BERLIN: The AI-powered home moved closer to reality at IFA 2026 as technology companies showcased appliances and robots designed to understand context, coordinate devices and perform household tasks.
The consumer technology show ran from September 4 to 8 at Messe Berlin. Smart-home demonstrations increasingly emphasised autonomous coordination rather than conventional app or voice control.
LG Electronics introduced ThinQ Claw, a text-based AI agent that interprets users’ intentions and circumstances. LG says it can remember preferences and coordinate connected appliances and services, rather than requiring users to build individual automation routines.
For example, LG demonstrated ThinQ Claw using grocery information to suggest a meal and connect relevant refrigerator and oven functions.
Another demonstration used calendar information to recommend switching off devices and pausing automations before a household trip.
Meanwhile, Roborock showcased the Saros Z70 robot vacuum with a foldable five-axis OmniGrip mechanical arm. The machine can identify and move certain small objects before cleaning previously blocked areas.
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Other manufacturers presented similar AI-home strategies. TCL demonstrated its AI-focused NXTHOME ecosystem, while Hisense showed systems designed to coordinate appliances across kitchens, laundry areas and living spaces.
Underlying those systems is the continuing push for interoperability. The Connectivity Standards Alliance released Matter 1.6 in June with improvements for device setup, multi-ecosystem management and context-driven controls.
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AI assistants are also becoming more deeply connected to household devices. Amazon says Alexa+ can manage smart homes through natural conversation.
Google’s Gemini for Home is replacing traditional Google Assistant interactions with more contextual exchanges.
However, fully autonomous homes remain a developing concept. Compatibility, privacy, security and the reliability of AI-generated actions still limit how independently these systems can operate.
