[DigitalToday reporter Dae-geon Seok] Samsung Electronics is moving to expand its residential and building solutions business in Southeast Asia. Samsung Electronics said on Wednesday it signed an agreement with real estate developer DH Plus to provide AI appliances and integrated B2B operation solutions, including SmartThings Pro and b.IoT, for the Gran츠 Forest Park development project being promoted in Cebu, the Philippines.

Under the agreement, Samsung Electronics will take on the role of building a customised AI home for residential facilities. It will link AI appliances with SmartThings and apply TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines to residences and hotels. Residents and guests will be able to control AI home services and in-room devices through a single SmartThings login. Administrators will also be able to use SmartThings Pro, a B2B connection and integrated control platform, to check equipment status remotely and operate facilities while minimising on-site visits.

Samsung Electronics will also be involved in managing infrastructure equipment such as community facilities and swimming pools, as well as hot-water supply and boilers. It will introduce Samsung's integrated building solution b.IoT to centrally control and manage HVAC, lighting and power equipment and raise usage efficiency through energy algorithms. It also supports a function that links with SmartThings Pro to analyse electricity use and charges by household. Samsung Electronics plans to apply b.IoT to commercial facilities, hotels and an international school to improve operational and management efficiency.

Using digital twin technology that renders actual buildings in 3D, Samsung Electronics will also monitor the status of major equipment and predict maintenance timing. It will also provide a function that uses AI agents to integrate control of HVAC, lighting, power and security equipment.

Hwang Tae-hwan (황태환), head of Samsung Electronics' B2B Integrated Offering Center and a vice president, said, "This cooperation is a meaningful case of introducing AIoT-based customised integrated operation solutions covering residential and commercial spaces." He added, "Using this as a momentum, we will actively participate in mixed-use complex development projects in the Southeast Asian market that use B2B integrated operation solutions."