CES 2017: LG to reveal Robot Hub, a smart speaker similar to the Amazon Echo

At the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, LG is going to reveal the Robot Hub, a smart speaker similar to the Amazon Echo or Google Home. LG describes the product as "LG’s 'Hub Robot' designed for home use will double as a smart home gateway and a personal assistant for consumers," in a press release.The smart speaker can be expected to interface with other LG robots for the home, the Internet of Things for home automation tasks, and offer advanced functionality through IFTTT. The Hub Robot can probably also be used as an intelligent assistant, schedule tasks, send emails, look up information and for entertainment purposes.[caption id="attachment_339153" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Echo Dot[/caption]Amazon Echo was one of the first smart home speakers to debut in the market. The Amazon Echo Dot was a more compact version of the speaker, which Amazon introduced in March 2016. Google Home took on the Amazon Echo, with a variety of bases for customisation according to individual preferences.[caption id="attachment_339157" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Amazon Echo and the Google Home[/caption]Microsoft teased a smart speaker aimed at the premium segment of the category, with speakers by Harman Kardon powered by Microsoft's AI, Cortana. Microsoft has shown only a sneak peek at the device, and it is expected to hit the markets some time in 2017.[caption id="attachment_352872" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The high end Harman Kardon smart speaker by Microsoft[/caption]The competition in the smart speaker segment is heating up, with major players joining the frey. The segment was at one point dominat. Wireless speakers powered by artificial intelligence assistants is expected to be a $2.1 Billion Industry by 2020, according to a report by Gartner.