Value is Key to AI Robot Commercial Success

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The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), often described as the technology industry's gala, officially kicked off on January 7 in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest innovations and trendsThis year's theme, "DiveIn," is especially significant as it reflects a collective yearning within the tech community to explore the practical applications and groundbreaking scenarios of artificial intelligence (AI). With AI serving as the heartbeat of the event, industry leaders are eager to share their visions for the future of technology in everyday products.

As we observed from the different exhibition booths and the slogans touted by various firms, embracing AI has transitioned into an essential pursuit across the industryNotably, a marked change from last year’s CES is the surge in home appliance manufacturers actively integrating AI into their product offeringsInstead of merely showcasing technological capabilities, they now emphasize real-world applications that directly benefit consumers.

Among the various participants, numerous Chinese electronic companies, including TCL, presented intriguing perspectives on the synergy between AI and household appliances

TCL's founder and chairman, Li Dongsheng, articulated that "the true value of AI lies in its application." He underscored TCL's commitment to honing AI capabilities that align with genuine market demands rather than offering vague technological solutions.

In stark contrast to the swift integration of AI in personal computing and mobile devices, the marriage of AI with the home appliance sector has been slowHome appliances typically possess a lower frequency of interaction and aren't immediately pressing in the same way as phones or PCs, causing a delay in the adoption of AI technologiesThroughout the past year, we have primarily witnessed the exploration of AI within appliances rather than their full-fledged deployment.

Son Li, CTO of TCL, previously remarked that AI is currently a trend—a universal solution applicable across various domainsThe advent of advanced AI models enhances user intent comprehension significantly, which is indeed impressive

However, the ongoing discourse around AI mostly involves abstract concepts rather than focusing on tangible products that consumers use in their daily lives.

Over the course of the year, the intersection of AI and home appliances has yielded promising results, culminating in a lively exchange of ideas at CES 2025. With the largest exhibition space among Chinese brands, TCL showcased an impressive 2,342 square meters filled with cutting-edge technologies, including Mini LED and printed OLED displaysTheir flagship product, the QD-Mini LED television X11K, features an astonishing 14,000 local dimming zones and reaches a peak brightness of 6,500 nits.

What's more, TCL made headlines by debuting the world's first split-type AI companion robot, Ai MeWith a bionic design and a mobile space cabin base, Ai Me is capable of natural multimodal interactions with users, as well as controlling home appliances and locating people remotely

It continuously learns and adapts to household behavior, aiming to deliver a personalized user experience.

Son Li anticipates two main opportunities within the robotics domain: the first lies in industrial contexts, where aesthetic concerns about the robot's appearance take a backseat to functionality; TCL, known for its extensive manufacturing base, has already begun deploying smart robots for efficient manufacturing processesThe second opportunity presents itself in domestic environments, where robots must forge interactions with both the space around them and the people inhabiting it.

However, the path to commercializing AI robots is fraught with challengesSon Li acknowledged this reality, suggesting that robots still require time to gain traction in householdsCurrently, a gap exists between what users desire from robots and what robotic technology can deliverFor the moment, many robots primarily evoke emotional support, yet significant reductions in production costs are essential for widespread consumer adoption

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Additionally, the issue of weight and size remains concerning; robots must be more user-friendly and integrate seamlessly into home life.

To reach a point of acceptance among the general public, a product's perceived value must exceed its costsThis translates to price points below 1,000 yuan to entice consumers to try these innovationsAssessing the trajectory of robotic evolution reveals that advancements hinge on algorithmic capabilities, chip technology, production costs, and incremental value generationTCL's focus is on continuous product refinement and market introduction, ultimately aspiring to unveil increasingly innovative offerings.

It’s crucial to recognize that AI integration is not just a new chapter but has already inspired numerous enhancements in existing home appliance productsFor instance, in air conditioning units, AI is employed to conserve energy by optimizing compressor operations, leading to an impressive 40% reduction in energy consumption

"We have also incorporated AI voice functionalities into our air conditioners, not just for the domestic market but adapting for diverse international languages as well," Li noted.

As one of the foremost global tech expositions, CES serves dual purposes: showcasing technological prowess among companies and offering vital networking opportunities that can accelerate brand penetration into international marketsTCL, a pioneer in international expansion, boasts numerous factories across the globe, holding a notable market share in North America and EuropeThis year marks 26 years since TCL began its overseas venture, expanding its reach to over 160 countriesThe mantra "If you don't go global, you're out" aptly encapsulates TCL's vision.

However, expanding into international markets is no simple taskIt encompasses myriad challenges, from brand promotion to understanding local business practices

Each region is characterized by distinct regulations, cultural nuances, and operational methodologiesThus, identifying a unified strategy amid these disparities is crucial for successful international ventures.

Left Bo, Vice General Manager of TCL’s Smart Display Business Unit, pointed out that while regional demands showcase significant differences, there are also many commonalities"On one hand, all consumers tend to share a common goal of seeking enhanced living standardsFor example, global consumers desire larger screens, superior audio and visual quality, and immersive viewing experiences with televisions," he elaborated"Conversely, various cultures will inevitably create diverse consumption habits and experiencesOur approach, termed 'global localization,' seeks to balance this dichotomy—aligning broader trends while adapting to local preferences through tailored design."

Throughout its journey of localization, TCL has established global research and development hubs in key regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

These centers are dedicated to localizing and enhancing product designs to resonate with specific user needsThis dual strategy allows TCL to meet universal consumer demands while also addressing region-specific desires.

For manufacturing enterprises, local production is a vital but challenging task fraught with potential pitfallsA representative from TCL’s Mexican manufacturing base emphasized the necessity of thorough research and exploration before venturing into foreign marketsIf a decision to expand is made, it is paramount to engage professional consultancy services for comprehensive understanding.

Moreover, in terms of supply chain management, strengthening local operations is essential, but there must also be a cohesive approach that connects distinct regional markets for improved efficiencySon Li revealed that TCL’s Mexican facility has undertaken several supply optimization initiatives