Samsung Showcases the Potential of Open Ecosystems for Home AI at CES 2026

Introduction to Samsung's Vision for Home AI

At CES 2026, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. hosted an influential panel that gathered industry leaders to discuss a pivotal topic: smart home interoperability. Set amidst the excitement of The Wynn in Las Vegas, this first Tech Forum session was titled "When Everything Clicks: How Open Ecosystems Deliver Impactful AI." Experts took the stage to discuss innovative partnerships and how they can transform everyday living environments into truly intelligent spaces.

The Role of Openness in Home AI

The consensus among panelists was clear: the future of home intelligence requires an open ecosystem approach. As homes become populated with various smart devices and services from different brands, the need for these technologies to function collaboratively grows. Samsung firmly believes that open connectivity is the key to allowing appliances, energy systems, and safety services to work in synergy, thus creating unparalleled user experiences that would be impossible in isolated settings. Yoonho Choi, President and Chair of the Board of the Home Connectivity Alliance, emphasized that a home is not merely a physical space but a deeply personal environment. Therefore, AI must be able to earn the users' trust by operating seamlessly and enhancing their daily lives rather than complicating them.

The Expansive Connected Ecosystem

Samsung astonished attendees by revealing the extent of its connected ecosystem, claiming that more than 500 million users are currently part of the SmartThings community. With over ten years of leadership in connected living, Samsung offers extensive insights into the evolving role of AI in enhancing the home environment. This solid foundation enables Samsung to craft AI experiences that harmoniously blend across diverse appliances and services. Michael Wolf, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Spoon, stressed the need for tangible benefits that elevate daily life, particularly within a well-connected kitchen that allows users to manage their kitchen electronically in a holistic manner.

Transforming Cooperation into Consumer Advantages

The discussion also focused on how open ecosystems can yield tangible benefits for consumers, notably through innovative partnerships across industries. One standout example was Samsung's collaboration with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB)—highlighted as a pioneering achievement in employing smart home data to create real savings for consumers. Jed Usich, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Solutions at HSB, discussed how their partnership leverages simple data points to provide concrete financial benefits and instill consumer confidence in smart home solutions.

Creating Emotionally Intelligent AI

Throughout the session, the importance of designing home AI that feels emotionally intelligent was underscored. For AI to be effective, it must integrate into users' daily routines in a way that feels natural rather than intrusive. Factors such as design aesthetics, engaging storytelling, and thorough behavioral understanding are essential in shaping connected devices into reliable companions that add value to users’ lives. Panelists unanimously concluded that the trajectory of home AI will hinge on collaboration, responsible data usage, and interoperability across the tech sector.

Looking Ahead

As AI technology transitions from being merely functional to becoming ambient and system-wide, Samsung remains committed to fostering open ecosystems that enhance connected living. The vision for the future is clear: by making smart home technology safer, simpler, and more meaningful, Samsung aims to transform the potential of home AI into a reality that significantly contributes to improving everyday life for consumers.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung is a global leader that inspires the world with innovative ideas and technologies. The company is revolutionizing numerous sectors, including TVs, smartphones, wearables, home appliances, and smart technology solutions. Through its extensive SmartThings ecosystem and collaborative approach, Samsung continues to ensure that technology seamlessly integrates into consumers’ lives, delivering intelligence that truly matters.