April 27, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] In the near future, a fridge becomes something more than just a cooling machine to keep food fresh.

Not only will users be able to watch movies through a window-like liquid-crystal display, they can also check what food has been stored and for how long. By knocking on the display or operating a built-in camera through a mobile app, users can even view what’s inside without opening the door of the fridge or while out shopping for groceries. This might sound like a futuristic concept, but LG Electronics plans to commercialize it soon, stressing that the smart home business is the new market for the global home appliances industry.

The smart home system refers to the “Internet of Things” technology connected to home appliances. The system is meant to create a connected home, an LG official said, and this is what South Korean firms have been taking the lead on, far beyond their Chinese competitors.

“We cannot say that the time is ripe for the smart home market. But the sector has been led by South Korean firms, as they are capable of adopting this idea to a wide range of electronics devices,” said Na Joo-young, LG‘s spokeswoman during a pre-booth tour on the eve of the IFA trade show in Berlin.

Models view a smart fridge displayed at LG’s exhibition hall at IFA, Berlin. LG Electronics

SmartThinQ is LG’s brand for smart home systems. Its sensors, either built-in or attachable, allow machines to stay connected through an IoT ecosystem called SmartThingQ Hub, she said.

The sensors detect temperature, humidity, the level of carbon dioxide and smoke indoors. It also lets users know to take clothes out of washing machine and sends signals when it’s ready for cleaning after counting the number of times the washing machine has been used.

As part of its smart home business expansion, LG has signed a partnership with Amazon to employ the US e-commerce giant’s virtual voice assistance system Alexa to its SmartThingQ Hub, the company said Friday.

The partnership will enable users to control electronic devices without touching the machines, but through voice activation, the company said. The technical collaboration will also allow users to check on the weather and search their personal schedules. They could also turn on music from the devices operated through Bluetooth, it added.

LG’s SmartThingQ sensor will also recognize Amazon’s Dash function, for a convenient shopping experience. By touching the sensor attached to the washing machine’s door, users can place an order for new detergent products and drinks from a separate sensor attached to a smart refrigerator.


By Cho Chung-un Korea Herald correspondent/The Korea Herald (christory@heraldcorp.com)