Samsung and LG Head to CES, Unveiling Numerous Innovative Products in a Fierce Competition

AI·5G·Autonomous Vehicles and More
South Korea's Largest Ever 341 Companies Participate
Samsung Led by President Seunghyun Jun
LG Focuses on AI Changing Daily Life

At the CES 2021 conference, Samsung Electronics will present personalized technologies and advanced robotics under the theme "Better Normal for All."

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, 'CES 2021,' opened on the 11th (local time). This year, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the event is being held entirely online for the first time since its inception in 1967. Artificial intelligence (AI), 5G mobile communications, autonomous vehicles, and home economy are the core themes of this year's event. Although the number of participating companies has dropped to less than half compared to previous years due to the COVID-19 situation, Korean companies are participating in record numbers, showcasing their latest technologies.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of CES, announced that CES 2021 will be held over four days from today until the 14th. Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will hold opening ceremonies and introduce their latest technologies and products.

Samsung Electronics plans to showcase a large number of innovative products and services under the theme "A Better Everyday Life for Everyone" this year. On the opening day, Samsung Research President Seunghyun Joon, who leads CES, will unveil personalized products based on AI and 5G technologies at the Samsung Electronics press conference. On the 12th, Samsung will present products that have won CES Innovation Awards, and on the final day, the 14th, it will reveal the new Galaxy S21 series through the 'Galaxy Unpacked' online event.

LG Electronics will have a virtual human named 'Kim Rae-a' present a 3-minute update on AI technology development during the press conference on the first day. LG Electronics plans to focus on changes in daily life through AI under the theme "Precious Everyday Life Continues" at this year's CES.

Smart home, smart city, and Internet of Things (IoT) integrated home economy are also key themes. Samsung Electronics plans to showcase technological segmentation in response to the expanding concept of home from a residential space to an economic activity space due to the spread of COVID-19.

LG Electronics will also open an online exhibition hall under the theme "Enjoy a Comfortable Home Life," unveiling products such as TVs, home appliances, and robots. In particular, it will showcase a healthy and convenient lifestyle at home proposed by the AI ThinQ solution. LG Display will participate under the theme "Display, Now the World Is in Front of You," presenting bendable and sound-emitting OLEDs, transparent OLEDs, and more.

Magna International, an automotive parts manufacturer, will establish a joint venture for electric vehicle powertrains with LG Electronics and introduce its future electrification business at CES through an online virtual booth and the 'Magna Live' section.

Autonomous vehicles are also highlighted as a major theme. Harman, a Samsung Electronics subsidiary specializing in automotive parts, will unveil a digitalized cockpit at this year's CES. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, GM, Fiat Chrysler, and others will also present mobility strategies targeting the future market.

Keynote speeches by prominent figures in the IT industry will be held as usual. Hans Vestberg, CEO of Verizon, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech stating that 5G, the next-generation mobile communication, will become an essential technology of the 21st century, accelerating remote medical care and education. Mary Barra, CEO of GM, will introduce GM's strategy to promote global mobility, including the transition to pure electric vehicles.

Additionally, Lisa Su, CEO of computer processor company AMD, will present the company's vision for the future of research, education, work, entertainment, and gaming. Brad Smith, President of Microsoft (MS), will explore the role technology can play concerning security, privacy, sustainability, and the responsibilities of IT companies and governments.

Meanwhile, as this year's CES is held digitally, the number of participating companies has decreased from about 4,400 last year to 1,964 this year, less than half. The country with the most participating companies is the United States (570), followed by Korea (341), which ranks second.

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