How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing The Home Appliance Industry

With the emergence of smart home appliances, users' performance requirements and expectations for products continue to rise. Devices such as refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and security cameras are expected to reduce operating costs, learn deep into user habits, and provide personalized features based on other contextual data. These significant advances are due to intelligent processing power, storage, memory, and advances in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL).

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The application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning has made home appliances smarter and better able to adapt to complex environments and tasks. The most commonly used algorithms in home appliances include natural language processing (NLP), fuzzy logic-based methods, computer vision, image recognition, and operation control.

• (1) . Machine learning and smart home

Machine learning enables a machine's systems to learn based on the data they collect. Inside these smart devices, various sensors are used to monitor elemental conditions such as light and heat.

In continuous operation, the data collected by the sensors can be used to train machine learning algorithms for specific appliances, thereby improving operational efficiency based on the user's daily habits and routine operations. For example, by continuously tracking usage and identifying patterns, a smart coffee machine can start brewing coffee at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends.

Machine learning continues to automate home appliances and provide personalized preferences for users. For example, a smart vacuum cleaner can start automatically based on the user's schedule. If the user usually cleans the kitchen after dinner, the vacuum cleaner will automatically start after dinner each night, and its cleaning parameters can also be adjusted to simulate the user's usual cleaning settings for the kitchen.

• (2) . How artificial intelligence can improve the function of home appliances

Here are the main ways AI can improve the functionality of home appliances:

Automation: Smart homes are characterized by the fact that a variety of connected devices are often controlled by a central hub, such as Samsung's Smart Things Hub – an integrated AI hub and platform that integrates multiple devices, enabling users to control multiple devices from one centralized platform for overall automation. Use AI algorithms to learn user preferences, analyze data from connected devices, and make intelligent decisions. Users can monitor and issue commands from a single interface or using voice commands.

Intelligent voice assistants: Voice-controlled assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, use natural language processing and machine learning to answer questions. In its simplest form, users can ask these devices to add shopping list items or play songs through voice commands. In addition, based on interoperability, smart voice assistants can control other devices in the home, including audio devices, roller shutters/windows, or lighting, among others. The ability to control different devices and devices through voice commands significantly improves the user experience, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Predictive maintenance: Equipment failures can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hardware and software issues. Predictive maintenance, which can predict when machines will be down due to component failures and errors, is very beneficial to users because it can improve the efficiency of large appliances while reducing costs. In addition, predictive maintenance can identify specific faulty components, meaning that only the faulty part needs to be replaced, rather than the entire machine. This approach not only saves resources, but also makes the maintenance process more environmentally friendly. With the widespread application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the maintenance of home appliances has shifted from a reactive approach to a proactive approach, further simplifying the maintenance process.

When analyzing the monitoring of models and conditions, data such as vibration analysis and IoT sensors are used to identify patterns that may represent equipment failure or damage so that they can be identified before they cause safety risks. For example, LG's ThinQ technology uses sensors to monitor equipment performance and predict whether they need maintenance.

Predictive maintenance can also use past data collected from equipment for analysis, using pattern recognition to determine the correlation between certain events and machine failures. For example, it is possible to determine the cycle in which a washing machine will be able to operate until some components show signs of failure.

Other ways in which AI can enhance the functionality of smart home appliances include:

• - energy efficiency improvement;

• - Adaptive cooking and baking;

• - Personalized recommendations;

• - Remote monitoring and control.

The concept of the smart home was not ahead of its time, having been proposed as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, there has been a huge leap forward in the functionality and performance of smart devices. For example, home appliances can now automate daily work tasks in the home, such as security, lighting control, and energy management. Some studies predict that the global smart home appliance market will reach $58.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2022 to 2030.

The advent of AI-integrated home appliances has made manufacturers recognize early on that AI will play an important role in the smart home of the future. With the continuous development of technology, it is now the integrated circuits based on artificial intelligence that are running a variety of household appliances embedded with artificial intelligence technology.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a group of connected devices that communicate with data storage points such as the cloud to enable some degree of automation, such as remote control of lights and heating. With AI-integrated IoT devices, users can expect greater convenience, safety, and efficiency. For example, AI-powered smart security cameras can now track movement, identify the type of movement and inform the user.

The number of companies manufacturing home appliances in the world is huge, but not all of them have integrated AI technology into their equipment. The following is an overview of the major companies that are currently using AI technology in their home appliances.

Amazon: The company makes voice-controlled appliances, such as the Echo Dot, a smart speaker. Other such devices in its product range include the Echo Show and Echo Buds.

Samsung: The company is known for its AI-powered mode for achieving superior energy-saving features in home appliances, including AI-integrated appliances:

- AI refrigerator;

- AI Ecobubble washing machine;

- AI dishwasher;

- AI smart vacuum cleaner;

- Smart TVs.

LG: Korea-based LG is also using artificial intelligence in its main home appliances, similar to Samsung. Its main appliances that use AI include AI DD washing machines, AI ThinQ refrigerators, and AI dishwashers.

Siemens: The company produces smart home appliances, such as smart refrigerators, smart dishwashers and smart ovens.

Here are the main benefits presented by AI-powered appliances:

(1) . Enhance convenience

Home appliances integrated with artificial intelligence bring a lot of convenience and fun to the public by automating daily work tasks such as security monitoring and voice assistants. Smart ovens with integrated artificial intelligence can help users improve their cooking. For example, the Bosch Series 8 oven uses its built-in artificial intelligence system to accurately predict how long it will take to complete cooking, eliminating the need for users to turn on the oven to check the status of their food during cooking.

(2).  Save time

An important advantage of most smart devices is the time-saving, as users can use smart appliances to automate menial household chores, such as preparing coffee at a specific time, or turning security systems on and off with voice commands.

Among them, the most outstanding equipment for this advantage is the vacuum cleaner robot, such as Ecovacs, which can automatically clean the floor, with environmental mapping and obstacle traversing functions. Through object detection, the robot can avoid items such as slippers and toys, and avoid being entangled in cables, and the robot is run using deep neural networks (DNNs), such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

(3).  Improve energy efficiency

According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), AI could save up to 15% of energy globally by 2040. The report suggests that the use of smart thermostats and smart lighting could save 10% of energy between 2017 and 2040.

Home appliance manufacturer Samsung, for example, has taken energy conservation to new heights based on artificial intelligence. Its smart refrigerator can reduce energy consumption by 30% through an artificial intelligence energy-saving mode. Smart thermostats and lighting devices can also reduce energy waste by analyzing usage habits and adjusting accordingly to temperature and time.

(4).  Cost savings

Predictive analytics, reducing energy consumption, and using water appropriately are ways for households to save money through the use of smart appliances. In addition, the use of equipment such as AI-equipped vacuum cleaner robots and smart security cameras can reduce the need for labor, resulting in cost savings.

Samsung's washing machine's AI energy-saving mode reduces energy consumption by 70% while also consuming less water and detergent, allowing users to save money.

(5).  Personalization and customization of user experience

Appliances and devices equipped with artificial intelligence can deliver personalized performance by learning user habits and making recommendations accordingly, such as voice assistants, refrigerators, and thermostats.

AI-powered home security systems also offer highly personalized services that can identify authorized users, receive personalized notifications, conduct behavioral analysis, and control access in a personalized way.

The integration of AI in small and large appliances has changed the way people use and interact with everyday devices. Here are five main examples:

(1) . AI-driven smart refrigerators

AI-powered refrigerators provide users with advanced personalization options, combining multiple technology options such as computer vision, natural language processing, sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Basically, the AI in the refrigerator is designed to learn the functional relationship between the user's input and output, approximate the accuracy of continuous functions, and use generalization and flexibility functions to achieve the following excellent performance to help the user's life:

- Optimize energy consumption;

- Reducing food waste by continuously monitoring food and its shelf life;

- Use an extensive recipe database to plan meals and personalize recipes.

The temperature of the AI refrigerator can be automatically adjusted based on changes in ambient temperature and other temperatures, which will be more powerful when the user has other connected devices, such as voice assistants and smart ovens.

(2) . Smart washing machines and dryers

Washing machines with integrated artificial intelligence learn the selection and timing of wash cycles through data, bringing convenience to families by using the adaptation of laundry ingredients to determine the correct amount of water, wash dosage and wash time. The washing machine can also detect the dirt status, condition and fabric type to recommend and select the best wash cycle and wash dosage for the best use of resources.

For example, Samsung's Bespoke AI laundry combo uses artificial intelligence and advanced humidity sensors to determine the humidity of clothes, then automatically optimizes wash temperature and adjusts wash cycles to reduce wear and tear.

Machine learning algorithms, such as random forest classification and logistic regression, can empower intelligent technological outcomes. Although not explicitly mentioned, AI-equipped washers and dryers may also use neuro-fuzz and fuzzy techniques to decide on the amount of water and wash required for a particular wash.

(3) . Cooking equipment equipped with artificial intelligence

Smart ovens equipped with artificial intelligence optimize cooking parameters while monitoring food, recommending temperature, cooking mode, and cooking time. Smart ovens use computer vision for food identification and burn detection, capable of identifying different dishes and ingredients to suggest cooking parameters.

The Bosch 8 series oven, for example, can be connected to an AI cloud server, enabling users to make a variety of choices, users can choose the appropriate cooking program, and the oven predicts the completion time of the dish. The oven also has AI learning capabilities, which are able to learn from other users, use other users' data for predictive analysis, and update the cooking time every 30 seconds.

(4) . Voice control in smart home

Voice assistant software can be deployed on smart speakers, such as Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri and other devices. Virtual assistants leverage the performance of natural language processing, deep neural networks, speech recognition, and natural language generation (NLG) to synthesize user input and generate personalized responses. The virtual assistant market is expected to grow from $11.3 billion in 2023 to $45.8 billion in 2028.

For centralized control, virtual assistants can integrate other smart devices such as security systems, lights, curtains, and coffee machines. Voice commands will control other devices, giving the user more control.

(5).  integrating artificial intelligence into entertainment and multimedia devices

TVs, speakers, and mainstream media devices are just some of the multimedia devices that can integrate artificial intelligence. AI-enabled TVs can support voice control, ambient mode, content recommendation, advanced search capabilities, and image processing technology to provide a better audiovisual experience.

Combined with voice-activated systems such as Google Assistant, the TV can be a hub for controlling lights, temperature, or other connected devices.

Despite the rapid pace of product launch and innovation in the appliance market, there are still many challenges that prevent consumers from purchasing AI-integrated appliances. Therefore, it is necessary to actively face the challenges, explore solutions and overcome them.

(1) . The cost of household appliances

Developing home appliances with integrated AI performance is often costly, especially for home appliances that require high accuracy and optimal performance of AI systems, such as vacuum cleaners, security systems, and refrigerators.

The costs involved in developing AI-based smart devices include:

- R&D costs based on the use of advanced algorithms, experimentation and prototyping;

- Data collection, labeling, screening, and learning and training can be costly and time-consuming;

- The high cost of recruiting professionals with AI expertise and experience in home automation;

- The need to ensure the security of the equipment due to cyber security issues is also an expense cost;

- Unlike proven legacy devices, new AI devices must undergo rigorous and continuous testing;

- Manufacturers must consider regulations and certifications in different markets.

For consumers, the high initial purchase cost is a reason why many people are discouraged. For example, Samsung's Family Hub series of AI-equipped refrigerators cost more than $1,800.

Partnering with a specialist AI company can help reduce costs. In addition, with the spread of technology and the reduction of production costs, the production and consumption costs of AI appliances are also expected to decrease.

(2).  Network security

With the addition of artificial intelligence technology, the cybersecurity of smart home devices is facing threats, and the related fields are expanding, and attackers can now directly target AI algorithms and manipulate them for malicious purposes.

Attackers can perform "intrusion attacks" or contamination of AI models with the goal of manipulating the algorithm through modifications introduced into the training dataset. This can lead to device failure or service interruption due to compromised datasets.

AI-powered devices collect vast amounts of user data and preferences, and breaches can corrupt that data, leading to illegal activities such as identity theft.

Building trust is essential to ensure the application of smart devices. Malicious behavior can damage a manufacturer's brand reputation, which can affect adoption. In addition, botnet attacks like Mirai IoT can cause widespread regional damage, such as the 2016 attack on smart devices in the United States.

Manufacturers must employ advanced encryption technology, regularly audit their systems, implement secure design principles, and use secure APIs to enhance security.

Users should also improve their home network security by employing simple strategies such as strong passwords and virtual private networks (VPNs).

(3).  Lack of standardization

Due to the current lack of standards in the field of smart home appliance manufacturing, most businesses use different protocols and technologies, which leads to interoperability issues, as consumers now have to determine which devices are compatible.

A fragmented development ecosystem can lead to user confusion and mean higher development costs for manufacturers. This can lead to delays in purchases as users wait for coordination to avoid durability and compatibility issues.

 (4) . ethical and regulatory issues

There are many ethical and regulatory issues that hinder the adoption of smart devices, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical decision-making. Manufacturers must ensure that they are confidential, fair, trustworthy and responsible, especially for the data collected on their devices.

Other ethical issues include data privacy, accountability for issues, employment transfers, reliability, and security.

The government is developing laws and guidelines to regulate and guide the use of AI. Regulations must be standardized at the national level in order to be adopted quickly.

In addition, manufacturers must adopt appropriate legal strategies to ensure that their devices do not infringe on user rights. Many issues will be solved as technology advances and the government enacts the necessary laws.

Artificial intelligence is set to have a profound impact on the smart home industry, both now and in the future. As enterprises develop more advanced neural engines and AI chips, there are better solutions for higher performance power management and memory management. Moreover, with relentless research and development, consumers can expect more convenient and efficient devices.

Smart refrigerators, for example, are expected to be a pioneer driver in reducing food waste. Research shows that around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted in the EU every year. Food waste can be limited with meal planning in the refrigerator, food freshness tracking, and recipe recommendations based on available ingredients.

Washers and dryers are expected to increase efficiency with sound-based anomaly detection. Research in this area is evolving through deep neural networks to analyze the functionality of devices. This will help develop predictive analytics model technology to help users and service teams detect equipment failures at an early stage.

Companies such as LG and Samsung are developing embedded AI chips to process large amounts of data in real-time to improve the customer experience. Through the research and development of science and technology, devices can communicate with each other and with other brands of equipment. For example, LG's AI chip can process information in real time, identify changes in the environment, and adjust the device's performance accordingly.

The new generation of voice assistants promises a range of improvements, including better understanding of complex instructions, interpreting contextual cues, and developing general intelligence. For example, Amazon's Alexa division head plans to equip smart speakers with capabilities that go beyond voice recognition, while also being able to recognize facial expressions and gestures.

Integrating AI into home appliances can improve the efficiency of traditional home appliances. Now, the refrigerator can plan the right meal based on the availability of ingredients, the user's preferences and dietary goals, and provide recipe suggestions. With interoperability, smart ovens can be preheated based on the user's choice of meal time.

Home appliances with integrated AI not only bring a variety of features, Samsung also says that its AI-equipped refrigerators and washing machines can reduce energy consumption by 70% through AI energy-saving mode. These devices study the user's daily life to determine their preferences and habits, providing them with ongoing convenience and personalization. Other positive effects of AI devices include improved safety, comfort, and personalization.

However, there are still some challenges that hinder the production and adoption of the equipment. The main problem is the cost of development and purchase. In addition, in an era where cyberattacks have become commonplace, consumers are still concerned about cyber threats and data privacy concerns.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the world is looking forward to seeing more innovative and diverse AI home appliances emerge in the future.