Artificial intelligence is taking a larger role in household technology, with appliances, furniture, entertainment systems and even pet products becoming more connected and capable of responding to users’ needs.
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, more than 1,900 brands from 49 countries are presenting new products under the theme “The Future is Now.” The event, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliance fairs, highlights a shift from the traditional smart home toward what manufacturers describe as the intelligent home.
The concept goes beyond devices responding to commands. Companies are developing products that can recognise situations, learn preferences and assist with everyday decisions.
Haier, for example, is showcasing a washing machine equipped with a camera and AI technology that can identify clothes inside the drum. The system can warn users if an item such as a red sock has been placed among white clothing.
Haier Europe CEO Neil Tunstall said similar technology is being developed for cooking appliances, which can identify food and adjust settings to make preparing meals easier.
US company Cozyla is also demonstrating how AI could help organise household routines. Its IFA display presents a connected home where digital calendars coordinate family schedules, while recipes can be scanned to assist with meal planning and other household activities.
Technology is also moving into bedrooms. Hong Kong-based BestQi is displaying its AMADA Smart Adaptive Sleeping System, combining an adjustable bed with a mattress that uses sound and vibrations. Each side of the bed can be controlled independently, allowing users to select different positions and settings.
South Korean company Bodyfriend is showcasing advanced relaxation products, including its Quantum Beauty Capsule, which combines a massage chair with LED features for the face and scalp. Its Davinci AI model uses a fingertip sensor to collect biometric measurements such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Home entertainment is another major focus. TCL is presenting connected gaming and display systems while also promoting technology designed to reduce screen distractions. Its NextPaper technology can turn a smartphone into a simplified reading device with fewer notifications and reduced blue light exposure.
The connected home is not limited to people. Singapore-based Petgugu is exhibiting smart pet products, including a self-cleaning cat toilet and a robot designed to collect pet hair and interact with animals while their owners are away.
Robotics is also represented by the MagicDog Y1, a four-legged robot designed for tasks such as following people, carrying equipment, monitoring areas and security work.
The products on display suggest that the future home may depend less on individual smart devices and more on systems that communicate with one another.
IFA 2026 runs until September 8, giving visitors an opportunity to explore developments in home appliances, entertainment, robotics and personal technology. Whether these innovations become everyday household products will ultimately depend on how consumers choose to adopt them.
