Artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating every facet of the tech industry, from your computers to your phones, and yes, even your appliances. AI appliances offer automated functions and processes, handled intelligently by the machines themselves. The goal is to make everything from cooking to doing laundry simpler, quicker, and more efficient.
What are AI appliances?
AI appliances contain some form of automation or machine learning to accomplish tasks intelligently. They learn over time to help you save time, resources, energy, and even potentially money in the long run. They incorporate machine learning, natural language processing, and/or computer vision.
Among the first smart home appliances to feature AI were smart thermostats. These learn your habits through the day then adjust temperature automatically. It might turn down AC cooling when it knows you’re at work then turn it back up an hour before you get home.
AI home appliances have evolved greatly to include lots more technologies and to be available across many types of appliances, both large and small.
Benefits of AI appliances
While AI appliances, like any AI product, features the latest and greatest tech, they aren’t just about cool factor. There are practical benefits to smart appliances that make them tremendously useful upgrades.
Efficiency and energy savings
AI appliances have features designed not just for convenience but also for energy efficiency and savings. Features like smart scheduling, for example, can help reduce your energy consumption by only powering certain appliances on when needed. Many AI appliances have power management features as well. For example, AI refrigerators might adjust cooling based on the contents and your usage patterns. As noted, an AI smart thermostat will adjust heating and cooling based on your daily schedule, current weather, or even when you’re on vacation. Since you can remotely turn smart appliances on and off, like a coffee machine or oven, this can help save electricity, too.
Enhanced convenience and personalization
There are customization options available in AI appliances. In many cases, you don’t even have to do anything since they learn over time to adapt to your habits, preferences, and typical schedule. An AI washer, for example, can sense how big a load is as well as how soiled and adjust the water level and cycle as needed.
Innovative features and connectivity
AI is the most innovative technology around. In AI appliances, you’ll see feature like remote diagnostics through Wi-Fi. There’s also connectivity with a companion app where you can troubleshoot, remotely control the appliance, and access firmware updates. These appliances can also integrate into your larger smart home systems. You could see notifications on a compatible smartwatch or TV; even preheat the oven from your phone.
Types of AI appliances
As mentioned, AI appliances run the gamut from small appliances like stand mixers, coffee machines, and toaster ovens, to larger ones like washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and more.
Kitchen appliances
AI appliances for the kitchen include AI fridges that have features like food management systems and spoilage sensors. At CES 2024, for example, Samsung announced its AI-powered Bespoke Family Hub fridge. This version of the already high-tech fridge with Wi-Fi connectivity and a touchscreen on the front has AI Vision Inside. Smart internal cameras can identify the contents so you can keep an eye on when you’re running low. The Fridge Manager feature also monitors the status of the water filter to advise when a replacement is needed.
You’ll also find AI dishwashers with features like auto-dosing of detergent, so you don’t have to worry about manually adding some each cycle. There’s also load sensing that can adjust the water and clean cycle based on whether you have heavily soiled pots and pans inside or just a top rack of glasses that require a light clean.
AI is also found in ranges and other cooking appliances. At CES 2024, for example, Samsung also introduced its Anyplace Induction Cooktop and slide-in range that has a built-in 7-inch screen for accessing recipes. With the Samsung Food application, powered by Food AI, you can also customize recipes to accommodate preferences and dietary restrictions. It can even analyze data from a connected Samsung Health profile to create a Tailored Meal Plan.
GE’s SmartHQ app can similarly generate recipes via AI. The Flavorly AI features, co-developed by Google, provides customized recipes based on ingredients you have at home. Miele also incorporates Smart Food ID cooking assistance in its latest ovens. A smart camera inside takes a photo of the dish. AI will analyze it and suggest what cooking mode to use.
Laundry appliances
When it comes to washers and dryers, they are getting much more intelligent, too. One of the latest trends is AI Washer Dryer Combo machines that can both wash and dry in a single drum. They can also sense what’s inside and adjust the wash cycle accordingly. For drying, they can sense the dampness and dry only as needed. These are just a few of many benefits of a single washer/dryer combo machine.
Bespoke AI line
Samsung’s Bespoke AI line of kitchen appliances offers the ultimate in customization. There are refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, and more. With each one, you can customize the look by choosing from three or four door panels in various colours and finishes. Swap these at any time should you redecorate your kitchen or want a different colour scheme.
From an AI perspective, these appliances contain all the latest AI goodies, too. The Samsung Bespoke AI laundry combo machine, for example, contains AI Opti Wash & Dry, which detects what’s inside, including type, weight, and soil level, and intelligently selects the correct wash cycle for you. The Bespoke Family Hub refrigerator, as mentioned, has a screen and internal cameras, and provides AI-recommended recipes. The slide-in range not only has voice control, you can also access apps or even answer your phone right from the touchscreen.
Vacuum cleaners
AI is found across vacuum cleaners nowadays, too, especially robot vacuums. Samsung’s Bespoke Jet Bot Combo vacuum and mop has upgraded AI Object Recognition technology to recognize items on the floor to avoid, like cables or socks. It can also analyze the space and stains through a 3D sensor.
The latest iRobot Roomba models like the j7+ robot vacuum and mop, and models like the Roborock S7 Max and Dyson 360 Vis Nav employ similar object detection technology, while vacuum mop combos like the Narwal S10 Pro, which I reviewed earlier this summer, even has a voice assistant to walk you through cleaning, a screen at the top of the handle, and a self-cleaning dock that can sense what needs cleaning and run a wash and dry cycle when prompted.
How AI appliances can help you in your home
Now that you know what types of AI appliances are available, how can they help you in your home? There are many ways.
Day-to-day efficiency
The incorporation of AI technology in appliances can help you save time and effort. This could be through features like pre-programmed cooking and wash settings. AI technology can help you craft a meal so you don’t have to spend time searching for what to make based on what’s in your fridge. For someone who isn’t a great cook to begin with, features like this can be a lifesaver.
Automated detergent dispensing in dishwashers and washing machines eliminate one step from the process. Plus, with an appliance like a washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher, an intelligently chosen wash cycle can save time because it won’t run longer than it needs to.
Further, imagine using a voice command to tell your oven to preheat to 350°F so you can continue mixing and chopping, keeping your hands dirty.
Smart management
AI appliances learn your habits and preferences over time. This makes it easier to manage tasks. You don’t have to fiddle with the smart thermostat to get the temperature just right at night versus the day. It does the work for you.
Once you input information, your smart refrigerator can remind you when you need milk or warn you that the eggs are about to expire. Then, you can incorporate them into your next meal or baking project to manage your hard-earned money. Some AI ovens can even adjust cooking time and temperature based on the last time you made the same dish to deliver optimal results.
Reducing waste
Waste is a huge issue nowadays, and AI appliances can help. With intelligent refrigerators, you can make sure to use ingredients before they go bad. Automated cooling adjustment helps keep food fresher, longer. Plus, you’ll get inspiring recipes versus cooking the same old, same old.
With appliances like dishwashers and washers and dryers, you’ll end up using less electricity and even water. The machines intelligently detect what’s inside and only run with what’s needed.
Integration with smart home systems
Create a fully functioning smart home that includes AI appliances. They can connect with other smart devices to work together. Your smart dryer can continue tumbling clothes to prevent wrinkles until you get back home. A smart mop can be programmed to run immediately once the robot vacuum is done passing over the floor. The possibilities are endless!
How to take care of your AI home appliance
Just like with regular appliances, AI appliances require regular maintenance and cleaning. But there are also a few additional considerations with these high-tech items.
Regular maintenance and cleaning
Keep the appliances clean, including both inside and out, as instructed in the owner’s manual. With smart AI appliances, clean all sensors and filters as well to ensure optimal operation. AI integration in appliances from brands like LG will even remind you when it’s time for routine maintenance. This could be a monthly reminder to run a clean cycle in the washing machine, for example, or a notification when it’s time to defrost a fridge.
Software updates and troubleshooting
Download the companion app and check periodically for software and firmware updates. These include not only new features, but sometimes also crucial security updates. Many smart appliance apps have troubleshooting tips should you run into an issue. Some can even perform remote diagnostics. Or, if needed, the app can connect you to a member of a remote diagnostics team.
LG’s AI appliances, for example, can detect an issue and let you know when it arises. From there, it can suggest a solution or help you schedule a service appointment. Some of the highest-tech appliances can even use AI to predict a potential issue before it happens, so you can proactively address it. It might be a component that is nearing its end-of-life. The app may link right to where you can order the replacement part easily.
Professional servicing
If you’re not able to solve an issue through troubleshooting steps provided in the manual or app, the next step would be remote diagnostics. If you are still having problems, this is when you should reach out for professional servicing. Some appliances may require regular servicing. Make sure to do this within your warranty or extended warranty period to keep the appliance running as optimally as possible. This can also help extend the lifespan of the appliance and keep it running efficiently.
Usage recommendations
Make good use of the AI features of smart appliances. You want to use the AI features effectively, and not just for the sake of using them. Sometimes, manual operation is still useful. You might prefer a longer wash cycle for your comforter, for example, versus what the machine recommends. Don’t be afraid to override AI when necessary: you are always in control. But the good thing is that AI will learn what you like and don’t like over time.
Make your life easier with AI appliances
In the end, AI appliances are all about making your life easier and more streamlined, so you can focus on the things that are most important. From smart kitchen appliances to laundry solutions and other innovations, each offers a range of features to simplify your daily tasks. Dive into the world of AI appliances today and check out a wide selection at Best Buy.
