As the Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved, everything including phones, watches, cars, and cities are turning smart and increasingly becoming a part of the connectivity wave. Smart devices that are designed and developed for use at home have been in a constant state of evolution. From connected lighting systems to voice-activated intelligent speakers and programmable thermostats that learn the customer’s preferences, IoT integrated with smart home appliances are redefining our way of life.
The world’s premier consumer electronics companies such as Haier, Whirlpool, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, and GE Appliances have been making their mark in the smart home appliances industry by producing smart IoT themed applications. These companies have profited owing to their early entry into the industry and their pioneer status.
Here are the top 5 manufacturers of smart home appliances that are dominating marketplaces around the world-
1) Haier
The world’s leading home appliances and consumer electronics brand, Haier, has sustained its number one position in the global market and transformed itself into an internet-age brand. This China-based multinational company designs, manufactures, and sells products such as mobile phones, microwave ovens, washing machines, televisions, refrigerators, and computers. Haier strives to build smart homes that nurture smart communities and create a complete living experience for its customers.
This pioneering home appliance manufacturer is seeking to accelerate the turnaround from its recently acquired subsidiary, GE Appliances. The intended plan is to leverage a data platform and the connectivity of appliances based on IoT. As per recent research, Haier accounts for more than 10% of the global smart home appliances’ sales.
2) Electrolux
Electrolux AB, commonly known as Electrolux, is a Swedish home appliance manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm. The company is consistently ranked the second-largest appliance manufacturer in the world in terms of the units sold. Through its brands, the company sells more than 60 million professional and household products in over 150 markets annually. The brands include Electrolux, Anova, AEG, Frigidaire, Zanussi, and Westinghouse.
This is the only appliance maker in the world to offer comprehensive solutions for both consumers and professionals. The company recently entered into a joint venture with China’s leading smart technology company, Midea Group, to introduce its AEG brand to Chinese customers. The joint venture will explore the fast-growing retail industry in China, as well as sink its teeth into some lucrative real estate projects.
3) LG Electronics
South Korean consumer electronics major LG, has always led technological innovations in the home appliances ecosystem. With global sales of nearly USD 50 billion, LG Electronics operates four business units: home entertainment, home appliance and air solutions, mobile communications, and vehicle components. The company announced its brand new lineup of home appliances at CES 2018.
Also, assuredly, the company is doubling down on its smart home initiative by integrating AI in all its smart appliances. Further, voice commands will control all these devices. Products and services offered under its new “ThinQ” brand will employ deep learning and communicate with each other. This is supposed to be part of the brand’s vision to become a human-centered AI company.
4) Whirlpool
Headquartered in Michigan, United States, Whirlpool is one of the world’s top home appliances manufacturers. This company specializes in refrigerators and freezers, laundry appliances, cooking appliances, dishwashers, and compressors. Its products are sold under a bevy of brand names, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Maytag, and Roper. The company markets and distributes these popular home appliances in North America, Latin America, EMEA, and Asia.
Whirlpool recently announced a range of new products which will feature smart integration and collaboration. Primarily aimed at improving customer experiences, this includes everything from smartphone control to remote product ordering. All thanks to the integration of popular virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
5) Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics, the famous South Korean company, is one of the largest producers of electronic devices in the world. The company manufactures a wide range of consumer electronics including digital media devices, semiconductors, home appliances, and integrated systems. Samsung has cemented its position in the U.S. home appliances industry as well. And, for the second straight year, Samsung has retained its top position in the country’s smart home appliances industry.
Last year, the company introduced an array of premium smart home appliances including Family Hub refrigerators with advanced voice capabilities and a Samsung Connect app that’s capable of seamlessly integrating products across the cloud. Samsung also established a new plant in South Carolina to locally manufacture the home appliance products that it proposes to sell in the United States.
