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LG Electronics unveiled a comprehensive vision for the future of connected living at CES 2026, creating an ecosystem where artificial intelligence proactively manages household chores, mobility, and industrial infrastructure. Under the leadership of new CEO Teter U, the company introduced "Affectionate Intelligence," a strategy designed to transition from passive smart devices to active, empathetic agents capable of delivering a "Zero Labor Home." By leveraging advanced robotics, wireless display technology, and integrated automotive systems, LG aims to shift its role from a consumer electronics manufacturer to a "smart life solution company" that orchestrates the user experience across all physical spaces.
Key Points
- Affectionate Intelligence: LG’s new AI strategy focuses on empathetic, proactive agents that understand user habits and emotional context rather than simply executing commands.
- Zero Labor Home: The company introduced "agent appliances" and the "Cloyd" robot, designed to autonomously handle complex chores like laundry and cooking preparation.
- Hardware Breakthroughs: The new "Wallpaper TV" is a 9mm-thin, completely wireless OLED display powered by the Alpha 11 AI processor.
- Mobility Expansion: LG demonstrated in-vehicle solutions that turn windshields into augmented reality displays and enable gesture-based communication.
- Infrastructure Pivots: The company is expanding into the data center market with advanced HVAC and liquid immersion cooling solutions to support the global AI computing boom.
Redefining the Home with "Affectionate Intelligence"
The centerpiece of LG's 2026 strategy is the evolution of the smart home into an empathetic ecosystem. Moving beyond traditional connectivity, LG introduced the concept of Affectionate Intelligence, which prioritizes understanding the user's physical and emotional state. This shift drives the company’s "Zero Labor Home" initiative, where devices do not just wait for input but proactively manage the living environment.
Central to this vision is the transition from "smart appliances" to "agent appliances." These devices utilize generative AI to perform complex reasoning. For instance, the new LG Signature refrigerator and oven ranges are equipped with internal cameras and Large Language Models (LLMs). They can identify ingredients, suggest recipes based on shelf-life, and automatically adjust cooking modes for specific outcomes, such as a "meat soft freeze" mode for preservation.
"Innovation only matters when it truly makes our lives better. Two years ago, when everyone was talking about AI, we at LG asked a simple question: What kind of AI do people really need? Our answer was affectionate intelligence. We believe AI should understand people and care about them."
Orchestrating this ecosystem is LG ThinQ On, a central hub that acts as the home's controller, ensuring seamless communication between devices. This is supported by LG Shield, a security framework employing hardware-based encryption to protect user data across the entire operating system and network.
Robotics and Display Innovation
Bridging the gap between digital AI and physical labor, LG debuted Cloyd, a home-specialized robot designed to execute physical tasks. Unlike previous static assistants, Cloyd utilizes a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, allowing it to interpret complex commands and manipulate objects. The robot leverages LG’s proprietary actuator technology—developed through decades of motor innovation—to perform delicate tasks like handling laundry or assisting with food preparation.
In the entertainment sector, LG reclaimed its design leadership with the new Wallpaper TV. This ultra-thin, 9mm OLED display eliminates visible cables and clutter through proprietary wireless technology. The system supports 4K resolution at a 165Hz refresh rate with lossless video and audio transmission.
The display is powered by the upgraded Alpha 11 AI processor (Gen 3), which boasts a 5.6x faster neural processing unit and a 70% increase in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This processing power enables "Hyper Radiant" color technology, making the screen 3.9 times brighter and capable of maintaining perfect blacks even in well-lit environments.
Mobility and Commercial Infrastructure
LG also demonstrated how its consumer technology expertise is being applied to the automotive and commercial sectors. Positioning itself as an "experienced architect" for automakers, LG showcased a future mobility cabin where the windshield transforms into an intelligent canvas. This technology augments reality by overlaying navigation, traffic data, and entertainment directly onto the glass. The system includes advanced gesture recognition and eye-tracking, allowing passengers to interact with the vehicle intuitively or even communicate with pedestrians via external displays.
"We are not a mere automotive supplier of just vehicle components. We are an experienced architect engineering affectionate intelligence, transforming vehicles into smart personalized spaces for our OEM customers."
Beyond consumer-facing products, LG addressed the infrastructural demands of the AI era. Acknowledging that the boom in artificial intelligence requires massive computing power and cooling, the company announced a strategic expansion into data center cooling solutions. Leveraging its expertise in chillers and HVAC systems, LG is deploying liquid immersion cooling and high-efficiency thermal management systems to support global data centers, critical for the sustainable operation of the digital economy.
By vertically integrating its AI capabilities—from the chips in TVs to the cooling systems in data centers—LG is positioning itself to control the entire value chain of the connected experience. The company’s focus for the coming year will likely center on the practical rollout of these "agent" technologies and securing partnerships to standardize its VLA robotics model across the industry.
