BERLIN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is emerging as a transformative force that will define the future development of home innovation, said Axel Kniehl, executive director of marketing and sales at German domestic appliances manufacturer Miele.
Kniehl made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua at this year's IFA in Berlin, one of the world's largest consumer electronics and home appliance trade fairs, which concluded on Tuesday. "What we will see is the coming together of AI and robotics, because robotics without AI doesn't work and AI without robotics doesn't deliver full functionality," he said.
At the five-day IFA fair, AI drew wide attention among roughly 1,900 exhibitors from around the world. According to Kniehl, the true value of AI lies not in its novelty, but in its ability to meaningfully enhance user experience by removing unnecessary complexity and helping people handle daily tasks more easily.
"Take our ovens for instance," Kniehl explained. "They're equipped with an AI-powered camera that automatically identifies the type of food placed inside. The system then proactively suggests the optimal cooking method, whether it should be steamed or baked, and once the user confirms, the oven autonomously manages the entire process."
This intelligence is driven by a vast dataset of millions of food images that continuously train and refine the algorithm, he said. "The oven doesn't just cook; it learns, evolves, and gets smarter over time."
According to the expert, AI's value extends beyond product features. It enables remote diagnostics, allowing many issues to be identified and resolved without a technician visit. At the same time, AI helps users adopt more sustainable habits by optimizing energy and water use, making everyday living not only smarter but also more sustainable and efficient.
Talking about China, Kniehl, who had lived there for several years, said, "Every time I return, I'm amazed. There are always new brands, new digital experiences. The pace of innovation, particularly in the digital space, is both challenging and inspiring for us." "China has been one of our strategic growth markets for many years, and that importance will only continue to grow," he added. ■
