09/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/01/2024 17:28
A Washer and Dryer combined into one space-efficient, hassle-free, energy-saving appliance
Updated Bixby allows for more responsive interaction with AI
Samsung Electronics today announced that it is launching the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ to the European market at IFA 2024 in Berlin. First introduced last year at IFA 2023, the all-in-one washer and dryer combo is set to redefine laundry experiences across Europe by combining a washer and dryer into a single, space-efficient appliance that completes washing and drying in one device. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ also leverages AI, heat pump technology and a 7" display to provide a convenient, entertaining laundry experience that also saves energy.
"As the world, and Europe in particular, is prioritizing smarter, more efficient home appliances, we're thrilled to be launching the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ in Europe," said Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team for the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. "By integrating AI and heat pump technology, we aim to provide our customers with a more convenient and energy efficient laundry experience."
Elevating the Laundry Experience at Home With AI
The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ is designed to increase space without compromising functionality. This all-in-one combo seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer into a single unit, providing a space-saving and efficient laundry solution with broad functionality. It performs as effectively as two separate machines while conserving valuable space, and more importantly eliminates the need to transfer laundry between those machines after the wash cycle finishes. For users, this means they don't have to keep checking the wash cycle's progress in the attempt to prevent unpleasant odors, and can use their time more flexibly.
A key feature of the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ is the AI Wash & Dry,1 which sets a new standard for laundry efficiency. This advanced system uses a range of sensors to optimize both washing and drying for each load, freeing users from having to determine the optimal settings for each cycle. Upon sensing the weight of the laundry, it dispenses the right amount of water and detergent. It also detects the fabric and monitors the level of soiling during the cycle, adjusting wash time and detergent use accordingly. After the wash cycle, the technology optimizes the drying process based on the weight and fabric,2 ensuring excellent cleaning and drying results. With AI Wash & Dry, users benefit from a thorough, more efficient3 and personalized laundry experience.
Another benefit the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ brings to the European market is its exceptional energy efficiency. The wash cycle is up to 20% more efficient than the A-grade energy efficiency class threshold,4 and the wash and dry cycle combined also meets the A-grade energy efficiency class rating.5 These impressive results are achieved through advanced heat pump drying technology, which dries clothes quickly, gently and efficiently at lower temperatures. In contrast to conventional combination units which use a heater to blow hot air into the drum, Samsung's heat pump system continuously recycles hot air and optimizes heat transfer by reheating and dehumidifying the hot air through the heat exchanger. This results in the reduction of drying time by up to 60%6 and an energy consumption cut of up to 75%,7 making it an energy efficient and cost-effective choice for laundry needs. The heat pump method also enhances air circulation, preventing fabric shrinkage and reducing damage to clothing. Furthermore, when the AI Energy Mode8 is applied through SmartThings, an additional up to 60% on washing and up to 30% on drying9 can be reduced. This is made feasible through reducing heater use, one of the most energy consuming parts of the washing machine, and consequently increasing cycle time.
Seamless, Efficient User Experiences
The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ offers an enhanced user experience with the AI Home,10 an intuitive 7" wide LCD display that serves as a central control hub for laundry, and moreover the entire home. The wide display delivers substantial information about the laundry including cycle details, remaining amount of detergent and energy consumption. When showing cycles, the combo uses machine learning to remember user habits and recommend cycles11 based on periodic and seasonal needs.12 When the cycle is finished, it provides an energy and water consumption report that can be viewed on the 7-inch LCD display or the SmartThings App.13 Additionally, users have clear view of the 3D Map View, which shows all connected appliances within the home and enables users to seamlessly monitor and control them. Users can check if the oven is on, or get the robot vacuum cleaner to start cleaning, all while they are in the laundry room. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ was verified to level 'Diamond' under UL Solutions' Marketing Claim Verification IoT Security Rating, proving its competitiveness in security.
Furthermore, users of the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ can now enjoy the updated Bixby14 which comes with better understanding capabilities allowing for more responsive interaction than before. Through AI, Bixby can understand complicated and casual conversations, allowing users to give multi-intended, complex commands.15 Upon using the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, users can ask "What's the weather like?", and then say "Start the wash cycle and lower the living room temperature," and have their requests finished in one sequence. Bixby provides support for Device Q&A as well, assisting users when they have questions about certain features on their appliances. When an error is displayed on the LCD display, users can ask directly what this means, instead of having to look through the user manual or search on their phones. Lastly, the laundry combo has been updated so that it responds without the "Hi Bixby" or "Bixby" wake-up phrases. Users can naturally approach the washing machine, and say 'Open the washing machine door', and then get a prompt response or see the action carried out.
Availability
The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ will be rolled out across various European markets beginning Q4 2024.
For more information on Samsung refrigerators and other home appliances, please visit Samsung.com.
1 Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.
2 To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.
3 Based on AI-based algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash & Dry cycle on an IEC 8lb load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 8lbs and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
4 Based on internal testing of energy efficiency of household washing machines according to Regulation (EU) 2019/2016. This 18kg washer model comes with 20 percent more energy efficiency (38.9 EEI) than the conventional A-rated energy efficiency class (52 EEI).
5 Based on internal testing. Complete operating cycle from washing to drying of this model is rated Energy efficiency class A as defined by EU Regulation 2019/2014.
6 Based on internal testing of the cycle time when drying an IEC 3kg load with Cotton cycle. Results: BESPOKE AI Laundry Combo model with a heat pump (WD21B6400KV) = 78 minutes vs. WD21B6400KV/** combo model with a condenser = 202 minutes, which is a reduction of 60%. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents.
7 Based on internal testing and verified by KATRI (Korea Apparel Testing Research Institute) of the cycle energy consumption when drying an IEC 3kg load with Cotton cycle. Results: BESPOKE AI Laundry Combo model with a heat pump (WD21B6400KV) = 0.8kWh vs. WD21B6400KV/** combo model with a condenser = 3.6kWh, which is a reduction of 75%. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents.
8 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
9 Based on internal
10 Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry, Voice enabled with Bixby accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.
11 Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App. Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.
12 Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.
13 The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
14 Bixby is Samsung's brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on country. Bixby recognizes selected languages and certain accents/dialects. The user interface may change and differ by device. The availability of Bixby features and content providers may vary depending on the country/carrier/language/device model/OS version. A Samsung account log-in and data network connection (Wi-Fi or data network) are required. Users must agree to the update to use this function.
15 This function may produce inaccurate results, and will be updated periodically to improve accuracy.