III. The Extended Role of Automation in IoT

The IFA 2023 exhibition highlighted the growing importance of automation in the realm of IoT. Automation, in this context, refers to the ability of smart devices to operate and make decisions independently, without the need for human intervention. This extends beyond simple tasks like turning on a light or adjusting the temperature. Today's smart devices are capable of complex operations, such as recognizing food items, setting cooking instructions, and even managing energy consumption.

The exhibition showcased several examples of this advanced automation. For instance, MIDEA's Smart Home system can recognize food items in the refrigerator and automatically set the corresponding recipe in the oven. Similarly, HAIER's washing machines can automatically set the washing program based on the label of the clothing item. 

Moreover, automation is not limited to individual devices. Many brands showcased how their devices can communicate and coordinate with each other to optimize operations. For example, Siemens' Home Connect app allows for information exchange between different appliances, such as a washing machine and a dryer, to optimize their operations. 

This advanced automation is made possible by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into these devices. AI enables these devices to learn from user behavior and make decisions accordingly. This not only enhances user convenience but also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of these devices.

IV. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A. The Role of AI in IoT and Smart Products

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in the realm of IoT and smart products. AI refers to the capability of machines to mimic human intelligence, enabling them to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. When integrated into IoT devices, AI can enhance their functionality, making them more intuitive and efficient.

AI plays a crucial role in enabling advanced automation in IoT devices. It allows these devices to learn from user behavior and make decisions accordingly. For instance, a smart washing machine can learn the user's preferred washing cycle and automatically set it as the default. Similarly, a smart refrigerator can recognize the food items inside it and suggest recipes accordingly.

Moreover, AI can also enhance the energy efficiency of IoT devices. By learning the user's habits and preferences, these devices can optimize their operations to conserve energy. For instance, a smart thermostat can learn the user's preferred temperature settings and adjust them to minimize energy consumption.

B. How Companies are Integrating AI into Their Products

Several companies showcased their AI-integrated products at IFA 2023. Chinese companies, in particular, demonstrated extensive use of AI in their devices. European companies like Siemens, Bosch, and Gorenje also showcased their AI-powered products.

For instance, AEG's washing machines and dryers learn from the user's usage and propose the same programs as default after three uses. MIDEA's Smart Home system recognizes food items in the refrigerator and sets the corresponding recipe in the oven. HAIER's washing machines can automatically set the washing program based on the clothing label.

Bosch showcased a unique application of AI with its detergent scanning feature. The machine scans the detergent and self-regulates to minimize its usage. Siemens' Home Connect app allows for information exchange between appliances to optimize their operations. The company's coffee machines can recognize the coffee bean type and self-regulate accordingly.

These examples demonstrate the transformative potential of AI in IoT and smart products. By enabling advanced automation and personalization, AI is set to revolutionize our interaction with these devices, making our lives more convenient and efficient.

Brand-Specific Innovations that hit my interest.

AEG: Self-learning washing machines and dryers 

AEG, showcased their innovative washing machines and dryers at IFA 2023. These appliances are designed to learn from user behavior. After three uses, these machines propose the same programs as default, effectively creating a personalized ecosystem for the user. Moreover, they offer energy-saving tips, further enhancing their eco-friendly appeal.

These machines automatically adjust time, water, and energy usage, making them highly efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition to this, they come with a new add-on filter that catches up to 90% of microplastic fibers released by synthetic clothing. This feature not only improves the washing process but also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing microplastic pollution."

MIDEA: Smart Home system with food recognition 

MIDEA’s Smart Home system exemplifies the concept of Ecosystems. The system recognizes food items in the refrigerator and, when extracted, sets the corresponding recipe in the oven. This automation not only simplifies the cooking process but also aims to achieve the goal of quick and efficient meal preparation.

In addition, Midea introduced its latest green complete solution for the smart home at IFA 2023. Leveraging free energy sources like solar energy, Midea’s energy management system MHELIOS and the multi-split CirQHP system with heat recovery technology are committed to achieving sustainable and economical energy use and providing a more eco-friendly user experience.

Midea demonstrated its dedication to intelligent energy conservation by integrating a Breezeless E AI energy-saving algorithm that learns and adapts to evolving environments and frees users from manual adjustments

HAIER: Active circles and smart appliances 

HAIER’s ‘Active Circles’ system takes automation a notch higher. Users can set targets, and the system assists in achieving them by offering suggestions. For instance, it might propose reducing the temperature or adjusting the battery charging schedule based on the user’s sleep patterns. This intelligent system creates a Circle that is not just interconnected but also proactive in achieving set goals.

Haier Europe presented several new product ranges at IFA 2023, both under the Haier brand and Candy and Hoover. The common thread is innovation in terms of functionality and energy consumption. Haier’s strategy is to focus more and more on user experience and services, in addition to the quality of its appliances. The excellent performance of the hOn platform is driving the evolution of Haier’s proposal.

For example, Haier launched the new ID Series ovens with Bionicook technologies at IFA 2023. The most innovative of these is Bionic Vision, a machine learning-based system that uses an integrated camera in the oven to recognize what you want to cook, automatically set the correct cooking parameters, and control the entire process by following the cooking until its conclusion by analyzing the state of the food

BOSCH: Detergent scanning for optimized usage

BOSCH showcased a unique application of AI with its detergent scanning feature. The machine scans the detergent and self-regulates to minimize its usage. This feature not only ensures optimal cleaning but also contributes to sustainability by reducing detergent waste.

SIEMENS: Home connect app and smart appliances

Siemens' Home Connect app allows for information exchange between appliances to optimize their operations. The company's coffee machines can recognize the coffee bean type and self-regulate accordingly. Their ovens, equipped with computer vision, can automatically recognize food items, recipes, and cooking degrees, simplifying the cooking process.

ELECTROLUX: 3D sensors for fabric identification

ELECTROLUX showcased their innovative use of 3D sensors in their dryers. These sensors can identify the type of fabric and the degree of dryness, ensuring optimal drying and fabric care.

LG: Load recognition in laundry machines

LG's laundry machines can recognize the type of load based on the movement dynamics. They can then automatically adjust the water, detergent, and program accordingly, ensuring optimal cleaning and fabric care.

GORENJE: User habit recognition and temperature adaptation

GORENJE's smart appliances can recognize user habits and adapt the temperature accordingly in advance. This feature not only enhances user comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency.

HISENSE: Automatic program selection in washing machines

HISENSE's washing machines can automatically select the washing program based on various factors such as the weight of the laundry, water turbidity, water temperature, detergent used, water quantity, fabric type, and water hardness. This feature ensures optimal cleaning while also conserving resources.

These brand-specific innovations highlight the diverse applications of IoT and AI in smart products. They demonstrate how these technologies can enhance user convenience, improve product efficiency, and contribute to sustainability.



Conclusion

A. Recap of the Key Innovations at IFA 2023

IFA 2023 was a testament to the transformative potential of IoT and AI in revolutionizing our daily lives. The exhibition showcased a plethora of innovative smart products, each with its unique features and applications. From AEG's learning washing machines and dryers to MIDEA's Smart Home system with food recognition, from HAIER's Active Circles system to BOSCH's detergent scanning feature, the innovations unveiled at IFA 2023 were truly groundbreaking.

The emergence of 'Ecosystems' and 'Circles' as the new buzzwords in the realm of IoT was particularly noteworthy. These concepts, which refer to the integration of various smart devices into a single, unified network with specific goals, promise to enhance the user experience by making it more personalized and purposeful.

The exhibition also highlighted the growing importance of automation and AI in IoT. These technologies enable smart devices to operate and make decisions independently, enhancing their functionality and efficiency. The integration of AI into these devices allows them to learn from user behavior and adapt accordingly, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.

The Future of IoT and Smart Products Based on Trends Seen at the Exhibition

IFA 2023 unveiled innovations that give us a glimpse into the future of IoT and smart products. The trend towards increasingly interconnected and intelligent devices is evident, with the emergence of Ecosystems and Circles and the growing integration of AI.

In the near future, we will see smart devices that not only communicate with each other but also learn from user behavior and pursue specific objectives. These devices, in addition to improving user convenience, will contribute to sustainability by optimizing energy consumption.

AI will become increasingly integrated into these devices, allowing them to perform more complex tasks and make more informed decisions. This will further enhance their functionality and efficiency, making our lives even more convenient.

IFA 2023 was a window into the future of IoT and smart products. The innovations presented are a sign of the exciting advancements that await us in this sector.



At Things5, we are at the forefront of this technological revolution, assisting appliance manufacturers in creating the next generation of AI-driven smart products. Our team of experts uses their deep knowledge of IoT and AI to devise innovative solutions that enhance product functionality and offer a superior user experience. Whether it's integrating AI into your products, creating interconnected ecosystems, or developing goal-oriented circles, we have the skills and experience to make it happen. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a smarter and more sustainable future. Don't just be observers of this technological revolution; become a part of it. Contact us today to find out how we can help you transform your products and revolutionize the way people live.