IFA, Europe’s premier consumer electronics trade show, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year in Berlin, Germany. Originally launched in 1924 as a radio exhibition, IFA has evolved into a showcase of groundbreaking technology, with Samsung Electronics playing a pivotal role in this journey.

Over the years, home appliances and electronics have transformed from bulky machines into sleek, integrated devices that are essential in our daily lives. Samsung has been at the forefront of this evolution, pioneering innovations that connect mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances through its SmartThings platform. The company’s advancements in Bixby, its voice assistant, now offer enhanced control, understanding complex natural language commands with ease.

As IFA 2024 kicks off on September 6 under the theme “Innovation for All,” Samsung reflects on its enduring legacy of technological breakthroughs and its commitment to shaping the next century of innovation.

From Radio Exhibits to AI-Powered Innovations

IFA began as a platform for showcasing emerging radio technology, with Albert Einstein delivering the opening address in 1930. Over the decades, the event has introduced the world to numerous technological milestones, including the first car radio in 1932 and the first color TV in 1937. Despite a pause during World War II, IFA returned stronger, rebranding itself in 1971 to focus on consumer electronics.

Home appliances have also seen remarkable advancements. No longer just mechanical devices, modern refrigerators and washing machines are now high-tech tools, thanks to innovations in compressors, motors, smart features, and connectivity.

Samsung made its debut at IFA in 1991 with a modest booth featuring monitors and PCs. By 2003, the company had significantly expanded its presence, showcasing its products in a 3,600-square-meter booth. Since 2014, Samsung has been the exclusive occupant of CityCube Berlin, where it continues to impress visitors with its cutting-edge technology.

Samsung’s Leadership in the AI Era

Samsung's journey at IFA has been marked by the introduction of groundbreaking technologies across various product categories. In 2006, the company solidified its position as the global TV market leader with the launch of the Bordeaux TV. The introduction of the industry’s first smart TV in 2011 and the Galaxy Note marked significant milestones, with the latter blurring the lines between smartphones and tablets.

At IFA 2013, Samsung unveiled the world’s first curved UHD TV and the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The launch of the Family Hub refrigerator in 2016 further demonstrated Samsung’s commitment to innovation, transforming home appliances into smart, connected devices.

Samsung’s acquisition of SmartThings in 2014 laid the foundation for a connected ecosystem that now includes over 340 partners and serves 350 million users worldwide. By 2018, AI had become a central focus for Samsung, signaling a shift towards “connected living” in the electronics industry. The introduction of 15 AI-powered appliances at IFA 2023 marked the beginning of the AI era in home appliances.

Looking ahead, Samsung is set to showcase its vision for the future at IFA 2024. Visitors to Samsung’s booth in CityCube Berlin from September 6-10 will witness the evolution of household devices into intelligent companions capable of understanding and responding to complex commands.