Samsung and LG Electronics to Launch Ultra-High Capacity AI Washing Machines in April Daejeon

Samsung Electronics 24kg Grande AI Washing Machine

[Asia Economy reporters Changhwan Lee and Dongwoo Lee] Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are each launching the largest-capacity washing machines in Korea this month, entering a competition for ultra-large capacity washing machines. They aim to dominate the premium washing machine market by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their products.

Samsung Electronics announced on the 20th that it will release the 24kg Grande AI washing machine, the largest capacity in Korea, at the end of this month. The new product features differentiated functions unique to the Grande AI washing machine, such as 'All-in-One Control,' which allows operation of the dryer via the control panel, and 'AI Course' linkage that automatically recommends optimized drying courses according to the washing cycle.

Other existing useful functions are also applied, including 'AI Customized Washing,' which detects the weight and dirtiness of laundry to automatically adjust the amount of detergent and softener as well as washing and rinsing times; 'Bubble Wash' and 'Ultra Power Water Shot' for fast and powerful washing performance; 'No-Detergent Tub Clean+,' which hygienically manages not only the washing tub but also the door frame; and 'Boil Wash,' which eliminates 99.9% of harmful bacteria. The retail price is 2,049,000 KRW, and pre-sales will begin on the 21st at major department stores nationwide.

LG Electronics 24kg AI DD Washing Machine 'LG Tromm Washing Machine ThinQ'

LG Electronics also announced on the same day that it will launch the AI DD washing machine 'LG Tromm Washing Machine ThinQ,' capable of washing 24kg of laundry at once, this weekend. The new product is equipped with a function that detects the weight of clothes, then uses big data to identify the fabric type and select the optimal motion.

For delicate fabrics, motions such as 'tumbling' and 'kneading' are selected to protect the fabric during washing. According to Intertek, a global testing and certification organization, the new product protects fabrics more than 10% better compared to previous models, the company stated.

When connected via Wi-Fi to the home appliance management application LG ThinQ, the product can be used more conveniently. For example, the washing machine can transmit washing course information to the dryer, which can then automatically set the drying course.

The front door material of the product has also been changed to integrated tempered glass. It is more scratch-resistant and easier to clean and maintain than the previous plastic material. The price of the new product ranges from 1,700,000 KRW to 1,800,000 KRW depending on the color, based on the shipment price.

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics' launch of high-capacity premium washing machines and entry into competition is interpreted as a proactive response to the increased likelihood of consumer market recovery as the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has recently slowed. Although the domestic home appliance market suffered significant damage in the first quarter due to COVID-19, the industry expects a recovery trend in the second quarter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.