The defining feature of 21st-century homes began with the electronic appliances transitioning to smart home appliances using innovative technology that has gone beyond the predictions of sci-fi movies and commercials. These include home safety, security, performance, convenience, design, and aesthetics; account major home appliance companies like Midea are integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into consumer and home appliances to facilitate effective and convenient functioning through AI-powered communication that connects multiple home appliances to function together and learn abilities by understanding pre-emptive human behaviour. By learning the habits of the residents, they can predict their needs and customize themselves to work according to their preferences.
The demand for smart appliances has been increasing with digitization, which has led to a complete transformation of homes, cities and retail services. According to research by Sandler, the global smart appliances market has grown over 23.48% in the past five years. Over 16 million smart home appliances have been installed, and it will double by 2022 in Australia.
How Has Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technology Been Integrated into Everyday Home Appliances?
The advancements in AI today have evolved such that there is a deeply connected communication and collaboration between humans and the machines that aid them. Virtual assistants or digital assistants that work on voice control can do multiple functions when connected to a device, from browsing the internet to making calls and activating or deactivating other devices. They can also connect these home appliances by companies like Midea to their phones or use them as standalone devices. It provides an opportunity to automate everyday appliances and control them even when one is away from home. Some of these appliances include:
Smart Air Conditioners and Refrigerators.
Air conditioning appliances and refrigeration have been a part of society for decades. However, AI has enabled them to be customizable and provide round the clock diagnostic and troubleshooting to provide better service and safety. The integrated AI monitors the energy consumption and usage patterns and times its workings accordingly. Considering a refrigerator, the learning algorithm written into the smart appliance allows users to remotely recognize and monitor the food items present inside and maintain an inventory. With these devices, users can monitor the temperature and set it to change according to the changes in the room temperature or their preferences.
Smart Door Locks.
A smart locking system is the security step many homes have taken today. They use their smartphone connectivity with remote assistance to lock their doors, check the identification of visitors, get notifications when they open the door and use it to alert their family and friends or the authorities in case of an emergency. As the smart door locks directly link to the owner, who can control it remotely, it is an effective security tool to have on the home premises.
Smart Cameras.
An additional home security device that one uses to monitor movement, trespassing or accidents around their homes is a security camera. They allow one to monitor minute activities inside the home premises or in the surroundings wherever the residents install it. The advanced technology allows them to capture, live stream and record all the activities in the major areas around their homes. Smart cameras have the features for personalization and alert movements in the areas of vision depending on the presence of the residents.
Smart Lights for Home.
Owners can control the lights in and around their homes using a mobile phone app, voice assistant, clapper, or a switch. AI-powered lights are available as modules or bulbs that one can install in their homes and control on voice command or movement.