Amie Filcher reports from LG InnoFest, Crete
LG has expanded its smart home product range with the launch of an IoT-powered Hub Robot and Windows 10-powered Smart InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator for the European market.
The Hub Robot acts as a smart-home gateway and intelligent home notification centre. Initially, it will work alongside LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator.
The robot uses voice-recognition technology and verbal prompts to complete household tasks by connecting with other LG smart appliances in the home.
It can perform other tasks, including playing music, setting alarms, creating reminder memos as well as providing updates on the weather and traffic. It is also able to track users’ activities within the home, keeping tabs on when family members leave, come home or go to bed.
The InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator (pictured right) has a 29in LCD display, which becomes transparent when the user knocks on the glass, allowing them to see the contents without opening the door.
The refrigerator also allows the household to track expiry dates on food or write a shopping list, and can send pictures of the contents directly to a user’s smartphone when they are out grocery shopping.
With the inclusion of Windows 10, users are able to download and run a variety of apps from the Windows store on the refrigerator’s screen, including Allrecipes and Netflix. This means users can follow recipes, listen to music or watch a movie, all from the refrigerator door.
“Our new Hub Robot and Smart InstaView Door-in-Door will instantly add smart functionality to any home,” said Song Dae-hyun, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliances and Air Solution Company. “The versatility and usability offered by our smart technology will allow users to immediately see the benefits of our newly-expanded smart home system. Already recognised as an IoT pioneer, LG will continue to innovate in order to reinforce our position at the forefront of this dynamic market.”