[CES 2019 Report] Household appliances that are not often seen in Japan that change their lives

　The world's largest electronics exhibition "CES" was held in Las Vegas, USA from January 8th to 11th, 2019. While the IFA held in Germany every September is an exhibition open to general consumers, CES is open only to journalists, buyers, manufacturers' development staff, and other specialists. Therefore, it is characterized by many exhibits at the technological evolution and concept stage.

　On January 6, before the event, the items that won the CES Innovation Award were exhibited at once, and from the venue, the writer's area of ​​expertise, home appliances, seems to change our lives. Focusing on the exhibition, we will pick up and report on products that are not yet seen in Japan.

　In particular, there are various proposals to support women, and I felt that if many people in Japan knew about them, it would be easier to raise children. She also had some unique giggles that were a feast for her eyes.

Woman Tec/Baby Tec

Automatic breast pump

Not many people know that breastfeeding mothers express their own milk in the bathroom at work. . However, it is also true that many working mothers have made such efforts. I've heard some say that it's frustrating to have to squeeze out the milk their baby eats in the bathroom. It's a great product that can help relieve stress. I have great expectations for the expansion to Japan.

elnie.com

　An automatic breast pump that is simply placed inside the bra. A mechanism that squeezes breast milk with an electric pump and collects it in a 150 ml hard type container. The charm is that it is quiet and can be easily done without tubes. The parts can be disassembled and washed, making it easy to maintain hygienically. In conjunction with a smartphone app, the amount and time of milking are recorded, allowing you to pump at the optimum timing.

Parts can be disassembled for easy maintenance

◇elnie.com

willow

　This is a type that stores the squeezed breast milk in a special plastic bag like a float. If the mouth is closed, the contents will not overflow even if it is laid on its side, and it can be frozen as it is. When using, just cut the mouth with scissors and pour it into the baby bottle. Many nurseries will thaw frozen breast milk for you, so it's really convenient for working mothers!

Package Breast milk can be packed Type switch State that breast milk is accumulated The breast milk inside will not leak even if it is turned upside down You can manage the time and amount with a smartphone app

◇willow

Women's menstrual management "LOON CUP"

　A cup containing the blood that comes out once a month during menstruation. The purpose is to spend that period comfortably, but the new thing is that the smartphone and the cup are linked via Bluetooth. The "amount, color, cycle, and body temperature" accumulated in the cup can be automatically recorded, and this information can be used as data for maintaining health. When the cup is full, a sign will be sent to your smartphone, letting you know when it's time to replace it. The spread of IoT in Japan may still be in the future, but the fact that IoT is being used so far is advanced.

Sensors are inside the model cup to collect data on how it is worn inside the body

◇LOON CUP

Baby camera "Babeyes"

　The camera for the purpose of "watching over" infants is nothing new, but this camera is new in that it is attached to the baby. By putting it on the baby, you might think that the purpose is to prevent accidents by knowing the posture such as lying on your back or lying on your stomach, but it is said that it records what the baby sees. Taking a record of many people, including parents, who talk to and comfort the baby will lead to being able to confirm later that everyone loved it. It was impressive to hear the man in charge explain, "It might also help prevent adolescent delinquency!"

It's a cute bear type, so you can't tell it's a camera at first glance

◇Babeyes

Baby's excretion management "poop button"

　A device that records the baby's "poop" that is connected to Wi-Fi. Just press the "poop or pee" button when changing diapers. Records can be managed in the web app. When changing diapers, you can press the button for the time being and add notes later or replace it with sleep. Since it is a web app, it is convenient to share information when asking multiple people to take care of the baby, such as grandparents and babysitters. It seems to be an opportunity to encourage active participation in childcare by people other than mothers.

A button-type device placed near the crib and pushed when changing diapers

◇ Poop button

Excretion monitor "Dfree"

　A device that can be attached to the lower abdomen and can predict the timing of excretion by detecting urinary bladder with an ultrasonic sensor. As a nursing care item, the burden on the caregiver can be reduced. In addition, the elderly have a dull sense of excretion, so it is also effective in preventing them from becoming passive, such as refraining from going out because they are worried about peeing. A proposal typical of Japan, which is entering a super-aging society.

If you stick it on your lower abdomen, it will let you know when to excrete

◇Dfree

From the company booth

Sekisui House

There were many "Smart Home" corners at the CES venue, and they were all proposing sensor technology and connect systems. . In the midst of this, Sekisui House made concrete proposals about what kind of changes would be made to people's lives. Sekisui House exhibited at CES for the first time. A new project "Platform House Concept" to make the house the happiest place in the world as a place of "health", "connection" and "learning" rather than just a vessel will be unveiled. As the first step, we exhibited efforts to deal with acute illnesses under the theme of "health."

　By making it possible to acquire biological data such as the resident's breathing rate and heart rate at any time, when the person is lying down, the house will determine whether the person is just sleeping or if there is an abnormality in their physical condition. After discovering an abnormality, the operator can call for emergency assistance, and if the operator confirms the arrival of the crew, it will be possible to remotely unlock the door, increasing the chances of saving lives through early detection. The Kana specifications have not been announced, so the details are unknown.

When a person is lying down, abnormalities are detected from biometric data. A contracted operator reports to an ambulance, and when the ambulance team is confirmed, the key can be unlocked remotely. A jointly developed partner platform that shortens the transportation time to the hospital and saves lives. Conceptual diagram of the house

◇Platform house

Sharp

Returning to CES following IFA! At the first booth exhibition in four years, they introduced their latest initiatives based on their business vision of "changing the world with 8K and AIoT." . In addition to air purifiers, which are familiar in Japan, and the pet business announced the other day, AIoT/Smart Home, etc. were proposed. The Smart Kitchen Suite, which has IoT-equipped items such as refrigerators, IH stoves, dishwashers, ovens, and ventilation fans, has not been developed in Japan, so I would like to expect future developments.

Initiatives for AIoT/Smart Home announced at the press conference Various connected kitchen items Many products that have not been developed in Japan will also be exhibited

Omron

At the exhibition of Omron Corporation, I was impressed by the exhibition of the smart watch type blood pressure monitor "HeartGuide", which has not yet been developed in Japan. Released in the United States in December 2018 with a blood pressure monitor function that has received medical device certification from the FDA. Since the smartwatch type can measure blood pressure at all times, it can also measure blood pressure during exercise and sleep, making it easier to manage your health. A measuring device that can easily measure heart rate is also on display. Just set your smartphone and put your thumb on it, and the data can be managed by the app. In the United States, where individuals take out insurance, their health conditions affect their fees, so they are positive about introducing this type of product. Both are still ahead of the release in Japan, but I felt that there is a need.

A smartwatch-type blood pressure monitor with a mechanism inside the band that can measure blood pressure measured at chest height. Measurement data can be managed with a smartphone application. It is possible to judge whether it is normal or not, and the measurement results are kept as a record

◇Outline of OMRON Exhibit

Shiftall

Shiftall, a subsidiary of Panasonic, exhibited the "DrinkShift" refrigerator for beer. It is a service that automatically replenishes beer according to the amount of beer that has been depleted with a dedicated refrigerator developed in-house. Combining a smartphone app and a dedicated refrigerator, it automatically determines the user's drinking pace from the number of remaining beer in the refrigerator, and delivers the beer to the designated location at the optimum timing. Beer will be delivered from a dedicated store, and there are plans to have a large number of brands, mainly craft beer. The delivery set is also unique in that you can combine your favorite brands.

Beer and glasses can be placed on the upper shelf, and beer can be stored on the lower shelf.

◇DrinkShift

LG

LG's press conference was impressive. From the practicality of 5G to 8K, smart homes, linkage with amazon dash, beer brewing machines, and so on. The highlight is the 8K TV. It is an OLED (organic EL) that can be rolled up like a screen, and there was a sense of surprise and excitement as the screen was wrapped around the pedestal. On the other hand, there was also a proposal with an analog impression of the beer brewing machine “LG Home Brew”, which left a good impression on me.

Continuing from IFA, which presented in an easy-to-understand manner what 5G would bring to our lives, the concept of realizing a smart house by connecting household appliances is underway. The beer brewing machine that can mix beer won the CES Innovation Award and had an exhibition corner Image of the main unit It is possible to make a variety of beers by mixing images

◇Outline of LG Exhibition

Pet Tec

　There were many exhibits related to pets. In particular, various products related to wearables for managing the health of pets were exhibited regardless of the country, and I felt firsthand that pets have become a big industry. I can understand why Sharp is aiming for global expansion. From such a pet-related point of view, we will introduce proposals that are not seen in Japan.

AI automatic feeder "Mookkie"

　An automatic feeder that can identify cats by recognizing their faces. The hood has a transparent cover to prevent dust and dirt from entering, and the lid automatically opens when the cat approaches. This product is characterized by being able to recognize the face of a cat and identify it individually. Since it only reacts to the registered cat's face, it is also possible to prevent other cats from stealing food, so it is recommended for families with multiple cats.

Since the cat's face is used to identify each individual, the lid cannot be opened unless the cat's face is used, so it is available in a variety of colors.

Automatic feeder "FEEDER 101"

Automatic feeder that also supports wet food. Responding to the needs of many owners who give dry food by soaking it in water, dry food and water can be set in the main unit, and when it is time to feed, the food and water are automatically mixed and provided. There are 6 trays, and it is also possible to program what comes out depending on the time, such as dry food, water, and wet food. In the future, we plan to upgrade the version so that we can install a camera and check the state of the pet. After spring, they aim to commercialize it through crowdfunding in the United States. The price is assumed to be within 20,000 yen.

When you look at the main unit from the top, you can see dry food on the left and water on the right. ◇101&co

Automatic litter box "LavvieBot"

　Cat litter seems to be difficult to maintain, and many automatic litter boxes have appeared. Among them, only this product was able to automatically perform everything from sand cleaning to replenishment. By stirring the sand from the excreted part of the cat, only the sand and excrement that is soiled with excrement will be discharged into the tray below, so you can simply throw away what has accumulated in the tray. Detects the amount of sand and replenishes new sand from above when it gets low. Information on how dirty the toilet is is sent to a smartphone app, and you can place an order for toilet sand with a single click.

The door on the side opens, and the tray for the cat's excretion can be removed. A smartphone app lets you know when it's time to clean.

◇LavvieBot

Pet dryer "Pepe"

A dryer that dries pets inside. Hot air blows out from 7 directions inside the cage. The temperature can be set, and it is designed to be quiet so that pets do not dislike it. The floor was covered with a highly absorbent material, such as diatomaceous earth tiles, which quickly absorbed water droplets. It certainly takes a lot of time to dry after shampooing, so it would be convenient if it stayed in. Equipped with gimmicks such as skin care effect by LED light and negative ion generation.

Warm air blows out inside the plastic cage and dries the hair on the body.You can set the temperature of the air with the dial on the upper right.

◇Pepe

Pet UV sterilizer "avec"

A cage that can UV sterilize pets that were inside. When you walk your dog, it will invade the bushes and fences, depending on its interest. Naturally, a lot of dust, pollen, insects, and various other things adhere to the hair. It is said that such deposits are removed by blowing air and then UV sterilized. A filter is set on the cage's exhaust port to prevent these substances from leaking out. Since the number of indoor dogs is increasing, there seems to be a need for people who are highly conscious of cleanliness.

The cage can be sterilized with air and UV light, and a filter is set on the exhaust port to prevent it from being discharged outside.

◇avec

Nekojarashi Robo "MOUSR"

　A pet sitter robot that protects cats. It's a small toy that moves around like a mouse. It works in conjunction with a smartphone and uses Mousr's sensor and AI to create movements that cats won't get bored of. It also keeps a record of how you played. It seems to be good for stress relief for cats, but it also seems to be useful when you are too tired to be with your beloved cat.

It's the size of a Choro-Q and has several different lengths and shapes to move around quickly

◇MOUSR

Eye-catching new proposals

　Starting with the CES Innovation Awards, many start-up companies are exhibiting various products with the aim of commercialization. Among them, I will introduce the ones that caught my attention and the ones that attracted my heart.

Cordless dryer "VOLO Beauty"

US start-up company. Cordless hair dryer. Although it is a heater-based home appliance, it is rare to be cordless. After all, by installing new technology in the heater part, it is said that it was possible to make it cordless. The main unit is fairly large, but even though it is cordless, the temperature is high and there is sufficient air volume. It can be used for about 40 minutes on a single charge. If the hair dryer becomes cordless, the area around the washroom should be even cleaner. Expect standardization!

The heater part is a little large, but it is easy to handle because there is no cord

◇VOLO Beauty

Water-saving dishwasher "Tetra"

　The beauty of its appearance was just like that of an office, and this product was always crowded with people. I felt that I wanted it just for the design. The pestle is set in a transparent box, so I expected it to be a dishwasher, but I can't quite see how it works. The key is the "Ohmic Array Technology", a technology developed by this company, Heatworks, that heats water to turn it into hot water. The greatest advantage of this technology is the excellent thermal efficiency and the fact that it can be washed with a small amount of water, so there is no need for water supply or drainage. It can be installed anywhere, and the design is outstanding! I want you to develop it in Japan as well.

A dishwasher that looks just like an art object.It doesn't need water supply and drainage, so it looks beautiful.It looks like it's running, and it looks like it's using water repeatedly.This device's "Ohmic Array Technology" is patented

Carafe "DUO"

This is also a product from the same manufacturer as the previous dishwasher. It is a jug that can pour different temperatures on the left and right using technology that can accurately adjust the temperature of water in an instant. For example, it is possible to pour cold water from the right side and hot water from the left side. Moreover, the temperature can be adjusted in 1°C increments. This is truly a “magic bottle”. It's battery operated, so it's great for outdoor use.

The water in the glass bottle can be instantly turned into hot water just by pouring it

◇DUO

"The Fresh Geoffrey" beer server with appetizers

From a French startup. In addition to glasses, wine coolers, and beer servers, this is an automatic wagon that can hold a set of snacks. There is also a function to wash the cup, and you can drink both wine and beer. You can guide from the kitchen to the living room where you are with your smartphone. Someone has to set it up in the kitchen, so it's not really automatic, but it's a funny product that puts me at ease.

French startup, cheerful uncle explained

◇The Fresh Geoffrey

BIG CLAPPY

From a Japanese startup. At the JEMA booth, the exhibits of Japanese Starts and Up companies were gathered. A clapping robot that a big red character will clap on his head. When linked with a smartphone app, you can enjoy performance modes such as "Icchojime/Sanbonjime" and a music mode where you clap your hands to the music. This is the most silly and heart-soothing product during our visit. Japan's future may be bright.

At Japanese startups, suspicious characters were clapping intently. I feel peace... (LOL

◇BIG CLAPPY