[IFA 2026] LG·삼성, 가전·AI 접목 확장…‘인공지능 홈’ 승부수

At the recently concluded International Home Appliance Exhibition (IFA) 2026 in Berlin, South Korean electronics giants LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics took center stage with their vision of an "AI Home" that seamlessly integrates household appliances and services. Diverging from the mere incorporation of AI into appliances, both companies aimed to extend the functionality of everyday devices to encompass health monitoring, energy efficiency, and more.

LG Electronics plans to expand the capabilities of in-house appliances outside the home. With its "executive AI agent," scheduled for release this year, the device will leverage user data from messaging platforms like KakaoTalk and Telegram to anticipate needs and proactively suggest appropriate settings. For instance, if a user is expected to return in ten minutes, the AI agent will pre-configure appliances like air conditioners and air purifiers to ensure optimal indoor comfort.

Speaking at a tech briefing in Berlin on the 5th of this month, LG Electronics' Life Home Appliance (HS) AI Home Solution business division's vice president, Lee Sun-kyun, elaborated, "Clue Cube operates by identifying a user's situation and context, then suggesting relevant functions that the user can approve for execution." Looking ahead, LG intends to broaden its business model by connecting with external services.

The company also intends to collaborate with e-commerce platforms to procure missing ingredients when recommending recipes based on AI's suggestions.

Samsung Electronics also showcased its AI Living Vision at the 'Hackbolt Karé' exhibition hall in Berlin's city center. This year's 2026 model of its TV, equipped with 'Vision AI Companion,' provides real-time AI responses to user queries related to the content being watched. During a football match viewing session, when asked about the stadium's name, location, and seating capacity, the AI responded with the relevant information.

The integration of interactive AI and 3D displays with AI promoters further highlighted Samsung's vision. Upon requesting a recommendation for a movie to watch in a bright room, the AI proactively suggested Samsung's 115-inch micro RGB TV. This exemplified the future of smart appliances, where AI directs customers to the most suitable products based on their needs.