Just one example of LG’s AI innovations.
LG
One of the biggest trends at CES 2020 was Artificial Intelligence or AI. Advances in this type of technology have truly changed the way consumers use many devices in a relatively short period. And we’ve only just begun to discover the potential of what it can do. But what is AI exactly?
For those relatively unfamiliar with this technology, it can’t be defined in the same way Bluetooth can be, for example. According to Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, who is the founder of Datafloq and author of The Organisation of Tomorrow, AI is an umbrella term that covers multiple disciplines. “When we look at artificial intelligence, it can be divided into three different domains,” he tells me.
The first domain is robotics, which deals with the physical world and how it can directly interact with humans. “Robotics can be used to improve our work in various ways, including Ford’s exoskeleton or Boston Dynamics’ helping robots,” he says.
The second discipline is cognitive systems, which concern the human world such as chatbots. “Chatbots are a very tangible example where humans and machines work together to achieve a goal. A chatbot is a communication interface that helps individuals and organizations have conversations,” Dr. van Rijmenam explains.
The third is machine learning, which connects how we get information. “Machines use data to learn, and machine learning aims to derive meaning from that data and uses statistical methods to enable machines to improve with machines. A subset of machine learning is deep learning, which enables multi-layer neural networks.”
AI seamlessly integrates these three types of learning. While smart technology was a hallmark of the previous decade, AI will take smart home products to an entirely new level in the 2020s, changing lives in a way that the average consumer may not even be able to imagine.
This type of innovation doesn’t necessarily concern how users interact with products (such as with Google Home and Alexa) so much as how products interact with us. Advanced machine learning works “behind the scenes” in a way that goes beyond improved user experience. It has the potential to truly change lives and we the way complete daily tasks.
LG, which had one of the largest presences at CES, demonstrated how they are using this groundbreaking technology at the event, winning multiple awards for their innovations.
Proactive Customer Service
Installing and maintaining new appliances can be a frustrating experience for many people. LG’s proactive customer service uses artificial intelligence in smart appliance models for a variety of purposes. It starts after connecting an appliance to the brand’s ThinQ mobile app by letting the user know that installation has been properly completed.
AI can also notify users when problems occur—before they become worse. For example, it will sense errors such as a decrease in the cooling performance of a refrigerator or a reduction of airflow in a dryer vent. These are issues that humans may not notice on their own until it is too late, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the appliance.
Depending on the issue, this technology can provide solutions like quick fixes consumers can make on their own or schedule an appointment with a service professional to expedite a repair.
Another example of what LG’s AI can do is send routine maintenance reminders like running a tub clean cycle every 30 washes or replacing a water filter in the refrigerator when needed.
AI can also have a larger impact on the environment. For example, if it detects an increase in water consumption, it will share tips with the users about how to improve the efficiency of their machines.
LG TurboWash 360 Washer and Dryer
One of many LG products that stood out at CES is the LG TurboWash 360, which won the coveted 2020 Innovation Award. This appliance is one of the strongest examples of how artificial intelligence can change the way we complete tasks.
The front-loading washing machine is designed to deliver precision washing without any human guesswork. Anyone who has overanalyzed the difference between laundry cycles (and still regretted it ten minutes into pressing the start button) will appreciate how game-changing this appliance is.
Sensors detect the volume and weight of each unique load of laundry. Then they identify the fabric types in each load. Through the use of deep learning technology, the washer then compares this information against more than 20k different data points. It uses the information to select the optimal wash cycle for each load.
After detecting a mixed load of t-shirts and pants, for example, the wash cycle is then programmed with customized motions, temperatures and times. For a load containing towels and sheets, the washing machine would run an entirely different program. This goes way beyond the normal cycle choices such as delicate, heavy, casual, etc.
How AI Can Save Cash And Help The Environment
LG shares that this technology can extend the life of a garment by as much as 15%. This not only saves consumers money, but also reduces the impact of textile and garment waste on the environment.
Another useful feature of this washing machine is that it automatically dispenses the proper amount of detergent and fabric softener for every single load. While this means the inconvenience of pouring liquid from a large, heavy bottle into a tiny cup is no longer a way of life, the advances of LG’s artificial intelligence goes way beyond a minor annoyance of life. Many people do not realize that using the wrong amount of detergent decreases the life of fabrics and appliances because an extra or extended rinse cycle may be needed to get rid of all the suds. Those cycles can really add up over time.
So, the life cycles of both textiles and appliances can be extended through AI technology. Money is also saved on the cost of soap and the energy used to run unnecessary cycles on the washing machine. This ultimately means a long term win for sustainability and how consumer habits impact the environment.