Samsung, LG Executives Reveal AI-Powered Future for Home Appliances in 2026
Your fridge just got a brain—and it's smarter than your stock portfolio.
South Korean tech titans Samsung and LG are betting big on artificial intelligence to transform every corner of the modern home. Forget simple smart features; we're talking appliances that learn, adapt, and anticipate your needs before you even realize them.
The Kitchen That Knows You
Executives from both companies outlined a vision where your refrigerator doesn't just keep food cold. It tracks inventory, suggests recipes based on what's inside and your dietary goals, and can even auto-order groceries when you're running low. The oven syncs with those recipes to preheat to the perfect temperature, while AI-powered dishwashers optimize water and energy use for each unique load.
Beyond Convenience, Into Ecosystem
This isn't about standalone gadgets. The real play is creating a seamless, proprietary ecosystem. Imagine your air purifier communicating with your vacuum robot to target specific allergens, or your washing machine receiving fabric care data directly from your smart closet. It's a walled garden of domestic efficiency, designed to lock you into a single brand's universe of products and services.
The push comes as both giants seek new growth engines beyond competitive smartphone and display markets. Injecting high-margin AI software into everyday hardware presents a lucrative, if familiar, strategy. After all, convincing consumers to upgrade a perfectly functional washing machine for 'neural processing' requires marketing genius—or manufactured obsolescence dressed as a revolution.
One cynical finance observer noted: 'It's the same old playbook—sell the sizzle of 'AI' to justify premium pricing and create recurring revenue streams. Wall Street loves a good buzzword, even if it's just a slightly smarter microwave.'
The connected home of 2026 won't just be automated; it's being designed to be intuitively, almost eerily, responsive. The question remains whether consumers will embrace the convenience or start to feel like guests in their own, very well-managed, smart homes.
Samsung and LG to make AI push at CES 2026 event in Las Vegas
According to several sources, Roh is expected to be the keynote speaker at Samsung Electronics’ First Look event on Sunday, two days before the official opening of the event. The program will be held at a large exhibition space set up for Samsung at the Wynn Las Vegas, rather than its traditional venue at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The exhibition hall is one of the largest spaces at CES, spanning 4,628 square meters.
The company is expected to showcase new products and technologies, host presentations and technology talks, and hold meetings with global partners as part of its event. At the main program, Samsung will present its vision of becoming an AI companion for everyday life. The exhibition space will be designed as an AI living platform, showcasing how Samsung’s TVs, mobile devices, and other home appliances can be connected seamlessly through artificial intelligence.
Samsung’s choice to use a less crowded environment instead of the convention center stems from its choice to deliver a more immersive experience, according to the company statement. The company also plans to improve its guided tour programs to help visitors better understand its AI ecosystem. Roh was appointed as the CEO and head of Samsung’s Device Experience (DX) Division in November last year, and has talked about his dreams to transform the company through AI.
LG Electronics to debut AI-powered home robot
LG Electronics is also expected to draw its global crown as CEO Lyu delivers the keynote speech at the LG World Premiere on Monday. The annual event before CES will introduce the company’s vision and key technologies for this year. Its theme is set as “Innovation in Tune with You.” LG has plans to debut a home robot that can assist with chores. Unlike earlier AI assistant robots, this new model takes a human shape, with two arms and five fingers. The build will allow the robot to carry out carrying and other tasks.
The robot will also function as the AI home hub and will support better interactions, such as responding to gestures. Lyu was promoted from the head of LG’s Home Appliance Solution business to CEO in November 2025, and has identified AI-powered homes and robotics as a way to grow future engines. He wants to use LG’s technological strengths and strategic partnerships to secure a competitive edge for the firm.
However, both CEOs have some challenges to face before they achieve their aim. Samsung has been struggling with profitability in the home appliance business, while LG has posted back-to-back losses in straight quarters in its TV division. At the same time, Chinese firms like TCL and Hisense have been able to improve their global TV market share. During CES, Samsung and LG plan to counter their Chinese rivals by strengthening their premium TV lineups. Analysts have also noted that CES WOULD serve as an important test for Roh and Lyu.
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