determine the ideal path for each point-to-point trip and navigate autonomously through dynamic environments and around moving objects.
“The LG CLOi ServeBot is truly a breakthrough for all kinds of consumer-focused businesses, from restaurants to retail stores to hotels,” says Jeffrey Weiland, B2B Robotics Team Leader at LG Business Solutions USA. “As the first commercial service robot to receive UL certification for safe operation in consumer environments, the CLOi ServeBot’s semi-autonomous operation offers businesses an effective means to provide enhanced service, while freeing staff to focus on customer relations and build relationships that encourage repeat visits.
“Whether it’s delivering food from the kitchen to a table or packages from the storage room to the front counter,” he continues, “LG’s CLOi ServeBot can navigate virtually any environment and free up staff to handle direct customer service.”
The UL certification confirms that the robots are built to operate in open-world dynamic environments where they perform functional actions beyond monitoring and can adapt in real-time to changes in the environment.
“Achieving the first UL safety certification for a commercial and consumer robot is a significant milestone,” says UL’s Director of Consumer Technology Ibrahim Jilani. “LG has a long-term and deep commitment to public safety. The LG CLOi ServeBot achieving UL Listing demonstrates this. LG is leading by example for a very important aspect of any market’s maturity, and that is demonstrating product safety due diligence through UL Certification.”
The LG CLOi ServeBot has undergone extensive development by LG and independent engineering evaluation and testing by UL. The robot will be supported by LG’s customer service and the cloud-enabled robots will automatically receive free LG software updates whenever they are available.
Initially, the LG CLOi ServeBot will be available exclusively from certified integrators. LG has initiated product training programs with select integrators around the country and will soon expand outreach to interested firms to ensure nationwide availability.