Smart home appliances being showcased at the IFA tech fair in Berlin show that technology is on track to do a far better job of taking care of you. — dpa
It sounds a bit like a conspiracy: "Smart watches and kitchen appliances are working together." But Olaf Nedorn, marketing director at Siemens, is entirely enthusiastic when describing appliance features that may soon become reality.
If your smart watch notices that you didn't sleep much last night, then your coffee machine will suggest a stronger cappuccino the next morning. This is one example of a future connected world being presented at the IFA tech fair in Berlin (Aug 31 - Sept 5).
Another example: If one day you don't stick to your exercise routine, then that means you haven't burnt enough calories. As a result, an app on your phone will suggest eating a lighter dinner that evening and even give you a recipe suggestion.
The next step will be for your car to drive you to the right shops after work so you can buy any ingredients missing from your fridge.
Right now, nobody knows how many consumers really want that kind of digital care. But in any case, big appliance manufacturers like Siemens, Bosch and Miele are all stressing how much more freedom, flexibility and comfort consumers will gain with their new smart systems.
"It's not about being connected just for the sake of being connected," says Roland Hagenbucher, Manager of Siemens Home Appliances. "It's about finding the solutions that consumers find useful."
The electronics industry has not yet achieved the desired breakthrough with connected appliances in Germany – in 2017, only 3% of washing machines, dishwashers and electric stoves sold were connected appliances. But in the Asia-Pacific region, it's a whole other story. Twenty percent of appliances sold there in the first half of 2018 can be categorised as smart home appliances.
One of the problems facing the industry is that each manufacturer has its own system it wants to implement in your connected home. You can't use the app from Miele for your dishwasher from Siemens. At the moment, there are only a few platforms that can be used to switch appliances from different manufacturers on or off – but that's about all they can do for now. – dpa
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