The Smart Cottage, showcased at IFA 2023, not only embodies LG's vision for sustainable living, but also leverages LG's technological expertise to create a commercial product expected to be available in 2024. During my visit to LG headquarters, I experienced LG's strategic planning for smart living solutions through a live demonstration of the LG Smart Cottage at the LG Gasan R&D Center.
Yonu Cho, the person in charge of the Smart House project, said that although LG's business development in the Taiwanese market is mainly focused on consumer electronics, it actually provides many solutions in all aspects of life. The Smart House can be seen as a "product" created by LG's integration of all its technological capabilities, thereby interpreting its imagination of future lifestyles.
Compared to the smart cabin displayed at IFA 2023, the smart cabin actually displayed at LG Gasan R&D Center is relatively smaller, but it still provides sufficient living functions. It can even achieve self-sufficiency in electricity through a combination of solar panels with a single panel providing a power generation efficiency of 4kW. In the future, it will also integrate power generation modes such as wind and geothermal to maintain power supply.
The power supply can be stored through LG Chem's battery design, and the inverter system can be used to supply power to the smart cabin's internal equipment such as lights and air conditioners, and even provide charging for electric vehicles.
If there is extra electricity, you can also choose to export the electricity through the power grid to other locations that need electricity, making electricity a tradable item.
As for the water needed in daily life, LG said that it has currently cooperated with relevant industries and has been able to solve the problem of water acquisition so that the smart cabin can maintain sustainable operation.
The first version of the smart cabin design adopted a fixed size, suitable for 1-2 people. However, the second version now incorporates modular expansion ideas. Recycled materials and environmentally friendly design are used in the building materials. It is also claimed to be able to withstand the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and can ensure living safety through foldable mesh fences and surveillance camera systems.
Due to its modular design, LG emphasizes that the smart cabin can be built by simply leveling the ground. At the same time, its scope of use can be expanded according to needs, or it can be quickly disassembled and moved to different locations for re-use.
The interior features LG's energy-efficient smart appliances, including the Therma V R290 Monobloc air-source heat pump, WashTower AI-controlled washer-dryer, built-in oven, QuadWash Steam dishwasher, induction cooktop, and water purifier, as well as IoT accessories such as door and window sensors.
Users can also use the ThinQ App to view the operating status of home appliances and equipment in real time, control them directly through the App, and even confirm the actual energy usage in the house.
LG plans to officially commercialize the Smart Cabin in 2024, initially launching in South Korea. LG is also in discussions with European and US markets. LG has also established partnerships with external financial and insurance companies to streamline financing and insurance arrangements for Smart Cabin purchases, creating a seamless sales experience.
