Samsung Electronics aims to put artificial intelligence (AI) to good use, however unlike its closest rival LG Electronics who is seemingly refocusing the development of AI towards the creation of intelligent robots and home appliances, Samsung will reportedly rely on artificial intelligence to develop wearable healthcare devices as its new business endeavor for the future.
At CES 2017, numerous device manufacturers including LG, have showcased their latest robotic creations powered by artificial intelligence, such as the LG Hub Robot, Airport Guide Robot, and even the LG Lawn Mowing Robot. However, according to recent reports from South Korean news outlets, following CES 2017 Samsung Electronics concluded that the concept of building home robots for the consumer market is premature, or even obsolete. According to a senior representative of Samsung Electronics’ Home Electronics Division cited by Business Korea, “the roles of home robots […] can be realized by adding AI to existing devices such as smartphones, TVs, and IoT refrigerators”. With that being said, Samsung Electronics believes that “health care based on wearable appliances has more future growth potential” and as a result, the company will focus the development of AI towards creating wearable healthcare devices as one of its business platforms for the future. This approach was indirectly confirmed at CES 2017, where Samsung Electronics announced a partnership with American sports clothing and accessories manufacturer Under Armour, which will allow the South Korean company to give Samsung Gear Fit, Gear S2, and Gear S3 owners access to a number of Under Armour fitness and health-related applications.
As for Samsung Electronics’ take on smart robots, the company believes that these AI-powered companions will find it difficult to break into the market also due to the idea that senior citizens are likely to find them more cumbersome than helpful. However, robots have their uses and according to Yoon Boo-keun, head of Samsung Electronics’ CE Division, the company is “preparing robots for factory automation”. In other words, Samsung Electronics sees the recent advancements in AI and robotics as an opportunity to manufacture AI-powered wearable healthcare devices more efficiently in the production line. Otherwise, artificial intelligence plays an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT) segment which, in Samsung Electronics’ case, is largely carried forward by its C-Lab division.