IFA 2026: Haier, LG & Samsung Unveil AI-Powered Appliances With EUR 13 Billion Investment Pledge

Haier Commits EUR 13 Billion to AI-Powered Appliances and Robotics

At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Haier unveiled its vision for the smart home under the theme "Home of Intelligent Possibilities," announcing plans to invest at least EUR 13 billion over the next five years in artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, research, and IoT security2

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. The company reported more than 130 million registered users on its smart home platform and 86.1 billion smart-scene interactions in 20252

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. Haier Europe CEO Neil Tunstall emphasized that the investment would accelerate product development across categories, stating that the funding would help bring new products and features to consumers more quickly2

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Design-First Approach to AI Integration in Home Appliances

Haier's IFA 2026 stand in Hall 3.1, Stand 101 replaced the typical feature-list chaos with a design-first environment where AI-enabled features serve as stagehand rather than star1

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. The Aura Collection's distinctive Aura Grey finish, applied to glass surfaces through a specific treatment, creates anti-fingerprint properties while interacting with ambient light to unify ovens, hobs, hoods, and microwaves into one visual plane1

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. The Multi Care Laundry Studio fits four independent drums in a 598mm-deep unibody with one plug, one water connection, one drainage connection, and one full-touch TFT controlling all operations1

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. AI Sense wakes the screen as users approach, while Knock Sense and Wave Sense allow drum opening with a tap or gesture1

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Connected Ecosystem of Smart Appliances Learns User Habits

Haier's approach moves beyond individual connected appliances to create systems where different products work together around household needs2

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. The hOn app connects Haier Europe's appliances and digital services in one system, allowing devices to respond to daily routines2

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. The Vision 15 washing machine uses AI Vision Sense alongside the AI Power Sense System, an integrated ecosystem of nine sensors detecting parameters including load weight, balance, water level, and temperature, adjusting dosing, drum movement, motor operation, and programme settings accordingly1

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. AI Memory learns habits while Ultra Fresh Air Pro keeps laundry fresh for twelve hours after the cycle1

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Maestro Refrigerator and AI Food Care System Manage Freshness

The Maestro refrigerator prototype features flush surfaces, continuous lines, and stainless-steel interiors lit by panoramic lighting with a soft-touch silicone panel1

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. The AI Food Care System 2.0 recognizes stored food, recommends optimal preservation methods over time, and supports informed stock management1

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. The AI Defrost Zone uses intelligent sensors and Haier's proprietary technology to defrost food gently, helping prevent juice loss and preserve texture and nutritional value1

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. Haier's ID Ultimate Series 6 oven can identify food, track the cooking process, and stop automatically when cooking is complete2

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UltraSense AI Transforms Entertainment Experience

UltraSense AI, powered by Haier's SR UltraSense processor, analyzes image and sound in real time and adjusts without requiring permission1

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. AI Cinema recognizes scenes and optimizes color, contrast, depth, and motion accordingly, while AI Sound separates dialogue for clarity1

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. AI Game reduces lag and tearing for gaming performance, and AI Eye Caring adapts to ambient light and content to reduce eye strain during long sessions1

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. Selected models carry Sound by KEF for spatial balance, with formats ranging from QD-Mini LED and OLED through to a 163-inch Micro LED showcase1

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Humanoid Robots Expand User-Centric Intelligence

Haier presented humanoid robots and robotic systems designed to carry out physical tasks alongside connected appliances2

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. The display included cleaning robots that recognize objects and different types of dirt, as well as companion robots designed for voice support and personalized assistance2

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. Tunstall emphasized that robotics could handle basic household jobs without replacing people, pointing to robot vacuum cleaners and robotic lawnmowers as examples of technology already taking over routine work2

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LG and Samsung Showcase Energy Efficiency and AI-Driven Innovations

LG unveiled the SIGNATURE refrigerator with LLM-based voice recognition using a 6.8-inch display for natural-language commands3

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. LG's AI Fresh system analyzes usage patterns and pre-cools the refrigerator ahead of anticipated door openings3

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. The Fit & Max washer can consume up to 70% less energy than the minimum requirement for an A-rated appliance in Europe3

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. Samsung unveiled two new Bespoke AI Washer models, including a 10 kg machine targeting an A-70% energy-efficiency level and a 13 kg model using SpaceMax technology to increase internal capacity while maintaining a standard 600 mm external depth3

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. These AI-driven innovations signal a shift toward appliances that adapt to household conditions and reduce manual intervention while prioritizing energy efficiency and space optimization.