LG Electronics launched the ‘Whisen AI System Air Conditioner’ on June 2, equipped with a radar sensor to detect the position and movement of objects, along with enhanced AI capabilities. (Photo courtesy of LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — In recent years, the number of patents related to artificial intelligence (AI) in air conditioning technology has surged, reflecting the increasing integration of AI into consumer appliances.
According to the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), patent filings for AI-enabled air conditioners have risen by an average of 8.6% annually from 2020 to 2024. Notably, AI-related air conditioning patents reached 50 last year, a 42.8% increase from the previous year’s 35 filings, accounting for 25.9% of the total air conditioner patents filed (193).
These patents introduce innovative features, such as AI learning a user’s sleep and wake times to automatically switch to sleep mode, adjusting cooling direction and temperature based on the room’s use and the number of occupants, and personalizing temperature, humidity, and airflow based on biometric data like heart rate and body temperature.
The Bespoke AI Wind-Free Combo Gallery leverages artificial intelligence to analyze user habits, usage times, weather conditions, and room size to deliver customized cooling and air purification. (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lead the charge in these innovations, filing 83 patents, or 41.7% of the total. Universities followed with 41 filings (20.6%), large corporations with 37 (18.6%), and research institutes with 23 (11.6%).
Historically, major corporations dominated consumer electronics innovations, but today, AI-driven breakthroughs in air conditioning are being led by a diverse array of players, including SMEs and academic institutions.
Park Yong-joo, Director of KIPO’s Mechanical and Metal Examination Bureau, noted that companies are increasingly viewing AI as a critical factor in enhancing air conditioner performance. He emphasized that as climate change exacerbates heatwaves, AI is poised to become a key determinant in the competitiveness of air conditioners.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
