Technology that applies artificial intelligence, home appliances and health care to sleep management is drawing attention as a next-generation growth industry. But as major conglomerates enter the field, critics also warn of encroachment on smaller, neighborhood-based businesses.
According to market research firm Straits Research, the global sleep tech market topped $20.5 billion (about 30.1 trillion won) in 2024 and is projected to grow to $64.6918 billion (about 95.7 trillion won) by 2033.
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are approaching sleep tech as a “connected life data” business. Sleep tech — short for sleep technology — refers to products and services that use AI, the Internet of Things and big data to measure and analyze sleep data and help users sleep better.
Samsung is upgrading a SmartThings-centered system that links sleep data collected from wearables such as the Galaxy Watch with air conditioners, air purifiers and lighting to automatically create an optimal sleep environment. The system adjusts temperature and brightness based on sleep stages and changes air quality and lighting to match wake-up times.
LG, under its “AI Home” strategy, is also working to extend sleep data across its appliance lineup. It aims to provide personalized sleep environments by linking devices that control air quality and temperature and humidity, and to move sleep data into health management by combining it with health care platforms. LG is also reviewing ways to offer sleep management services tied to its subscription-based appliance business.
As big companies enter with data and appliance ecosystems, the sector is rapidly shifting from product competition to platform competition. Analysts say that if a structure takes hold in which multiple devices are connected around sleep data, market leadership could move to appliance and platform companies.
That prospect is also fueling concerns about disruption by large corporations. With the market still in an early growth stage, critics say companies with deep pockets and platforms could quickly tilt competition by absorbing the market.
Existing sleep tech players are responding by upgrading technology. Coway, seen as a leading player, is expanding its Sleep & Healing Care brand BEREX with motion beds, massage mattresses and sleep-sensor mattresses, while strengthening a strategy to manage the entire sleep process.
Simmons is also bolstering capabilities with premium mattresses, motion beds and hands-on consulting. Jangsu Dolchimdae is pursuing business plans that combine heating technology with sleep and health care functions.
“Sleep tech has strong potential to grow into a high value-added industry by combining sleep data with health care,” an industry official said. But the official added that “if major companies dominate platforms, existing bed makers could be pushed into the role of simple hardware suppliers, making conflict unavoidable as the market is reshaped.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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