[CES2021] Park Il-pyeong LG Electronics CTO "In the New Normal Era, Innovation Crossing Boundaries Between Fields Is Necessary"

'LG Future Technology Dialogue' Held... Theme: 'Innovation Together (ONwards, Together)'
Introducing Innovative Products like LG CLOi Robot and Smart Thermal Imaging Camera Technology
New Report Released Introducing Stages of Artificial Intelligence Development

LG Electronics CTO President Park Il-pyeong (left) and host Amy Aleha are having a conversation.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Park Ilpyeong, CTO of LG Electronics, held the 'LG Future Talk' under the theme 'ONwards, Together' at the world's largest IT and home appliance exhibition 'CES 2021' on the 12th (local time).

This event was broadcasted on LG Electronics' online exhibition homepage and the official CES website to coincide with this year's fully online CES. Panelists included Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), David Ravi, CEO of smart meal kit company Tovala, Jean-Fran?ois Gagn?, CEO of AI startup Element AI, and Dmitry Roschinine, CEO of global software company Luxoft, who engaged in discussions with Park about future technologies and visions.

Park emphasized, "To lead innovation in an unprecedentedly fast-changing era, we must think and act differently than before," adding, "We must compete with platform capabilities that transcend boundaries across fields and an open innovation strategy to accelerate digital transformation and innovate customer value."

Emphasizing Collaborative Innovation in the New Normal Era... Open Innovation through Open Partnerships

Park introduced various LG CLOi robots recently developed by LG Electronics, including delivery robots and sterilization robots using UV-C (Ultraviolet-C) lamps, the LG PuriCare wearable air purifier, and smart thermal imaging camera technology, evaluating that "LG Electronics quickly utilized its unique technological capabilities to respond to the pandemic."

He then stressed 'collaborative innovation' in the new normal era. He said, "To create sustainable innovation from the changes in daily life experienced during the pandemic, practical technology must support it," and added, "To lead the new normal era, which is changing at a scale and speed beyond imagination, we must be able to collaborate even with competitors."

Park and CTA CEO Gary Shapiro mentioned that open partnerships are important to promote digital innovation, citing the 'LG Innovation Council' as a good example.

From an open innovation perspective, LG Electronics operates the LG Innovation Council to discover future technologies and new business opportunities through diverse insights. Park chairs this council, which includes 12 experts from fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud, robotics, and mobility.

Gary Shapiro pointed out, "We are experiencing changes in various fields such as transportation, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and food by accelerating digital innovation through the convergence of technologies like AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT)," adding, "As value chains become increasingly complex, no company can do everything alone."

The home appliance management app 'LG ThinQ,' which provides smart home services, is evolving into a platform that offers customers a new lifestyle. LG Electronics is expanding the platform ecosystem so that customers can enjoy more diverse and beneficial experiences without spending much time using LG ThinQ.

LG Electronics plans to expand the LG ThinQ app ecosystem in collaboration with the U.S. company Tovala and create new customer value related to dietary habits. When customers scan the barcode on a meal kit package with the LG ThinQ app, the oven automatically sets the optimal cooking course. Preheating, cooking temperature, and time settings are not required separately, making it convenient. Tovala's meal kits can also be purchased through the LG ThinQ app.

Tovala CEO David Ravi said, "The LG ThinQ app is a useful platform that offers a broad customer experience from product purchase to appliance control."

Additionally, LG Electronics plans to collaborate with various companies this year, including food companies Nestl? and Kraft Heinz, as well as HomeAdvisor, which provides home services such as appliance moving, installation, and remodeling.

LG Electronics CTO President Park Il-pyeong (left) and Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), are having a conversation.

Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Development Stages

Previously, at CES 2020, LG Electronics announced the stages of artificial intelligence development developed in collaboration with Canadian AI solution company Element AI. The AI development stages consist of four phases: ▲Stage 1 Efficiency ▲Stage 2 Personalization ▲Stage 3 Reasoning ▲Stage 4 Exploration.

At this event, LG Electronics unveiled 'AIX Exchange (Artificial Intelligence Experience Exchange),' an interactive content-style report created with experts from various fields including AI, robotics, consumer rights, and ethics. This report explains the future of AI and the role of AI development stages from the perspective of experts in each field.

Element AI CEO Jean-Fran?ois Gagn? said, "LG Electronics has the advantage of reflecting customer insights in products and services by researching AI development stages because it interacts directly with customers through its products and services."

Park introduced the Vision Pack, which allows experiencing AI at the personalization (stage 2) and reasoning (stage 3) levels. He explained, "The Vision Pack uses deep learning technology to embed visual intelligence that judges images into products, enabling understanding of users and situations," adding, "When applied to refrigerators, customers can check inside the refrigerator remotely and purchase necessary items, and receive recipe recommendations based on the ingredients inside and user preferences."

Mobility Based on the webOS Auto Platform

LG Electronics announced that Aluto, a joint venture established with global software company Luxoft headquartered in Switzerland, will launch on the 27th of this month.

Aluto will introduce an integrated in-vehicle infotainment system to the market based on the webOS Auto platform, including head units and rear-seat entertainment systems (RSE). The two companies expect that the synergy between LG Electronics' software development capabilities and Luxoft's global sales channels will further enhance the competitiveness of the webOS Auto platform.

Luxoft CEO Dmitry Roschinine explained, "webOS Auto provides services specialized for connected cars, maximizing the experience customers enjoy inside vehicles," adding, "We plan to create the future of mobility at Aluto."

Park emphasized, "LG Electronics' Smart Cabin concept demonstrates that displays installed on the vehicle ceiling or windows can be operated by webOS Auto, transforming the vehicle into a new space," adding, "We will lead the new normal era by creating new mobility experiences inside vehicles."