LG Touts AI and IoT for Accessibility
LG Electronics is highlighting its use of AI and IoT to create more inclusive smart home experiences at the CSUN conference. The company is focusing on expanded technologies that support people with visual, hearing, and mobility needs, reinforcing a commitment to a "Better Life for All."
At the 41st annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, LG is building on its presence as the first global home appliance company to exhibit, a milestone set in 2025. The event is a key platform for assistive technology, with major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft also participating annually. The core of LG's smart home accessibility is the "ThinQ ON" platform, an AI-driven hub providing voice-based control and audible guidance for appliance operations. For 2026, the company is also showcasing new IoT sensors that create visual alerts, offering an alternative to audio cues for the deaf and hard of hearing. On the hardware front, LG has expanded its "Comfort Kit," a system of modular, attachable accessories like easy-grip handles and simplified control dials for appliances. This kit, aimed at users with limited strength or dexterity, was recently expanded with eight new items unveiled at CES 2026. Beyond the home, LG is developing accessible commercial tech, including Gen2 kiosks co-developed with Dot Inc. that feature motorized height adjustment, tactile keypads, and a Braille module. These kiosks integrate third-party solutions, including Vispero's JAWS screen reader and SoundHound AI's voice interface, indicating an API-friendly ecosystem. To inform its designs, LG hosts workshops with accessibility stakeholders from organizations like the American Council of the Blind, UC Berkeley, and the Shepherd Center. The company also extends its commitment globally by providing sign language customer service, Braille stickers for products, and accessible online manuals.
