Samsung’s smart robot vacuums can create 3D spatial maps of a user’s home

In General XR News

March 26, 2024 – Samsung Electronics recently announced that it has launched its 3D Map View feature for its ‘SmartThings’ smart home control platform. The 3D Map View, which was first unveiled at CES 2024 earlier this year, is now available in all countries with SmartThings access.

The new Map View helps to streamline home management by turning real floor plans into virtual images in the SmartThings app, allowing users of Samsung smart devices to clearly see their devices in a 3D room layout, and adjust various aspects of their smart homes, including lighting, temperature, air quality and energy consumption.

According to Samsung, Map View addresses the challenge of managing the growing number of connected devices in homes, and eases smart home management by eliminating the need to find each device separately before using it. Instead, the platform shows users their entire home space at a glance and is updated in real time as more devices are connected.

Map View’s previous version was just a 2D model that only worked for homes where a floor plan was provided by users. However, this newly updated 3D Map View takes advantage of Spatial AI in Samsung devices, such as the Bespoke Jet Bot—an AI-powered robot vacuum that uses on-board LiDAR sensors to precisely measure and map a home’s layout. Using these layouts, users will be able to more easily understand the shape and spatial conditions of their homes on 3D maps.

“Samsung is constantly working to enable customers to control their home devices without any inconvenience at any time and place, and Map View is the result of these efforts,” said Seungbeom Choi, Head of Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to introduce a variety of relevant services and features so our customers can enjoy optimal smart home experiences with a better life.” 

Interestingly, Samsung added that it is currently collaborating with construction companies to expand Map View beyond homes to apartments and office spaces. This could potentially mean that companies would be able to create 3D spatial maps of their real estate spaces and units using Samsung’s smart environment technology.

Samsung added that it aims to create smart environments for these customers by adding functionality such as optimized user experience for large screens, which would be able to assist B2B operators with signage, and Quick Control, enabling users to easily access key functions.

Initially, Map View was rolled out in Korea and the United States last year, but it can now be used in all countries with access to the SmartThings app on Android and iOS mobile devices, as well as TVs. Samsung noted that controls for the feature will also be made available through additional hubs, such as Family Hub refrigerators, within the first half of the year.

For more information on Samsung and its 3D Map View feature, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: Samsung Electronics