A kitchen technology that many people are starting to hear more and more about are smart fridges. They are relatively new to the market, but have consumers very intrigued. By taking these old basic appliances and added advanced technology to it, they are created a new customer base, possibly even one with people who didn’t know they needed a smart TV. We are accustomed to filtering through the fridge to make their weekly shopping list, and sniffing the milk to see if it’s bad. Who knew one day we would have technology that would do it for us! Smart fridges are not only targeted to the average person, but also restaurant and hotel businesses who are always looking for ways to be more efficient.
Two popular smart fridges that have already hit the market come from Samsung and LG[1]. Both brands have similar features such as WiFi and smartphone connection along with an LCD fridge. A new added feature takes the smart fridge to another level by introducing even more fancy technology. Kurt Jovias, vice president of Samsung’s home appliances stated that “people are spending a lot of money on fresh produce, and they're sticking it in the crsper bin, only to find it wilted. Or they go to the store and buy a third batch of spring onions because they forgot they already had them.[2]”The LG smart manager fridge has CES technology that has a “food management system” that will locate and keep you up to date on expiration dates of all the foods in your fridge. It also links to a grocery app that will keep you up to date one all the foods that are running low so you are ready when you go grocery shopping.
This Spring, Samsung is adding another smart fridge to the family known as the Family Hub refrigerator. It will have the largest screen yet, at 21.5 inches and “families can leave each other notes, share photos, check their calendars, mirror their Samsung smart TV, stream music, and partake in a host of other activities you probably never even thought you might want to do on your fridge[3].” Shopping at the grocery store and can’t remember if eggs were added to your grocery list?This refrigerator can take a still photo from inside your fridge straight to your phone! The Family Hub will let shoppers connect and place orders right from the fridge to online grocers too, such as FreshDirect.
Thinking of getting a smart fridge? You better be ready to drop a pretty penny on one of these smart fridges.
What does this technology mean for businesses?
This relatively new technology has not yet gotten into many businesses. Manufacturers are still trying to figure out what consumers value and don’t value in the smart fridge.
Smart fridges can be a huge addition to the food industries. If this smart fridge technology can be replicated in large walk in fridges that you may see in restaurants, businesses would see great advantages. It would make businesses more efficient, reduce food waste and allow for better food management. The fridge can now keep track of expirations dates and foods that need to be replenished. This would cut down the time it would take for a worker to do, leading to better productivity. Also, a fridge that can show you where each item are located can help workers get food out in a more timely fashion. All these things can give a competitive advantage over competing restaurants who are using regular walk in fridges.
Questions:
- What feature may allow restaurants to gain the largest competitive advantage? How would this add leverage against competing restaurants not using this technology?
- Manufacturers are still trying to figure out what consumers value in the smart fridge, what additions to the smart fridge would make it even more convenient and appealing?
- What advantages might a smart fridge add to your home's kitchen? A business’s? Any disadvantages?
- What obstacles do manufactures face when trying to market the smart fridge to consumers?
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