Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have released integrated home appliances that combine washing and drying functions. Each company is leading the AI home appliance market by emphasizing smart home appliance functions equipped with on-device AI technology.

Samsung Electronics has been selling the 'Bespoke AI Combo' since the 24th. LG Electronics has also been selling 'LG SIGNATURE' since the 22nd. Samsung Electronics Bespoke AI Combo is released in a dark silver steel color with a metal material, and the factory price is 3,999,000 won. It will be available for online pre-sale and shipped sequentially from March 4th.

LG Electronics will sell the stainless steel minimalist design for 6.9 million won in offline stores nationwide starting on the 22nd. Products will be delivered to customers starting on March 18th.

■ High-efficiency inverter heat pump method… Improvement of existing heater method

Samsung Electronics' Bespoke AI combines a 25kg capacity drum washing machine and a 15kg capacity inverter heat pump dryer into one unit, providing the largest drying capacity in Korea. LG Electronics' LG Signature washing and drying capacity is 25kg and 13kg, respectively. The bottom of the product is equipped with a 4kg capacity mini-washer that can be used to wash delicate or functional clothes as well as underwear and children's clothes separately.

Additionally, the washer and dryer can be combined to make efficient use of space. The Bespoke AI Combo is said to save about 40% of space compared to installing each product separately.

The new integrated washing and drying machines from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have improved drying performance, which was previously pointed out as a shortcoming of heater-type condensing combo washing machines. The high-efficiency inverter heat pump drying method is explained to be advantageous for protecting clothes as it uses the heat generated by circulating refrigerant to absorb only the moisture contained in the laundry, a low-temperature dehumidification method. To this end, each company developed a module dedicated to washing and drying machines.

In addition, inverter technology controls the speed of the motor, so it operates only as much as necessary depending on the situation, increasing energy efficiency. Electricity usage is reduced compared to heater-type drying. Samsung Electronics said, “Compared to existing models, drying time can be reduced by up to 60%, and the maximum temperature inside the drum during normal drying does not exceed 60℃, reducing concerns about shrinkage or damage to the fabric being dried.”

He also said, “The drying performance has been dramatically improved with the high-efficiency inverter heat pump that circulates warm air in a large-capacity heat exchanger, so that a 3kg load of laundry, equivalent to about 17 shirts, can be washed and dried in just 99 minutes.”

■ Equipped with various AI functions… Enhanced user convenience
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have installed various AI functions to secure the title of AI home appliances.

Samsung Electronics supports the 7-inch wide touch LCD display 'AI Hub'. The AI Hub, implemented based on high-performance chips and Tizen OS, also supports control of smart devices connected to Samsung Electronics' 'SmartThings' and use of multimedia. It is possible to manage the interior of the home by viewing a 3D map view that reflects the actual structure of the house.

It also works with smart TVs to allow you to view content you are watching, receive smartphone calls, and connect with music streaming services such as Spotify. Bixby voice recognition control is possible.

The AI function applied to ‘Bespoke Grande AI’ has also been upgraded. The 'AI vibration and noise reduction system' implements a low noise of 51.7dB(A) during dehydration with an upgraded vibration detection sensor, two-stage damper, and ball balancer based on learned AI algorithms. The 'AI customized course' detects the weight, contamination, and dryness of the laundry to customize the washing and drying time. 'AI automatic detergent injection' detects the weight of the laundry, learns the recent contamination level of the laundry, and adds an appropriate amount of detergent.

Samsung Electronics added that it has also installed environmentally friendly features such as the “AI saving mode,” which saves electricity with optimal energy efficiency, and the “microplastic reduction course,” which reduces friction with delicate bubbles and reduces microplastic emissions.

LG Electronics also supports a 7-inch wide LCD display on the front of the product. All functions of the washing machine, dryer, and mini-wash can be controlled in an integrated manner. Users can set a reservation time to finish drying by the time they return home through 'LG ThinQ' or the product.

LG Electronics has implemented 6-motion washing and drying by installing AI DD motors in washing machines and dryers, precisely controlling the rotation speed of the internal drum. It performs optimal washing and drying according to the material of the clothing using deep learning AI technology. When you put the laundry in and close the door, it quickly detects the weight and informs you of the expected washing and drying time in 3 to 6 seconds.

LG Electronics said, “The deep learning reinforcement learning function of the spin-drying process has been upgraded with the application of the first on-device AI chip (DQ-C) in a washing machine in Korea. This function evenly distributes laundry during spin-drying, reducing vibration and noise.”

It also has various convenient features to make it more convenient for users. The 'Smart Touch Door' feature allows you to open the door by lightly touching a specific part of the door or by using your voice. It can also be controlled by voice commands even when the customer is holding both hands full of laundry.

Samsung Electronics said, “The Bespoke AI Combo sold over 1,000 units in just three days from the 24th to the 26th,” and added, “This year, in the era of AI home appliances, we plan to introduce a number of products with enhanced AI functions, including the Bespoke AI Combo, Bespoke Jet AI, and Bespoke Jetbot AI, to create the formula ‘AI home appliances = Samsung. ’”

LG Electronics will provide membership points worth 200,000 won to customers who make purchases until March 17, and will additionally provide membership points worth 200,000 won to existing LG Signature holders. Following the LG Signature washer and dryer, LG Electronics will also release the LG Tromm Objet Collection Wash Combo, a general product, in April.