LG Electronics is dividing its intelligence lab into two units dedicated to research in artificial intelligence (AI) and robots.

The new centers will be directly under control of the Chief Technology Officer's office, and will focus on the development and implementation of AI-related services - new smart services combined with the firm's expertise in manufacturing appliances and other hardware devices.

The AI research body will focus on developing big data-based technologies and software platforms through voice or image sensors. The outcome will then be incorporated into the firm's other hardware businesses, including smartphones, TVs, and a series of home appliances and robots, the company said on Sunday.

The robot research unit plans to develop core technologies ahead of the era of intelligent robots. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), LG Electronics unveiled its smart robots for use at airports, called Airbot. The smart device comes with two models: one for guiding passengers and another for cleaning facilities at the airport.

Last month, LG Electronics unveiled its partnership with Google after equipping its LG SIGNATURE premium air purifier with Google Assistant voice recognition. The hardware giant also said other premium lineups - such as a refrigerators and washing machines - will also come with the voice command features.

LG's smart refrigerator is analyzing their usage and eating patterns. The company's deep learning platform predicts users' activities based on their past behavior.