Haier is launching a new smart home integrated robot

Haier discussed its smart home-service robot strategy and officially announced its entrance into the service robot field.

Haier and Soft Bank Robotics Group Corp. reached a strategic partnership, the two sides joined hands to explore the service robot market in smart home fields, starting with SBRG's humanoid robot 'Pepper'.

Also, the two parties will jointly develop a special version of Pepper for the smart store and smart home which is based on U+OS, an open system developed by Haier.

'Pepper', SBRG's humanoid robot, is the first robot to be integrated into Haier smart home platform.

Possessing a human-like appearance, it can be linked with a variety of smart appliances and equipment, this includes some smart home security products.

Its unique active and emotional interaction will improve human-machine communication.

For example, Pepper can act as a butler, coordinating all Haier smart appliances in the home, optimising them based on each family's preferences.

In the next 5 years, Haier aims to develop its service robot division into an independent unit, becoming a leader in the domestic robotics industry.

Haier has already made preparations for the channel, service and product levels to promote the popularisation of smart homes and the partnership with SBRG will enhance the strategies of both sides.

Haier Home Appliance VP Wang Ye says, "The service robot is a natural extension and an effective complement to Haier's smart home strategy.

"Haier will continue to improve the features and functions available to consumers from service robots within smart homes and accelerate the development of the industry."

"Furthermore, the cooperation between SBRG and Haier will allow both companies to explore new ways that robots can be used in both domestic and commercial settings."

Haier brands include Haier, Casarte, Leader from PRC, GE Appliances from the U.S., AQUA from Japan and Fisher - Paykel from New Zealand.