LG Electronics Inc. readies to incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its every home appliance from next year, jumping on the IoT bandwagon as part of efforts to stay competitive in the fast changing and growing IoT industry.

According to the electronics industry Tuesday, the firm plans to enable Wi-Fi access and voice and image recognition based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its home gadgets to be launched next year.

The company has already set up a new unit solely dedicated to AI within its Home Appliance & Air Solution (H&A) department. It has also relocated H&A Smart Solution business division in charge of the IoT solution from its headquarters to Gasan Research & Development (R&D) center in western Seoul to foster more efficient communication and cooperation between its IoT unit and home appliance R&D team.

A company official at LG explained that the company hopes that its latest decision to reinforce its home appliances with the IoT technology helps it to win the lead in the burgeoning IoT market. He added that every appliance to be rolled out next year would be controlled by a smartphone.

A WiFi-enabled home appliance to be controlled by a smartphone will not only be convenient to use but also slicker and simpler in design, as a large screen or operation panel packed with many buttons, switches and dials would be eliminated.

LG is also reviewing a plan to develop AI-powered robots that would complement its connected home services. Its H&A department announced in a statement in September that it was preparing to set up a robot development team and working to introduce AI-powered robots.

In a move to accelerate such efforts, the Korean electronics giant has been reforming the company’s organization to allow its IoT units such as a cloud center and intelligent research center to work closely for the project.

Shares of LG on Wednesday ended at 47,400 won ($41.22), up 0.11 percent, or 50 won, from the previous session.

By Lee Dong-in

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