What is a Smart Appliance (in simple terms)

As we further navigate into the 21st century, we have already witnessed so many changes in technology and its advancement that everything nowadays is labeled “smart”. In this article, I will be walking you through what is a smart appliance and why it is called a smart appliance.

And at the end of this article, we should be able to understand what are the current and existing smart home appliances that are available under the SDA and MDA categories.

Let’s jump in!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word SMART?

• Smartphone, Smart TV, Smartwatch, Smart Car, Smart Home, Smart Living, Smart City, Smart A** (it’s not what you think- Smart APP), Smart Appliance, and so on.

The list could go on, however, we’re not going to do that as there are too many of them including “smart people”. We’re just going to discuss what is a smart appliance so let’s just leave it that way.

Definition of SMART according to the dictionary (of a device)- programmed so as to be capable of some independent action.

Recognized first SMART device (a bit of Trivia)

In 1992, IBM invented the first smart device, code name Angler.

And in 1994, BellSouth Cellular Corp introduced the first smartphone that was developed by IBM and called Simon.

Where are we now 28 years after the first “smartphone” was introduced? You bet, everything is becoming and connected to be SMART.

And with the arrival of 5G technology, we’re headed to seeing more futuristic devices and equipment imaginable.

Did you know that some countries are already testing 6G technology? Yeah, sure. To some, it is called a 10-year plan. So we can expect or don't be surprised as we approach the year 2030 that more unusual inventions will surface.

How a Smart Appliance is made?

Okay, we have just defined what does the word “smart” means. We also made a quick review of the first smart device. Now, let’s find out how smart appliances are planned and made.

There are three main components for the smart appliance to be realized.

• Client/Customer
  • The client is the one who will buy and market the smart appliance. Generally, it is the client that will be responsible for the incurred expenses in software development.
  • will collaborate with the smart app developer on what type of product will be developed.
  • communicate with the manufacturer for selected product and design that will be developed as a smart appliance.
  • evaluation and approval of development and prototype samples.
  • final decision to launch mass production.
  • approves and release of shipment that goes to the market (for our consumption)

• Smart App developer
  • The app developer is the one who will provide the chip, firmware, and smart application services.
  • collaborate with the client at the initial stages mapping out what design and application will be developed.
  • collaborate with the manufacturer for implementation.
  • update firmware as necessary to meet clients demand.
  • app developer cannot disclose clients design to other customers.

• Manufacturer
  • The manufacturer is the one who will produce the product.
  • collaborate with the client at the initial stages of development.
  • agrees on the terms with the client (client’s selected product design can’t or shouldn’t be offered to other customers).
  • responsible to prepare development and proto-type samples.
  • after clients’ approval to mass-produce, the manufacturer is responsible to prepare all the materials for the launching.
    • the microchip that will be installed in the appliance is normally supplied by the smart app developer.
  • the manufacturer is responsible and must adhere to the agreed quality and delivery.
  • provide aftersales service.

This is the basic flow of how smart appliance is planned and developed. This only applies to new products and designs that a client has initiated.

What is IoT

We have already discussed the fundamentals, now it’s time for us to touch on the smart platform as it is associated with the smart appliances. We are only going to define what is IoT to have basic understanding.

IoT is a broad and complex subject, I don’t want us to get confused. So. let’s just focus on its simplest meaning.

• Internet of Things or IoT (in simple terms)
  • refers to the shared network of linked devices and the technology that process communication between devices and the internet, as well as the communication between the devices themselves.

• What you need for IoT
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • Smartphone (with installed valid app to serve as User Interface)
  • Smart Appliance
  • Smart Home
  • and so on….

• Voice (command) integration to IoT
  • Many smart devices are now can be controlled thru voice commands. That is made possible by the creation of AI digital assistant that are now becoming the trend.
  • you could create voice and gestures command to control all smart devices in your home such as turning the lights ON and OFF, listen to your favorite music, ask your vacuum robot to start cleaning, and so on.

• List of existing (AI) Digital Assistant that responds to voice command
  • Siri (by Apple)
  • Alexa (by Amazon)
  • Google Assistant (by Google)
  • Others (there are many others AI digital/voice assistants)

IoT platform is necessary for smart appliances to get connected and be controlled and monitored anywhere in your home. And in this instance, the role of the smart app provider in designing the software is very crucial. 

Let’s define what is a Smart Appliance

It is called a smart appliance if:

• it can be connected to a hub (a smartphone app).
• be able to be controlled remotely (via smartphone).
• or can operate on its own.

These actions are all based on the input the sensors detected from devices like temperature, light levels, gestures, or activity.

What are the current Smart Appliances under SDA category

Finally, we’re here! We will now indentify the current or existing small domestic appliances that are smart appliances.

Smart Cooking Appliances

Smart Air Fryer

Smart Sous Vide

Smart Pressure Cooker

Other Smart small cooking appliance are available such as Rice Cooker, etc. There could be more out there as the smart appliances gets popular, new designs could come out any time.

Smart Food Proocessing/Preparation Appliances

Smart Coffee Maker/Machine

Smart Electric Kettle

Other Smart small appliance for food processing/preparation are available such as Blender, Bread maker, Kitchen machine, etc. There could be more out there as it gets popular new designs could come out any time.

Floor Care Smart Appliance

Vacuum Robot

Personal Care Smart Appliance

Small Kitchen Scale (used for cooking)

There are also existing smart scales for Personal/Bathroom scale types. Where you can monitor and see your weight thru a smartphone app.

Other Smart Small Domestic Appliances

Smart Air Purifier

Smart Humidifier

Smart Portable Air Cooler/Fans

Smart Portable Heating Appliances

Remarks: Features will all depend on the APP and IoT platform developer. Consequently, it will also depend on what the client think is more important because it will affect the price.

What are the current Smart Appliances under MDA category

Gas Hob Auto Linkage

The most common smart design for Major Domestic Appliances (MDA) is the linkage between a Cooker Hood and Gas Hob.

The linkage happens when you ignite the Gas hob to start cooking. Then your Cooker hood will automatically turn ON to start its job. The ON/OFF switch of Gas Hob can also serve as a control to turn ON/OFF the Cooker Hood.

Induction Hob Auto Linkage

Another type of AUTO LINKAGE is between an Induction hob and Cooker Hood. Using the same principle, when the Induction hob is turned ON/OFF the Cooker hood follows automatically.

Other Major Household Smart Appliance ranges

• Refrigerator
• Oven
• Microwave
• Cooker Hoods (designs that respond to hand gestures, and can do self-cleaning)
• Disinfection cabinet
• Dishwasher
• Washing Machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Air-Conditioning Unit

Most big brands in the household appliances industry have their solutions for making smart appliances. They have the money and resources for innovation and design that includes their smart appliances!

Conclusion

The smart appliances listed above are a representation that technology is advancing. There could be more out there as customers’ demand for smart appliances is growing rapidly.

Smart appliance is the future. However, it has some negative effects on people’s lifestyles and behavior.

People becoming more separated physically! Became lazier (this is just my own opinion about becoming lazy).

Near, yet so Far!

Smart devices especially smartphones have impacted the way we communicate. You’re in the same house but one would just send text messages instead of approaching the other if we have questions to ask.

You will also find it while eating. Before smart devices, we eat with two hands holding either a knife in one hand or fork on the other. Or a spoon on one hand and fork on another hand.

But nowadays you will see different scenery. You will often find a person holding either a fork, a chopstick, a spoon in one hand, and a smartphone in the other. No more conversing because everybody is busy with their smartphone (sad reality).

Smart Appliances and other smart devices have their advantages. People should utilize more those advantages that these smart appliances provide rather than their disadvantages.

So, there you have it folks, again, thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful or if you have questions and suggestions, please leave them in the comment area. And I will be glad to answer them as soon as I can.