Seoul: Over 80 percent of South Korean consumers are showing a keen interest in purchasing kitchen and home appliances powered by artificial intelligence (AI), yet the actual usage of these products remains low due to concerns over high prices and data privacy, a recent survey indicated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a poll conducted by the consumer data platform Open Survey revealed that 83.9 percent of respondents expressed willingness to consider buying AI-integrated kitchen appliances, with 84 percent showing interest in AI-powered home appliances. The survey, conducted between May 16 and 21, included 1,000 participants aged 20 to 59.
In terms of specific categories, AI-powered refrigerators, dishwashers, and kimchi refrigerators garnered the highest interest among kitchen appliances. For home appliances, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines topped the list of interest.
Despite the high level of interest, the survey showed that the actual adoption rate of AI appliances remains at around 10 percent. Open Survey noted that respondents highlighted high costs and privacy concerns as significant deterrents to purchasing these products.
The report further highlighted that current users of AI appliances are more inclined to acquire additional AI-powered devices in the future. The primary benefits cited for AI-powered appliances include their convenience and time-saving capabilities.
Additionally, 30.7 percent of respondents acknowledged being aware of or having used newly launched AI appliance subscription services offered by major electronics firms such as Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc.