▲ The Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator opens with a light touch.

Today, Auto Open Door is available across a range of appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.[1]

Washer-dryers and dishwashers open automatically at the end of a cycle for better hygiene and more convenience.

Starting this year, users don’t even need to say “Hi Bixby” to activate Auto Open Door — a simple command like “Open the fridge door” is enough.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Nae-young Park from the Washing Machine Module Lab, Digital Appliances (DA) Business, and Chang-Woo Han from the AI Solution Team, Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics to learn how the feature came to life.

▲ (From left) Nae-young Park and Chang-Woo Han

Q. What Inspired the development of Auto Open Door?

Park: When putting groceries into the refrigerator or loading laundry into the washing machine, users often had to set down what they were carrying just to open the door. With washing machines, leaving laundry inside after a cycle could lead to lingering moisture and musty odors. We developed this feature to ease those inconveniences while also considering hygiene.

Q. What aspects did you focus on most during development?

Park: We considered several factors, including opening angle and speed, to make sure the door opened in a stable, natural way. Angles were tested in one-degree increments, and the structure was fine-tuned to create an experience that didn’t feel too slow or too fast. For washing machines, we even measured oxygen concentration at different door angles to find the optimal setting for smooth air circulation — effectively reducing residual moisture in the drum.

Q. How was the voice-activated door–opening feature designed to work without calling Bixby?

Han: Because the system had to recognize commands without a wake-up phrase, it needed to remain in standby and respond quickly. That required balancing energy efficiency with responsiveness, using low-power, low-latency technology. To achieve this, we implemented low-power keyword detection and on-device automatic speech recognition (ASR) — detecting the user’s voice, identifying phrases like “Open the fridge door” and using on-device ASR to accurately interpret and execute the command.

Q. What efforts went into making the voice recognition technology stable and efficient?

Han: High-quality voice recognition depends on accurately understanding a variety of commands and requires large amounts of recorded voice data. Since collecting that data manually is time-consuming and resource-intensive, we developed ‘Zero-shot text-to-speech (TTS)[2]’ technology to streamline the process. Zero-shot TTS can synthesize required sentences in many different voices and use them for training. We advanced the technology to the point where it can replace models trained on real human voices.

Q. What is the future development direction for Auto Open Door?

Park: Looking ahead, Auto Open Door will be expanded to more products. We want to equip a broader range of appliances with this technology so users can interact with any Samsung appliance naturally. Our goal is to create solutions that make life easier for everyone, regardless of their physical condition or circumstance.

Han: This year, we introduced new voice recognition capabilities such as Voice ID[3] — which distinguishes between family members — and voice control that works without a wake-up phrase. Moving forward, we will keep improving core performance while developing more personalized services for users.

With Auto Open Door, Samsung has turned user-centered innovation into everyday convenience. Going forward, Samsung plans to continue making this feature available on more of its products. As the company continues to deliver differentiated technologies and new appliance experiences, consumers can look forward to even greater ease and comfort at home.

For more information, visit  https://www.samsung.com/my/home-appliances/bespoke-home/

[1] Products and models equipped with the feature may vary by market.

[2] Zero-shot TTS references approximately five seconds of speech provided by the user to synthesize new audio in a similar style.

[3] Products and models equipped with the feature may vary by market.

At the center of this lineup is the Extractor Induction Hob, which integrates a powerful hood directly into the cooktop surface, with an exhaust duct installed below or behind the countertop. This design not only eliminates the need for ceiling-mounted hoods but also enhances spatial openness and visual flow. The extractor operates quietly yet powerfully, quickly removing smoke and odors.

As European kitchen trends shift toward removing upper cabinets and emphasizing large island counters, this new product offers an excellent option for customers who prefer a cleaner, more open kitchen aesthetic with an island-style layout. By combining the cooktop and hood into a single integrated unit, it delivers a sleek, modern design while helping to reduce installation costs, since the two components are installed together rather than separately.

The cooktop brings Flex Zone Plus with each zone having four induction coils to enable flexible placement of pots and pans and provide even heat distribution over a wider area, while keeping the air clear. Crafted with matte-finish, high-durability glass and an anti-fingerprint coating, the surface is scratch resistant and easy to maintain.

Also debuting in Europe is the Bespoke AI Dishwasher with its Auto Open Door feature that comes in handy when fully built-in, so you don’t have to add a handle on to the exterior furniture of the dishwasher door and can keep the clean, seamless finish to fit the kitchen cabinets.

The dishwasher is not only aesthetically pleasing but also outstanding in performance with AI applied. Its high-sensitivity turbidity sensor and AI algorithm automatically select the optimal cleaning cycle based on the dishes’ soil levels. And the redesigned upper rack adds a dedicated space for glassware to improve loading flexibility.

To align with Samsung’s commitment to enabling more sustainable home and living, both products offer enhanced energy efficiency that surpasses the industry standards. The new built-in kitchen lineup will be on display at IFA 2025, which will take place from September 5 to 9 in Berlin, Germany.

[1] Product availability and features may vary by region.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Bona Lee, Vice President and Head of Customer eXperience (CX) Insight Group at Digital Appliances (DA) Business, Samsung Electronics, to discuss the latest accessibility features in Samsung’s home appliances and the philosophy that shapes them.

▲ Bona Lee from Samsung Electronics demonstrates the negative color mode on the Family Hub refrigerator’s display.

Q. What core value or principle guides your approach when designing accessibility features for home appliances?

Using home appliances typically involves a combination of sensory input — such as sight, sound and touch — along with cognitive functions like making selections and adjusting settings, as well as physical actions like pulling, pushing or lifting. These steps can present challenges for some users.

Samsung is working to reduce or eliminate these usability barriers so that everyone can access all features and benefit from the latest technologies. As part of our broader commitment to inclusive design, we offer tailored solutions for different accessibility needs — such as tactile stickers for buttons, audio cues for users with visual impairments and control panels positioned at heights accessible to wheelchair users.

Q. What are some standout accessibility features or services that users might not be aware of?

▲ Visibility enhancement settings on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo offers a significantly more streamlined control experience than before. While previous models required users to turn a dial and strain to read small text to select a cycle, the new model features a built-in digital screen with large, easy-to-read fonts. AI further enhances usability by prioritizing frequently used cycles at the top of the menu.

What’s more, SmartThings routines empower individuals with limited mobility by automating device control. A simple voice command like “I’m going to sleep” can turn off lights and appliances, creating a more comfortable and accessible home environment.

Q. What new accessibility features have been introduced in the 2025 Bespoke AI appliance lineup?

In the 2025 lineup of Bespoke AI appliances, Bixby can now recognize individual voices using Voice ID technology and provide accessibility settings tailored to each person. In addition, with built-in microphones and speakers, users can ask Bixby about the appliance’s status and receive key alerts via voice responses.

Moreover, the Auto Open Door feature — highly praised by users with limited mobility — has been expanded to more products, including refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and dishwashers. A light tap or simple voice command like “Open the [device] door” provides easy, hands-free access.

▲ The Auto Open Door feature on the Family Hub refrigerator

Q. Are there any ongoing collaborations focused on enhancing accessibility in home appliances?

Samsung is actively collaborating with various organizations to identify and address real-world accessibility challenges. We receive objective evaluations and expert guidance from various professional organizations including the Korea Center for Accessibility Assessment & Research. Additionally, accessibility features for our screen-equipped appliances — such as voice guidance and improved visibility — are being developed in alignment with the European Accessibility Act that goes into effect this June.

Internal collaboration is just as vital. The Samsung Family Supporters group — comprised of employees with disabilities and those with family members who have disabilities — is actively involved in shaping accessibility initiatives. Furthermore, the newly established Accessibility Employee Resource Group (ERG) within the Device eXperience (DX) Business fosters open dialogue by encouraging members to share real-life experiences and ideas to improve accessibility across our products and services.

Q. What results or improvements have come from these collaborations so far?

While many visually impaired users found voice guidance for operating SmartThings-connected appliances helpful, some reported that the initial device connection process was challenging.

To address this, we improved the SmartThings app and partnered with TUAT Corp.— the developer of AI-powered visual assistance app Sullivan Plus — to introduce a dedicated mode that recognizes Samsung appliances and helps users easily connect them to SmartThings. Selected for Samsung’s C-Lab Outside startup incubator, Sullivan Plus is expected to further enhance the overall user experience.

We’ve also developed assistive tools based on ideas and feedback from employees and the Samsung Family Supporters group. Designs for these tools are shared on ITDA, a public platform for customizing and 3D-printing assistive devices. One example is a stick-on handle for drawers, designed to support users with limited hand mobility. Development continues toward creating more automated assistive solutions that offer even greater convenience.

Q. What steps is Samsung taking to further advance its vision of “AI for All” in the future?

“AI for All” reflects Samsung’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of technology are seamlessly integrated into everyday life — regardless of a user’s physical abilities or environment. It’s about transforming individual features into connected, inclusive experiences that make life better for everyone.

Looking ahead, Samsung will continue to embed universal design principles that prioritize inclusivity into product development. This includes gathering input from diverse user groups during the planning stage, leveraging user data to identify new opportunities and collaborating with both internal and external experts and organizations to create more meaningful solutions.

As AI capabilities in home appliances evolve, the goal is to create a truly intelligent in-home experience — one that understands each user, their family and their environment by automating tasks and reducing the need for manual input. Rather than addressing diversity with isolated features, Samsung strives to deliver integrated, all-in-one solutions that adapt to any situation.

We see this as the future of innovation — where accessibility and technology come together to serve everyone, under the vision of “Universal Accessibility, Universal Technology.”

To find out more, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

The company showcased revolutionary accessibility features in its Bespoke AI appliances on September 6 (local time) at IFA 2024 — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in Berlin, Germany. Aligning with this year’s IFA theme of “Innovation for All,” Samsung is presenting a more comfortable lifestyle to users.

▲ Samsung Electronics’ press conference at IFA 2024

Personalizing Experiences According to Each User’s Voice 

At IFA 2024, Samsung introduced Voice ID[3] — a game changer in smart home technology that will offer personalized experiences by distinguishing between family members’ voices.

Home appliances that support Voice ID will be able to understand voice commands from users and provide customized solutions based on schedules, interests, health conditions and other personal characteristics.

For example, Voice ID will recognize a senior user’s voice, recommend dishes depending on their diet and find relevant recipes when they ask about dinner.[4]

Syncing Accessibility Settings Across Devices

Currently, accessibility settings need to be set up separately for each device. By the second half of this year, Accessibility Sync will allow users to apply accessibility settings from their smartphones to their home appliances during initial setup.

In the future, home appliances with Voice ID support will be able to synchronize accessibility settings with each user’s voice. For instance, Accessibility Sync will recognize a mother’s voice and apply her smartphone’s accessibility settings to the washing machine.

Improving Usability Through More Visible Screens and Voice Assistance 

▲ Bespoke AI appliances inside Samsung’s booth at IFA 2024

At IFA 2024, visitors to Samsung’s booth can experience how the company is improving screen visibility on its Bespoke AI appliances. The 32-inch screen on the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub[5][6] features black-and-white, color inversion and font enlargement for users with low vision. Meanwhile, the 7-inch AI Home[7] on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo supports high contrast to improve readability.

Voice Guide will further enhance accessibility by providing audible descriptions of an appliance’s status and operations. Once activated in settings, the feature will read what is displayed on the screen. Voice Guide will be progressively rolled out[8] to products with displays.

Adding Convenience With a Light Touch

▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Combo with Auto Open Door

Designed to help users easily open doors, Auto Open Door is currently available on selected refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and other home appliances. The Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub opens with a gentle touch. Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo door automatically opens at the end of a wash or dry cycle to allow moisture to escape or keep laundry fresh.

Samsung is constantly expanding its features to make home appliances more accessible to users. Fully committed to its “AI for All” vision, the company looks forward to breaking down barriers and setting new standards for inclusivity in home technology.

[1] Accessibility features of Samsung home appliances may vary by region and product.

[2] Results may vary depending on actual usage conditions.

[3] Voice ID is expected to be available in 2025. The availability of features and content providers may vary by country/carrier/language/device model/OS version.

[4] The following scenario may vary depending on user language settings or regional differences.

[5] Product Name may differ by region. North America: Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+, Latin America: Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+.

[6] Product availability may vary according to region.

[7] Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcomes using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry and Voice enabled with Bixby accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.

[8] As of early September 2024, Voice Guide is only supported on select Family Hub refrigerators and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo.