Interview: Samsung's Tanya Weller – AI is changing how we use appliances

AI-powered appliances make daily routines easier and increasingly are able to personalise every element of how we use them – Tanya Weller, marketing director at Samsung Electronics UK, talks to Sally Smith about the latest AI innovations.

Samsung is one of the world's best known electronics companies – established 1969 in South Korea – and has always been committed to research and innovation across all categories. In recent years the company has increased the amount of screens across its appliances range providing deeper integration into the smart home ecosystem, making it easier to view and control connected appliances throughout the entire home.

Q: Have you seen the demand for AI appliances increase in recent years?
A: Our most recent Smart Home Buyers Index reveals 79% of those looking to move in the next 5 years are seeking a connected home to maximise advancements in technology to help save time, energy and money. People are looking for ways to help solve and ease the mental burden of running a home and looking for appliances to help reduce food waste by coming up with innovative recipes for leftovers, or how to cook or wash something and for how long.

Q: How do AI powered appliances enhance customers' lives?
A: We have seen the need for personalisation within any potential appliance solution is key to whether or not it is adopted. With AI learning from your everyday routine, such as the laundry or grocery shopping schedule, it can simplify, automate and prompt based on user preferences. One of my favourite examples of this in action is the Samsung Food app, instantly turning any recipe or meal into a smart list, cutting your shopping time in half. It can be accessed directly on your device or fridge via the AI Family Hub and connect to users' Samsung Health profile to tailor recipes based on dietary or allergen needs. An AI-powered fridge will know that you open your fridge every morning at 7am to get the milk out for your cup of tea and then automatically adjusts the cooling temperature to accommodate for the loss of heat while the door is open.

Q: Why do integrated screens within appliances benefit the customer?
A: Carrying out household tasks often involves the use of multiple appliances located in different areas. Managing these different tasks across multiple devices can waste time but the screen resolves these issues by acting as a central control hub that seamlessly connects all the appliances. For users, this means they get to control their home environment from wherever they are, saving time and effort.

For example, refrigerators that have ‘AI Vision Inside’ can suggest recipes directly on the screen, and automatically set the optimal temperature and cooking time for the oven. Similarly, washing machines provide a clear and intuitive display of information including water and detergent usage, and energy usage reports. These larger screens make it easier for individuals with visual impairments to access and use more features, improving accessibility.

Q: What can homeowners expect from their AI appliances in the future?
A: Smart appliances are set to become even more advanced and integrated into our homes so it’s important they aren’t operating in silo to enable a wider connected living experience. All of our AI-powered devices are connected via the Samsung SmartThings App, which allows people to control, and manage their smart home devices in one place. It is a device agnostic, so whether you are an Android or iOS user the app is available on both ecosystems. It can also connect to multiple brands from Amazon Ring to Philips Hue Lighting, to connect and manage a home through one app.

Q: What are the latest AI advancements you’re bringing to market?
A: Our smart voice assistant, Bixby, has been upgraded this year and is getting smarter. You can talk to Bixby as you would a friend, to check what’s inside the fridge, or even open the doors for you if your hands are full – and all commands can be given in natural language. Users can easily access their schedules through voice commands and receive tailored responses. Bixby will recognise each family member’s voice and reply accordingly, so if you are gluten free, Bixby will learn this and therefore only suggest recipes that are appropriate to you.