i-City unveils AI-powered homes

KUALA LUMPUR: i-City has launched AI Living @ i-City, a residential concept that merges home automation, robotics, wellness technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into a single development. The inaugural project, encompassing 500 units, is centered around the i-Ris residential tower. This concept has been meticulously designed to accommodate domestic robots, with the layout, circulation paths, service areas, and infrastructure specifically tailored to their interactions with residents.

The heart of the concept is the i-Ris AI companion, a digital entity tasked with assisting residents in controlling home functions and accessing authorized technologies and services according to their unique requirements and preferences.

To create awareness about this innovative residential concept, a comprehensive digital marketing campaign will be launched by the developer starting in October 2026. The campaign will precede the opening of a residence showroom at the AI World Experience Centre (AIWEC) in January 2027. Datuk Firdaus, chairman of Firdaus & Associates, the developer's lead marketing agency, emphasized that the campaign aims to elucidate how AI and robotics can be seamlessly integrated into residential living. This includes aspects such as home security, elderly care, and lifestyle management.

Savills Malaysia's group managing director, Datuk Sr Paul Khong, noted that AI-based services and robotics could potentially become a significant factor influencing homebuyers' property choices. These factors will be weighed alongside traditional considerations such as location, design, facilities, and price. AI Living capitalizes on i-City's existing technology-focused development, which includes the AIWEC, a facility established in collaboration with the Chinese robotics company AgiBot.

The center houses over 100 robots in interactive environments, providing a glimpse into the possibilities of robotics in daily life.

Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, chairman of i-City, stated that the concept embodies the developer's belief that homes of the future will increasingly utilize technology to cater to residents' individual needs. The planned showroom will serve as a platform for prospective buyers to explore selected features of the i-Ris development and gain deeper insights into the concept.

However, the developer has not yet divulged the pricing of the residential units or provided information regarding the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the technology over time.