The IFA 2026, Europe’s largest consumer electronics show, concluded on September 8. This year, Chinese companies showcased a significant number of AI appliances and humanoid and service robots, demonstrating advanced technology. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics prominently featured their concepts of 'AI assistants' for household tasks, indicating a shift in IFA from a traditional electronics exhibition to a competitive arena for AI and robotics technology.
According to industry sources, IFA 2026, which took place in Berlin, Germany, expanded its focus beyond traditional appliances to include AI, robotics, and digital health, aligning with the exhibition's theme, 'The Future Is Now.' The emphasis has shifted from last year's focus on 'AI Home' to 'Physical AI,' where AI and robots interact with people in real-world settings.
Samsung presented its 'AI Living' concept, integrating appliances, TVs, mobile devices, and wearables. LG showcased its AI home hub 'ThinQ On' and the functional AI agent 'ThinQ Claw,' which anticipates user needs and executes necessary functions. This indicates a broader role for AI, evolving from product control to managing overall household tasks.
The presence of robots at the show was notably enhanced. IFA introduced 'Robots on the Runway' for the first time, featuring 11 types of humanoid robots performing dances and martial arts. Chinese companies like Unitree and Aijibot showcased their innovations, with some even engaging in sales inquiries and business discussions on-site. This marked the first time robots occupied a dedicated stage at a consumer electronics exhibition.
The competition in robotics extended beyond humanoids. Chinese firms, initially focused on robotic vacuum cleaners, have expanded their offerings to include robots designed for specific tasks, such as window cleaning and lawn maintenance. Some robots demonstrated the ability to perform complete tasks, such as tightening screws or handling laundry. The commercialization of task-specific robots is progressing faster than that of general-purpose humanoids.
Industry analysts noted that China played a central role in this trend. This year, 932 Chinese companies participated in IFA, nearly half of the total exhibitors. Established electronics brands like TCL, Hisense, and Haier were joined by specialized robotics firms. The increase in participation was not just in numbers; the range of exhibits expanded to include high-efficiency, premium appliances, AI ecosystems, and robotics. Xiaomi, in its first IFA appearance, showcased a seamless integration of smartphones, appliances, and vehicles, along with its own AI semiconductors and models. This shift indicates that Chinese companies are moving beyond 'value-for-money' appliances to compete on technology platforms in Europe.
Domestic companies are also accelerating their robotics initiatives. LG presented its home robot 'Cloyde' as a hub connected to AI appliances, expanding the role of robots as 'AI assistants.' LG announced plans for a robot platform that includes both wheeled and bipedal designs. While Samsung emphasized its SmartThings-based AI home at IFA, it recently established a dedicated organization for robotics, preparing to enter the humanoid market.
Meanwhile, industry experts suggest that with the confirmed technological gap between Chinese and domestic companies, Samsung and LG must advance their AI home and robotics offerings to secure market leadership. Baek Seung-tae, head of LG's HS Business Division, stated, 'While it may not be immediate, robots will ultimately reach a peak. In a zero-labor home, the most crucial form factor will be robots.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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