Robots Fold Clothes and Smoothly Scrub Pool Walls... New Technologies Infiltrating Daily Life [IFA Berlin 2026]

【Berlin (Germany) = Reporter Lim Soo-bin】#. Two robotic arms picked up both ends of a red garment placed on a table. As one arm pulled and spread the garment, the other arm aligned it and neatly arranged it. This was a demonstration of the 'MagicMix WM' by Chinese robotics company Magic Lab, a technology that recognizes its surroundings and autonomously performs movements appropriate to the situation. As the robot performed the routine task of organizing clothes, spectators began to gather one by one.At IFA Berlin 2026, Europe's largest consumer electronics exhibition, held in Berlin, Germany, on the 5th (local time), small and emerging companies from around the world aiming to capture the European market set up booths throughout the venue. Their goal was to promote their brands to European consumers and discover new demand by showcasing products that transcend the boundaries of traditional home appliances, ranging from robots and wearables to cleaning appliances and home fitness equipment. In line with IFA's policy of opening its doors to the general public, a large number of lifestyle-oriented products and experiential exhibits were also featured, allowing consumers to see, use, and experience their benefits firsthand.


At this year's IFA, products that could be immediately applied to consumers' daily lives attracted attention, going beyond merely showcasing technologies of the distant future. In particular, many companies set up experience spaces where visitors could directly operate or try on unfamiliar products, aiming to intuitively demonstrate how they are used in everyday life.
Transstar, a Chinese smart cleaning appliance manufacturer, expanded the operational range of its robot vacuums to include swimming pools and windows by introducing its own brand, Toshima. Ybot also deployed a swimming pool cleaner at the exhibition, where a tracked robot moved across the floor and climbed up and down walls in actual water.

Humanoids capable of performing household chores directly have also emerged. China's Unix AI demonstrated a home-use humanoid making coffee. A Unix AI official stated, "Sales have already begun in China, and nearly 1,000 units have been sold." Magic Lab also showcased the potential for robots in daily life by demonstrating two robotic arms moving in coordination to unfold and organize clothes.

Robots have evolved from devices used by humans to forms worn directly on the body. Chinese robotics company Hypershell prominently featured the 'Hypershell Halo,' which is worn on the legs to assist with mobility activities such as walking and hiking. Visitors experienced the product's functions firsthand by wearing it around their waists and legs and walking around.

Products tailored to the lifestyles of European consumers were also visible throughout the venue. Home fitness company Kingsmith showcased exercise equipment that can be folded for storage when not in use. In particular, it emphasized space efficiency by presenting the 'WalkingPad,' a walking pad that folds like a travel suitcase for portability. This product targets consumer demand for reducing storage space while still allowing them to enjoy exercising at home.
Outside the exhibition hall, unique products emphasizing consumer experience greeted visitors. The 'Vibrating Music Hammock' utilizes the hammock fabric like a speaker to vibrate in sync with the music's frequency. By allowing visitors to lie down on the hammock and simultaneously listen to the music while feeling the vibrations, the product enabled an intuitive experience of its features.

The reason companies invest so much effort in IFA is that it allows them to meet not only general consumers but also key business-to-business (B2B) clients, such as distributors and buyers from across Europe, all in one place. For companies looking to enter the European market for the first time, it provides an opportunity to discover local distribution networks and business partners, while for companies already present, it serves as a venue to expand contacts with existing clients and explore new business opportunities.
Throughout the exhibition hall, company representatives were seen explaining products to buyers or conducting meetings in separate consultation areas, amidst general visitors trying them out.
Major global home appliance manufacturers have also devoted considerable effort to expanding their contact points with B2B customers. Notably, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. set up lounges and meeting spaces for B2B clients this year, separate from its exhibition areas. Designed to allow visitors to discuss business with company officials in a relaxed atmosphere, these spaces were also fully booked, with no empty seats found in the separate meeting rooms for key clients.
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