LG to install deep learning tech in home appliances

LG Electronics says it is going to deliver “an unparalleled level of performance and convenience into the home” with home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and robot cleaners armed with deep learning technology, which the company will reveal at CES 2017.

LG said that deep learning will allow its home appliances to better understand their users by gathering and studying customers’ lifestyle patterns over time.

Among the smarter home appliances to be showcased at CES:

Robot Cleaner: Using multiple sensors and LG’s deep learning technology, LG’s newest robot vacuum cleaner will recognize objects around the room and react accordingly. By capturing surface images of the room, the intelligent cleaner remembers obstacles and learns to avoid them over time. It even recognizes electrical wires and slippers so they don’t end up jamming the roller brush and requiring human extraction assistance. LG robot vacuum can tell the difference between a human and a chair and asks the obstructing person to kindly move out of the way whereas it will simply maneuver around a chair.

Refrigerator: By analyzing usage and eating patterns, LG’s deep learning refrigerator performs a variety of tasks by “predicting” the family’s activities based on their past behavior, such as automatically filling the ice tray at the time of the day when cold drinks are most in demand. In the summer, LG’s smart refrigerator can initiate a 4-stage sterilization system on its own to extend food life when it senses temperature and humidity conditions that may contribute to food spoilage.

Air conditioner: LG’s smart air conditioner equipped with LG deep learning technology analyzes the daily behavior patterns of its homeowners, including the parts of the home most occupied at certain times throughout the day. With this information, LG’s deep learning enabled air conditioner is able to assess how to provide the most comfortable temperatures quickly and efficiently, providing fast cooling to specific areas. During the weekend the living room may be the place to be, requiring the most cooling, but on weekdays the kitchen may be the center of activity.

Washing machine: Here, deep learning helps LG’s washing machine learn about the local environment and the user’s everyday activities in order to provide optimal washing performance. For example, in areas where the water contains excessive calcium carbonate, LG’s smart washing machine adjusts the water temperature and the amount of water used to counter the effects of hard water on clothes. In areas where dust storms are common, the washing machine automatically adds another rinse cycle for even cleaner clothes.

Song Dae-hyun, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company, said that deep learning is “the next phase in the evolution of smart appliances”, but acknowledged the privacy and security implications involved.

“Even more important than the advanced capabilities of these appliances will be how companies behave when entrusted with data of this nature,” Song said. “Performance and convenience do not mean having to sacrifice security and privacy. They can and should exist simultaneously.”

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