New Ikea Unit to Explore Smart Home 'Beyond Conventional' Furnishings

Ikea, fresh off the launch of a line of Sonos speakers that double as shelves and lamps (see [Ref:1908020042]), announced it established smart home as a separate business unit. Ikea Home smart was initiated as a project in 2012 as a way to “enrich life at home by incorporating digital elements and technologies into products and solutions,” said the company Friday, saying it now wants to “explore products and solutions beyond conventional home furnishing.” Previous launches in the category include wireless charging and smart lighting; the retailer also created an ecosystem and app for smart lighting, changing the name in June from Tradfri to Ikea Home smart app. The smart home group will work with other company departments to “drive the digital transformation" across its businesses and bring more types of smart products to many people, said Bjorn Block, head-Ikea Home smart business unit.