Siemens asked the question as clearly as possible: What does artificial intelligence mean for us? What does AI mean, for example? in the kitchen and in the rest of the home?

The German manufacturer, in its “Garden of Intelligence” at the IFA fair, itself provided a number of rather good answers.

Artificial intelligence is, for example, often something we overlook. Because we as consumers do not update that the product has become intelligent. We don’t need to talk to an “Alexa” or another robot until something is actually “artificially intelligent” to us.

“The artificial angel is bigger than the individual product. Bigger than the oven or coffee machine. Bigger than the washing machine talking to the dryer”.

“Artificial intelligence is about saying ‘hello’ – and that all your white goods and household appliances then listen and learn. Let’s not talk so much about the individual appliances. Let’s say hello to them and see what they can do”, said Siemens’ German product manager.

Siemens then gave simple and clear examples of precisely the artificial intelligence built into their products. For example in the dishwasher’s program selection, where the machine quickly discovers that the consumer only normally uses two or three programmes. Therefore, the machine, step by step, takes this into account, as there is of course the possibility behind it that the consumer can choose far more advanced programs for. e.g. glass washer or other.

The refrigerator is also aware that today’s consumer makes fewer and larger purchases. Therefore, the refrigerators have systems built in that keep food fresh longer. There is simply more space, more light and more temperature zones.

“The white goods have, almost without us realizing it, become intelligent problem solvers”. it sounded from Siemens.

The refrigerators are also getting bigger. Siemens presented, like its colleagues from Bosch, new XL refrigerators, which measure 194 centimeters in height and 77 centimeters in width as standard. Up to 45% more “utility value” or storage space in the same product.

Finally, Siemens was also involved in the trend for products to clean themselves and partially repair themselves. The Eco900 coffee machine is able to “clean itself”. The washing machine itself tells the consumer about the fault it has found or is about to find, e.g. a clogged filter. After this, the consumer can solve the problem himself or with simple help from a distance – without expensive service visits.

The role of the appliance service man is changing.

Last, but perhaps not least, Siemens withdrew the guarantee to supply key spare parts by five years. Siemens now guarantees a 15-year supply of critical spare parts against a previous ten-year guarantee. To that extent, sustainability has become a competitive parameter