Samsung Electronics has entered into a strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to revolutionize the integration of smart home technology and connected cars.
The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 3, aims to enhance future lifestyles by seamlessly connecting Samsung’s SmartThings platform with Hyundai and Kia’s connected cars, particularly electric vehicles (EVs).
The joint effort will focus on developing innovative “Home-to-Car” and “Car-to-Home” services, allowing users to control their vehicles remotely from their smart homes and vice versa. Through the SmartThings platform, users can initiate actions such as starting their cars, adjusting air conditioning settings, opening and closing windows, and checking charging status—all from the comfort of their homes. Similarly, users in their cars can control home appliances like TVs, air conditioners, and EV chargers.
The collaboration is expected to redefine the customer experience by enabling seamless communication between smart homes and vehicles. Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, emphasized that connecting the SmartThings platform with vehicles will significantly enhance the overall customer experience in both home and automotive settings.
The integration will extend beyond convenience, with users able to create customized routines such as “good morning” or “arriving home.” For instance, when a Galaxy smartphone’s morning alarm activates, curtains will automatically open, lights and the television will turn on, and the car will adjust to the ideal temperature. The collaboration also involves Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center working to make the Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient for users.
Additionally, the partnership will introduce an integrated home energy management service, enabling users to monitor energy consumption from connected devices in their homes. This service will provide crucial information for optimizing EV charging times based on factors like electricity pricing, power demand response programs, photovoltaic data, and time-specific carbon emissions.
Samsung will further enhance Car-to-Home services by collaborating with HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. HARMAN’s “Ready Upgrade” digital cockpit package will allow users to install SmartThings functions, providing a comprehensive solution for Car-to-Home services. The collaboration aims to accelerate technology development to make Hyundai and Kia customers’ journeys more meaningful and convenient on a global scale.
