Henkel: Optimising Washing Through Autonomous Sensors

Germany-based multinational manufacturer Henkel has introduced an AI-powered solution to the challenge of accurately measuring detergent for laundry and dishwashers.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Henkel unveiled its Smartwash Technology—an AI-driven, cartridge-based detergent dosing system designed for washing machines and dishwashers.

The company claims that the Persil and Somat Smartwash devices mark a significant advancement in its autonomous sensing innovation.

Henkel commented that it's: "Dispensing the right amount of detergent at the right times during multiple wash cycles, delivering optimal results in any machine, existing or new”.

Smart manufacturing innovation

Henkel's Smartwash laundry concept, presented at the Venetian Expo, takes the functionality of its smart devices to the next level.

Henkel says it demonstrates the “exponential possibilities for laundry and dish care”.

"Our Smartwash concept leverages Henkel's chemical expertise, our understanding of our consumers and our ability to innovate at pace with AI technology," says Dr Frank Meier, Corporate Senior Vice President and Head of R&D of Henkel Consumer Brands.

"After years of internal development, now collaborating with industry partners is a pivotal moment. With Smartwash, together we will transform the laundry and dish care industry with elevated performance, more convenience and a lower environmental impact."

Supported by research

Studies indicate that consumers are increasingly looking for improved solutions to clean and care for their clothes, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Over 70% of consumers are uncertain about which detergents to choose, and 57% are unsure about the correct dosing amount.

Henkel says: “Smartwash solves all these issues by selecting ideal washing configurations for each load, for less work and waste and a new level of performance.”

Dorothee Boivin, Henkel’s Corporate Vice President of New Business and Homecare, is excited about bringing a co-created product to market.

"Laundry continues to be viewed as a household chore filled with pain points," she says. 

“With Smartwash and our partners, we will reinvent the user experience by setting a new standard of clean and care, while offering a more engaging and personalised solution for consumers."

Revolutionising detergent technology

Henkel, in collaboration with Somat and Persil, has developed two innovative smart detergent dosing devices: Somat Smartwash and Persil Smartwash. These devices offer three key advantages:

• They automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent at the optimal time.
• They enhance the user experience with simple, easy-to-use cartridges.
• They provide superior performance and improved sustainability.

Henkel is now engaged in detailed discussions with industry partners to design the "machine of the future."

“Love this example of Henkel Consumer Brands bringing innovation, digitalisation and sustainability together to create tangible benefit for consumers and reduce resource use," says Ulrike Sapiro, Henkel CSO.

“At the Consumer Electronics Show, we launched a new Smartwash solution for more precise detergent dosage, supported by AI. Looking forward to seeing this in the market.”

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