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
Tag Archives: siemens
Siemens in Germany opens an online sales channel
Siemens Hausgeraete has opened an online shop on its website that allows German consumers to purchase its entire range of built-in and freestanding appliances. BSH Sales Manager Germany Michael Mehnert calls it an information platform that brings potential buyers closer to the scope of the assortment. Users can select products based on categories, energy efficiency class, price range and availability. Products can be purchased online or through a retailer’s web (e.g. MediaMarkt-Saturn or Euronics
Siemens launches its new extra-capacity fridge
Siemens launches its new extra-capacity refrigerators, designed with 45% more space than the standard. These new appliances (1.93 cm high and 70.8 cm wide) feature sturdy glass shelves, finished with blackSteel profiles, in perfect combination with the new ovens and hobs of the Siemens studioLine range. The hinges, thanks to the softClosing system, ensure the automatic closing of the refrigerator when an angle of 20° (or less) is reached. In addition, the interior lighting can be controlled and set via the Home Connect app. Finally, the No Frost technology allows for optimal air distribution by preventing the formation of frost
BSH achieves record €15.9bn sales in 2022, retaining top spot in Europe
Leading German appliance brand BSH has celebrated record growth for a third year running, achieving sales of €15.9bn in the 2022 financial year, despite challenges
BSH managed a growth of 2.5% on the previous year (currency-adjusted of 4.2%) despite supply bottlenecks, increased material prices and higher logistics and energy costs.
In addition, the company said that over the two previous years, it has benefited from a boom in the consumer goods business caused by the pandemic. This increased demand fell last year, while inflation rose sharply at the same time.
CEO Dr Matthew Metz commented: “Thanks to the loyalty of our consumers and trading partners, our strong global brand portfolio, our innovative products and services and the great commitment of our employees, we have mastered the past year well.
“Our aspiration for the current year: We want to continue growing profitably in all regions and product categories. In addition to managing the significantly increased costs – for example in the areas of energy, material and personnel – the focus is on making our supply chains even more resilient.”Stable growth in all regions
In the Americas region including the USA and Canada, BSH once again showed above-average growth in the 2022 financial year, with an increase of 16%. While in Europe, it remained No.1, despite delivery bottlenecks and increased energy and material prices, which were particularly noticeable in this region.
For the entire Asia-Pacific/Africa region, BSH achieved sales growth of 2% compared to the previous year. Due to special effects, such as restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, BSH recorded a decline of 4% in China. On the other hand, sales in the growth markets increased at an above-average rate, particularly in India and the Middle East.
With a clear view of the future, BSH is setting the course for future growth today. “Our central concern is to understand local needs in the markets and to develop and produce home appliances that meet consumer needs and improve the quality of life in their homes. For us, market proximity and international growth go hand in hand,” Dr Metz explains.
“At the same time, we are expanding globally. From 2024 we will be manufacturing refrigerators for the North American market in a new factory in Mexico. We have also invested in the Asia-Pacific and Africa region: In India, we have expanded our production in Chennai. And last week we celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for our stove factory in Cairo.
Product categories cooling and dishwashing with strong growth
The strongest sales driver in the past financial year was the cooling product category with an increase of 8.8% on the previous year, closely followed by the sink product category, which was able to increase 8%. Cooking, the top-selling product category, grew by 2.8%. Here, however, the market was waiting for an important model change, a new oven series, which is due in spring 2023. Laundry care and consumer products, the small home appliance division, saw declines of 6% and 6.2%, respectively.
BSH customer service with its comprehensive range of services achieved a 2.2% increase in sales. Around 15,000 employees work in over 50 countries every day. 83% of all repairs can be done right away. This performance is also reflected in the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which continuously measures satisfaction with customer service, BSH said. The score rose again by two points to the outstanding value of 73 points. The success of customer service can also be seen in regular awards. In 2022, the German daily newspaper “Welt” awarded German customer service for the eleventh time in a row for first-class service from the Bosch and Siemens brands. The Bosch brand even emerges from the ranking as No. 1 in the entire household appliance industry, closely followed by Siemens in second placeIn 2022, BSH presented a range of innovative digital products and solutions, it said. The new premium oven series from Bosch and Siemens (shown top) was among these, while the Smart Kitchen Dock presented last year bundles a wide variety of Alexa and Home Connect functions and thus enables access to all services of the Home Connect platform as well as to recipe apps with smart cooking support such as Kitchen Stories, the company added.
For the Chinese market, BSH uses air quality sensors from Bosch in its refrigerators. These recognise bad smells immediately and automatically clean the air in the refrigerator with the help of active oxygen. In this way, 99% of all bacteria and viruses and 90% of all odours can be eliminated, the company claims. In addition, the networked device informs consumers via smartphone when food has gone bad.
The Bosch Group – and thus also BSH – is a member of the “Connectivity Standards Alliance”, an association of numerous large companies that are simplifying the smart home world with the new Matter connection standard. In the future, it will be possible to operate Matter-enabled household appliances from BSH and household appliances from other manufacturers in just one app.
In addition, expenditure on research and development increased by 5.3% compared to the previous year – BSH invested a total of €840m euros, which BSH is using to promote digital, consumer-oriented products and innovations.
Sustainable solutions along the entire value chain
BSH has been developing and manufacturing CO₂-neutral at all locations worldwide since 2020. One of the biggest levers for this is the constant increase in energy efficiency in production. In 2022, BSH saved around 33.4 GWh of energy with more than 230 energy efficiency measures worldwide. Self-generated green electricity is increasingly covering electricity requirements. BSH has set itself the goal of covering 100% of its electricity needs with green electricity by 2030.
In order to make the value chain more sustainable, the home appliance manufacturer is working with partners on new solutions. These include the use of recycled plastics and so-called green steel. These materials are used, for example, in the new Bosch Green Collection refrigerator, which will be launched in Europe in May. Thanks to the use of recycled, CO₂-reduced and CO₂-neutral materials, the resulting CO₂ footprint from the material is a third lower than that of the identically constructed comparison model with conventional materials
Siemens coffee shop in John Lewis
The very first Siemens coffee brand shop now live in John Lewis Cambridge uk
Siemens New built-in appliances
Siemens New iQ700 series of built-in appliances
First series of ovens that use intelligent algorithms to adapt baking and roasting results to personal preferences
Expansive surfaces of dark glass contribute to the calm and elegant lines
Operation via generously-sized and high-contrast full-touch TFT display
Siemens New EQ900 fully automatic espresso machine
- The baristaMode allows the user to additionally adjust all brewing parameters
- The beanIdent technology automatically identifies the optimal settings for all brewing parameters for the coffee bean the user has chosen
- Two bean containers with one eGrinder each leave users full flexibility to always enjoy the original taste of their favorite coffee beans
Siemens New iQ700 washing machine and dryer New iQ700 washing machine and dryer
10 kg appliances with energy efficiency class A.
Connected i-Dos precision dosing system that saves detergent and water
With detergentScan in the Home Connect app, i-Dos adjusts precisely to the detergent used
Additional option for quickly freshening up wrinkled clothes
New Mini Load option for fast, water- and energy-saving cleaning of small laundry batches
iQ700 dryer now with varioSpeed
Siemens
Siemens Appliances updates its positioning and brand image by responding to the evolving needs of its higher-end consumers for a “new kind” of progress . The brand reshaping project was illustrated by the company at Eurocucina 2022 , in the BSH Group stand , and is based on a research commissioned by Siemensand conducted in 7 countries to examine the new concept of progress. More than 70% of respondents, regardless of income and educational level, say they are ready to replace the ideal of progress, understood as something of ever higher value and rapidly rising, with a more balanced version, which includes relationships significant, well-being and protection of the planet .
The new corporate identity of Siemens wants to represent the commitment towards more significant progress and the desire to be in the driver’s seat for a more sustainable future. The intelligent technology of its products, which are increasingly connected, is destined to solve a series of problems that go far beyond people’s individual lives. “ With our people-focused, research-based brand, we cater to consumers and all their daily needs, enabling them to achieve their goals effortlessly ,” said Matthias Ginthum, Chief Markets Officer of BSH Appliances .
Starting from June 2022, the new communication campaign of Siemens appliance s makes its debut in all the key markets of the brand and is addressed to a specific demographic: curious consumers, in search of progress and with great affinity towards the latest technologies. This target therefore represents progress seekers who put well-being at the center , trying to have a lower impact on the environment and with a greater emphasis on meaningful relationships.
Based on these assumptions, the design of the products and of the brand in general has also been reshaped to focus on a new visual identity system , which seeks greater dynamism and modernity. Also new are the colours that will identify Siemens from today: midnight blue, optical white will be joined by the characteristic Siemens petrol green . Thanks to the effectiveness of the combination of typography and images, the design now fully reflects the brand’s even more 360-degree approach to the concepts of progress and the future with a metropolitan, elegant character, suitable for unique and high-profile personalities. Consumers will be able to touch the new design firsthand in over 8500 Siemens Home Appliances stores,including showrooms, flagship stores and shop-in-shops spread all over the world. The new campaign has a special focus on brand-owned channels and social media.
The new range of iQ700 ovens, the heart of the smart kitchen
The newest member of the smart cooker family, the iQ700 oven with “Individual Browning” , was featured in the “Home for Progress” by Stephanie Baltz, Head of Marketing, Region Europe at BSH . Siemens therefore demonstrates how connected cooking is evolving with the support of avant-garde technologies, such as AI, which take the user experience to levels never seen before. The iQ700 range of ovens, flagship products of Siemens connected home appliances, real assistants with digital support addressed to all consumers who want to have complete control of their experience in the kitchen, is is designed for anyone who aspires to cook according to their specific needs. Connected appliances in the Intelligent Kitchen accompany Siemens consumers on the entire culinary journey – from shopping to storage, from food preparation to presentation and washing dishes – in a sustainable and healthy way
Record results for BSH group
BSH Hausgeräte GmbH (BSH) achieved its highest-ever turnover in the 55 years of its existence for the second consecutive year. In the 2021 fiscal year, BSH generated turnover of €15.6 billion, or a year-over-year increase of over 12%.
News of the record results have come at the same time as an announcement by group CEO and Chairwoman, Carla Kriwet, that she would be leaving the company for personal reasons. Her departure on April 30, 2022, was, she said, in order to continue her professional career outside the Bosch Group.
BSH grew its turnover sharply in all regions in the 2021 fiscal year. The manufacturer benefited from global demand for high-quality home appliances, its strong global brand portfolio, and innovative digital services for consumers.
BSH remains the undisputed market leader in the Europe region, growing its turnover by 9% last year. In particular, it recorded good growth in the major Western European markets, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy, as well as Northern Europe and Turkey.
BSH increased its turnover in the Americas (USA and Canada) by a strong 23%.
BSH posted an 18% year-over-year increase in turnover for the Asia-Pacific/Africa region as a whole. BSH was able to grow its turnover by 17% year-over-year in the Chinese market, the largest in the region. BSH remains the leading non-Chinese home appliance manufacturer in China.
The strongest turnover driver in the 2021 fiscal year was the Refrigeration product category, which posted a year-over-year growth of 20%, followed by the product category Cooking (ovens +14%, cooktops and ventilation +13%). Turnover in Laundry Care grew by 9%. Dish Care grew its turnover by 7%. Small appliances (consumer products), such as automatic coffee machines, food processors and vacuum cleaners, also performed positively, growing by 9%.
BSH’s Customer Service, which has won multiple awards, likewise increased its turnover by 4% year-over-year. The approximately 15,000 BSH customer service staff and their service partners continued supporting consumers in some 50 countries without interruption in the second year of the coronavirus pandemic.
growing its local development centres in China, Egypt and Mexico, and with its expanded and new production facilities in those regions, BSH is underscoring its aim to place a stronger focus on addressing the specific needs of consumers in different markets. At the same time, regional production reduces transport routes and supply chains, thus making a major contribution to decreasing CO2 emissions.
Research and development spending in 2021 rose by €47m to €755m, or 5% of the total turnover. The focus moving forward will remain on consumer-centric innovations, IoT solutions, digitalisation of the entire value chain, and establishing a functioning circular economy.
BSH’s development and production operations at all its locations worldwide have been carbon-neutral since 2020. Since September 2021, BSH has procured green steel from Salzgitter AG with a 66% lower carbon footprint to manufacture washing machines at its Polish plant in Łódź. In addition, BSH also aims for all of its locations to be completely supplied with green electricity by 2030.
BSH increasingly uses recycled materials to produce new appliances – its target is for the home appliances it makes to contain a minimum of 25% recycled materials by 2025. That percentage is to be at least doubled to 50% by 2030. At the same time, BSH set the goal of increasing the proportion of recyclable materials contained in its appliances to at least 80% by 2025 and at least 95% by 2030.
BSH continues to invest in new business models, such as the “Refurbished” pilot project recently launched in Austria. For the first time, professionally refurbished Bosch washing machines are offered for sale along with a manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, consumers have been able to lease home appliances in Germany and the Netherlands under the subscription model of BlueMovement since 2021. The sharing model WeWash was launched in 2016 and offers residents in large condominiums in Germany and Austria the option of booking a washing machine by app and cashless payment for each washing cycle.
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