Samsung Electronics unveils new energy-saving bespoke home appliances

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee delivers a keynote speech on Mar. 21. at Community House Masil in central Seoul. [Photo provided by Samsung Electronics]

Samsung Electronics Co. has released a new lineup of bespoke home appliances that focuses on energy savings by up to 70 percent as it aims to increase its high-end appliance sales by 50 percent to shift to a profit this year despite a sluggish global economy.

“Though the global economy is not strong, we plan to overcome challenges with our energy-efficient and eco-friendly products,” Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee said Tuesday during a promotional event in central Seoul for this year’s new bespoke appliances. “Our goal is to see a 50 percent increase in our custom-made appliance sales.”

One of the most outstanding features of Samsung’s new appliance lineup is its energy efficiency. The company says that its new line of appliances features high-efficiency compressors made with super precision nano processing technologies and digital inverters that apply digital controls, as well as artificial intelligence. Within the new lineup, 57 models have an energy efficiency higher than the domestic standards for top tier energy efficiency.

The Bespoke Grande AI washing machine, for example, has an energy efficiency higher by 30 percent than the top-tier domestic standards. The company’s bespoke four-door refrigerator has an energy efficiency that’s 22 percent higher. The use of SmartThings Energy, Samsung’s app-based energy control, can help users save electricity by up to 70 percent. The AI-driven power-save feature is available in six models.

Another feature in the new lineup is its sustainable environmental features, according to the company. The Bespoke Grande AI washing machine has a cycle that helps reduce 10 micrometer or larger microplastics by 60 percent. Samsung’s new SolarCell Remote, the remote control for the new washing machines and air conditioners, does not use disposable batteries.

[Photo provided by Samsung Electronics]

The application of AI features also has been extended to 15 models, including dishwashers, stick vacuum cleaners and ovens.

“The increase in logistics and materials costs, and the fall in demand, led to negative earnings in the fourth quarter, but that was also an opportunity for us to learn how to improve,” Han said. “We’re working hard to not make a loss like last year in the first half.”

Samsung’s visual display and consumer electronics businesses posted an operating loss of 60 billion won ($46 million) in the fourth quarter, the first loss in 31 quarters.

Han also commented on the company’s latest drive in robotics. “Robotics is another growth engine for us,” Han said. “Many of our engineers in the labs are working on developing our own robot platform.”

In addition to the recent 14.99 percent stake in collaborative robot maker Rainbow Robotics Co., the electronics maker also has left some space for the complete takeover of the robot maker through a call option contract. “We’re open to all possibilities,” Han said in response to a question about any potential takeover of Rainbow Robotics by Samsung.

The electronics giant has been aggressive in its push into the robot business making large investment. Samsung recently announced a 3-billion-won investment in a self-driving robot startup Neubility. The maker of Neubie, which won an Innovation Award Product at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, is a recipient of support provided by Samsung’s C-Lab Outside program that nurtures creative entrepreneurs.