On September 5th, 2025, people learn about washing machines in the 2025 Hisense exhibition area of IFA Berlin in Berlin, Germany (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
AI is no longer just an add-on, but it is part of the DNA of a product that is humanity's “intelligent partner.”
BERLIN, September 9 (Xinhua) – Science Fiction stepped into the house from the film screen at Berlin's IFA this year, one of the world's largest appliance and home appliance trade fairs, which ended Tuesday.
Global brands including Haier, Hisense, Bosch and Siemens have announced voice-enabled appliances that support human commands. A washing machine that recognizes dirt, an oven that proposes recipes, and a refrigerator that knocks opens one trend at every point: Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms household chores into completed tasks with simple words and gestures.
Intelligent partner
“AI is no longer just an add-on, but it is part of the product's DNA and a genuine “intelligent partner” of humanity,” said Daniel Sun, Chief Technology Officer of TCL Industries, in an interview with Xinhua. He said the adoption of AI will drive advances in image recognition and natural language processing.
Visitors will shake hands with humanoid robots at IFA Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany on September 5, 2025 (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Among the most eye-catching innovations was Nexlawn, a smart yard care robot similar to a miniature construction vehicle. With advanced sensors and telescope arms, you can mow grass, pull weeds, gather leaves, and greet your pets.
“Smart devices run beyond basic functionality and isolated tasks,” said Li Jian, Nexlawn's Chief Product Officer. “It drives AI perception and algorithmic decision-making, and machines now understand and interact with the environment in a more intuitive, human-like way.”
As a result, consumers are increasingly handed over to robotic repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as housework and garden maintenance. “That way they can spend more time with their loved ones, enjoy life and connect with nature.”
Next Generation Gadget
This year's exhibition highlighted novels with AI powered beyond traditional appliances. The robot's vacuum with mechanical arms got the phone from a narrow gap, and the tennis robot accurately returned the shot. Smart glasses equipped with cameras and algorithms took photos and provided image recognition and instant translation.
People will interact with robot dogs at IFA Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany on September 5, 2025 (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Pet care was a different focus. Connectivity Solutions Provider UCloudLink has debuted the PetPhone, a wearable that allows pets to call owners. Ucloudlink CEO Chen Chaohui said the device uses AI to learn pet behavior patterns and issues real-time health alerts when abnormal activity is detected.
“AI will increasingly shape the future of pet care, from health surveillance to emotional recognition and personalized services,” Chen said. “Smart technology not only enhances the way we care for animals, but also helps to deepen the emotional connection between people and pets while making daily life easier.”
Concerns are rising
With AI products flooding the market, industry experts have also warned of the risks.
Visitors should try out the FPV drone at DJI exhibition area at IFA Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany on September 6, 2025 (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A spokesman for Chinese drone maker DJI stressed that AI is emphasizing that it allows for personalized expressions, rather than “cookie cutter results” or “pre-packaged meals.” She also noted that intelligent algorithms rely heavily on high quality hardware and reliable data.
Axel Kniehl, executive director of marketing and sales at German domestic equipment manufacturer Miele, said “AI fatigue” was set, and many products are sold as AI, but they lack the real ability. “The stickers are everywhere,” he said.
Neil emphasized that it is important whether technology improves consumer lives, as it must serve people rather than itself. ■
