AI for all: Samsung’s vision for accessible smart homes

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In a recent chat with Samsung Newsroom, Bona Lee, Vice President and Head of the Customer eXperience (CX) Insight Group at Samsung, shared the company’s “AI for All” vision. It’s all about making sure home appliances and tech work for everybody, no matter your age or abilities.

Lee explained that using home appliances can involve a mix of sight, sound, touch and even physical effort, which can be tricky for some people. That’s why Samsung is working to remove these barriers and make products that anyone can use easily. For example, they’ve added tactile stickers to buttons for a better feel, audio cues for people with visual impairments and adjusted control panels so they’re more accessible for wheelchair users. It’s all about making the user experience click in a way that works for everyone.

One example is the new Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. Older models required users to squint at tiny text or twist and turn dials and knobs, but the new version has a big, clear digital screen and an AI-powered menu that prioritises the most-used settings. So, no more searching for that one cycle you always use — it’s right there. Easy peasy.

If you need some extra help, you can turn on Talkback in the settings menu to have the machine read things out loud or tweak the Visibility settings to make text larger or boost contrast – whatever works for you.

Another standout feature is voice control, which adds a whole new level of convenience. With SmartThings and Bixby, simply saying “I’m going to sleep” can turn off your lights and appliances. Even better, Bixby now recognises your voice with Voice ID, so it can adjust accessibility settings just for you. You can even turn on voice wake-up, so all it takes is a “Hi Bixby” to get started - no buttons, no fuss. For extra reassurance, sound feedback lets you hear different audio cues as you navigate, so you'll know exactly when a setting changes or a command goes through.

For anyone with limited mobility, the Auto Open Door feature lets you open the doors of your home appliances with a tap or a voice command, and is now available on lots of products, including fridges, ovens and dishwashers. It’s all about making things hands-free and more convenient.

Samsung isn’t doing this alone, though. They’re teaming up with external experts like the Korea Centre for Accessibility Assessment & Research and AI startup TUAT Corp. to further improve accessibility. Internally, groups like Samsung Family Supporters and the Accessibility Employee Resource Group are helping make sure that real-world feedback is shaping these solutions.

Samsung wants to create homes that aren’t just smart, but also intuitive and inclusive. They’re focused on weaving accessibility into everything from the very beginning, making sure no one gets left behind.

Which AI-powered smart home feature are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

The Community Team 🤝