Samsung Newsroom is taking a closer look to explore the stories behind Samsung Core Tech in this second installment. To unlock the full potential of every home, consumers require reliable, advanced appliances that boost convenience and eliminate hassle. Samsung has identified and answered this need with Core Tech, a philosophy comprised of four key themes — Outstanding, AI-Powered, Flexible Use and Durable & Sustainable. By introducing innovative technologies across its wide range of home appliances that follow these key principles, Samsung ensures that users optimize their living spaces and enrich their homes with unparalleled efficiency and ease.

WindFree: Cooling Redefined by Tradition

A prevalent pet peeve for air conditioner users is feeling a chilly breeze that is too strong when their units are running. To solve this issue, Samsung has developed a brand-new feature inspired by the traditional Korean practice of stone ice storage, known as seokbinggo. Essentially an ancient form of refrigeration, seokbinggo managed to keep items cool without cold drafts — making it an ideal source of inspiration for this new feature.

The WindFree air conditioner was successfully launched in 2015 after four years of extensive research and development. This ‘Outstanding’ piece of technology helps cool rooms gently and evenly by dispersing air through more than 23,000 micro air holes,¹ so users feel as if they’re floating inside a cool, comfortable cloud.

▲ WindFree cooling – part of the ‘Outstanding’ category – helps you stay comfortably cool without feeling cold

AI Cleaning: Meet the World’s First UL-Verified AI-Powered Cordless Stick Vacuum

A vacuum cleaner that works well on wooden floors but suddenly struggles when it’s moved on carpets results in an inconvenient cleaning experience. The Bespoke Jet AI, the world’s first UL-verified AI cordless stick vacuum cleaner,² relieves that kind of stress since it optimizes the cleaning mode according to floor types. But the question remains — how does this ‘AI-Powered’ stick vacuum determine what type of floor it is placed on?

The Bespoke Jet AI detects brush load and meticulously analyzes the data collected to classify floor type. Then, it automatically applies a smart algorithm to deliver the optimal suction power and brush roll speed³ tailored for the specific cleaning environment.⁴ The result is a clean carpet or a shining hardwood floor — ensuring peace of mind for users every time.

▲ AI Cleaning represents ‘AI-Powered’ innovations in vacuum cleaners

Auto Open Door: For Everyone’s Flexibility

Why do refrigerator doors sometimes refuse to open? The internal pressure of a fridge drops as it chills, generating a suction effect that resists users’ efforts to open the door. To make opening fridge doors a breeze, Samsung designed the convenient Auto Open Door⁵ feature.

Boasting 27 patents from seven countries, this innovation is a game changer for those who find opening fridge doors to be a challenge. Designed to be used with one simple touch this thoughtful feature helps make the refrigerator more accessible to a wider range of users. Created to enhance the ‘Flexible Use’ of home appliances, Auto Open Door also comes in handy when users have their hands full of groceries.

▲ Auto Open Door helps you open door with less effort by releasing the seal⁶ when you lightly touch them, enhancing accessibility and allowing for more ‘Flexible Use’

Less Microfiber Filter and Cycle: Reduce Microplastics in Drained Water

Microplastics pose a significant threat to ocean ecosystems, and around half a million tonnes of microplastics are released into the ocean from laundry every year.⁷

Samsung has consistently considered the impact of microplastics when researching advanced technologies and worked together with Patagonia. These dedicated efforts led to the introduction of the Less Microfiber Cycle in 2022 and the Less Microfiber Filter in 2023 – some of the latest additions to Samsung Core Tech’s ‘Durable and Sustainable’ category. Both the Less Microfiber Cycle and the Less Microfiber Filter help reduce microplastic emission in the rinse water.

Samsung has continued its efforts by providing the Less Microfiber Cycle update through SmartThings⁸ since this past August⁹ so users can easily download and run the cycle.

Samsung’s commitment to decreasing microplastics emission in the rinse water has gone noticed, as evidenced by the Less Microfiber Filter being recognized as one of TIME’s “The Best Inventions of 2023” in October.

▲ The Less Microfiber Cycle and the Less Microfiber Filter– some of the latest additions to Samsung Core Tech’s ‘Durable and Sustainable’ category – help reduce microplastic emission in the rinse water

Samsung’s Core Tech has been developed through years of dedicated research — guided by customer-centric studies and observations — all with the aim of enriching the daily experience of Samsung home appliance users. Not only does this philosophy define the past, it’s a glimpse of the future. Samsung will remain committed to developing new solutions that reimagine user convenience.

In the upcoming installment of the series, Samsung Newsroom will sit down with Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of R&D Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics to learn more about the history and concepts that serve as the driving force behind Samsung Core Tech. So stay tuned!

¹ This features the AR9500T WindFree Air Conditioners.
² In May 2023 it was the first cordless stick vacuum cleaner to receive AI certification from UL Solutions, a leading independent safety science organization.
³ The brush rotation speed (rpm) can only be adjusted when using the Active Dual Brush.
⁴ The ability to identify different cleaning environments can be affected by environmental conditions.
⁵ The door automatically opens about 25 mm wide. If users do not open the door further, it will close automatically after two seconds. Automatic closing may not be possible in certain environments.
⁶ The door automatically opens about 25mm. If you do not open the door further, it will close automatically after 2 seconds (automatic closing may not be possible in certain environments).
⁷ “Fashion’s tiny hidden secret,” sourced from United Nations Environment Programme (www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret).
⁸ Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
⁹ Started first from Korea and detailed schedules may vary up to regions, for applicable models only

– Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of R&D Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics

The Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo, featuring Digital Inverter Heat Pump technology, was a showstopper at Samsung Electronics’ booth at IFA 2023. This innovative product attracted the attention of many visitors for its ability to seamlessly handle both washing and drying functions within a single machine — all while improving space efficiency in compact laundry rooms. Powering this appliance’s capabilities is none other than “Core Tech,” a philosophy that underscores Samsung’s home appliances.

▲ The Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo, built from Samsung’s Core Tech philosophy, stole the spotlight at IFA 2023 with its cutting-edge innovation.

Introduced at this year’s IFA, the Core Tech concept reveals the vision behind Samsung’s home appliances as well as what drives the company to consistently push the boundaries of innovation. Through this three-part series, Samsung Newsroom will dive into the essence of Core Tech, showcasing its diverse applications in Samsung’s home appliances.

Inside Samsung Home Appliances: Core Tech

“When we first kicked off with developing the Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo, we weren’t seeking opportunities for moderate changes. We were aiming to create something completely different,” said Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of R&D Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “I focused on securing enough time and freedom for our engineers to explore. Driven by the Core Tech philosophy, they ultimately developed a product that exceeded expectations.”

Core Tech is comprised of four key themes — “Outstanding,” indicating Samsung’s unique or first-introduced features; “AI-Powered,” representing the use of artificial intelligence and the pursuit of automation to reduce the need for user action; “Flexible Use,” enabling customization for diverse lifestyles; and “Durable & Sustainable,” emphasizing both product and environmental sustainability. The Bespoke AI Washer & Dryer Combo exemplifies these ideas, incorporating proprietary technologies such as AI Ecobubble and custom AI-driven washing and drying capabilities that optimize efficiency and performance. Moreover, it helps users save energy by connecting to AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy.

▲ Through the four themes — Outstanding, AI-Powered, Flexible Use and Durable & Sustainable — Samsung Core Tech embodies the key values driving the company’s technologies.

“The paradigm of home appliances has changed completely. A refrigerator is no longer merely a cold box with doors, and a washer is far beyond a water-spewing, tub-spinning machine. We have entered an era where the focus is on evolving lifestyles and tailored experiences,” said Lee. “In this sense, Core Tech stands as both a testament to Samsung Electronics’ past innovations and a guiding beacon for the future, encompassing our social responsibility moving forward.”

 “The four themes of Core Tech are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Ultimately, the goal is to provide unique solutions — even for problems consumers may not yet recognize.”

– Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of R&D Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics

Breaking Down Core Tech Themes: Innovations in Home Appliances

Outstanding signifies the technologies unique to Samsung’s home appliances branded with patents and the company’s commitment to enhancing consumer lifestyles. Notable technologies in this category include AI Ecobubble which optimizes laundry performance with bubbles to help detergents better penetrate fabrics; WindFree Cooling which creates a comfortable environment without cold drafts; and Beverage Center inside the fridge which provides quick and easy access to cold drinks.

▲ Part of Core Tech’s Outstanding, the AI Ecobubble ensures powerful but gentle cleaning at low temperatures.¹

AI-Powered represents the evolving home appliance products, emphasizing how artificial intelligence and automation can reduce user intervention. This advancement can be especially beneficial for those who have become too familiar with conventional appliances and are unfamiliar with ways to better use them. Samsung’s AI-powered appliances learn usage patterns, provide tailored recommendations and optimize settings automatically — ultimately redefining user convenience.

▲ AI Pro Cooking, a standout feature within Core Tech’s AI-Powered category, analyzes ingredients placed inside using its built-in camera and recommends optimal recipes.

Flexible Use allows customization of home appliances to meet diverse user preferences, such as region, generation or physical environment. For instance, the FlexZone in the refrigerator allows users to store food, wine and other items properly by adjusting the mode in the designated zone. The Dual Cook Flex Oven expands culinary possibilities by dividing its cavity and door into two, allowing users to prepare multiple dishes at different temperatures.

▲ Flexible Storage in Core Tech’s Flexible Use pillar allows consumers to store food in various ways.

Lastly, Durable & Sustainable embodies Samsung’s commitment to extend product lifespan and enable users to make eco-conscious decisions. It is crucial for home appliances since they are used for extended periods and continuously plugged in. This category contains technologies such as the Digital Inverter Compressor and Motor that help save energy and the Less Microfiber Cycle, which is a result from working together with Patagonia, to reduce microplastic emissions during wash cycles.

▲ The Digital Inverter Motor contributes to energy efficiency and durability and falls under Core Tech’s Durable & Sustainable category.

In essence, the four pillars of Core Tech — Outstanding, AI-Powered, Flexible Use and Durable & Sustainable — collectively address overarching concerns in the world of home appliances. Executive Vice President Lee emphasized the interconnectedness of these themes: “These four themes are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.” For instance, the Less Microfiber Filter for washers can be installed in a choice of ways² flexibly (Flexible Use), but considers the product’s environmental impact (Durable & Sustainable). “Ultimately, the goal is to provide unique solutions — even for problems consumers may not yet recognize — by digging deeper and observing the demands of our users,” he added.

Core Tech not only embodies the cutting-edge technologies in the home appliances market but also looks forward to the future. Samsung has consistently offered distinctive solutions through careful evaluation of the value its products bring to consumers. In the second part of this series, we will dive into the different stories of Core Tech and explore key technologies through an array of videos.

1 Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.
² Must be installed higher than the washing machine drain.