Samsung and LG are launching new robot vacuum cleaners with AI technology to compete for a bigger share of the market in Korea, where Chinese brands currently hold more than 60% of sales.
Korean companies are focusing on adding security features to their vacuums in order to compete with cheaper Chinese models that have gained market share by being more affordable.
Samsung started preselling its new robot vacuums, the Bespoke AI Steam Ultra and Bespoke AI Steam Plus, through its stores, website, and online retailers. These models will officially launch on March 3.
The new vacuums are stronger, with suction power up to 10 watts, twice as strong as old models. They also have an AI function that can keep away liquids, like spilled water or pet urine, while cleaning. This helps maintain suction power, as moisture can lower cleaning performance. Samsung added EasyPass wheels that let the vacuums cross doorsteps and small raised edges, making it easier to clean areas like living room mats.
Samsung also focused on making these vacuums more secure. The vacuums use the company's Knox Matrix system to prevent hacking and store sensitive information, like passwords, in a secure chip. They also encrypt images and video data to avoid leaks. Plus, the vacuum along with its charging station both use steam cleaning to improve hygiene and performance. The charging dock can even fit in tight spaces, like under kitchen cabinets.
LG is also emphasizing security in its vacuums. After privacy concerns, including reports of recorded footage being leaked, LG introduced its own security system called LG Shield to protect personal data.
Chinese brands are not staying behind. Roborock, a top seller in Korea, introduced a new model called the Saros Rover, which can climb stairs thanks to special legs. Dreame also launched the Cyber X, which uses special wheels to navigate stairs.
Chinese companies are also operating to reassure Korean customers about security, with Roborock promising to encrypt all data as well as follow Korean laws to protect user privacy.
