LG Electronics has fully opened the application programming interface (API) of its ThinQ smart home platform, helping developers create smart spaces with its appliances.

Recently, the South Korean company launched a developer web site (smartsolution.developer.lge.com) to open up officially the ThinQ API. An API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to exchange functions seamlessly. Developers can use the open API to integrate various features from LG AI appliances into their programmes or systems, enhancing their services.

The ThinQ API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows for remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.

For individual users, it supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By using the API, anyone can easily create a customised smart home that fits their lifestyle.

For example, users of the Home Assistant global smart home platform can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment. Home Assistant is a community-based open platform with about a million users worldwide who collaboratively develop various smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.

For enterprises, the ThinQ Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings in integrating and managing various LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment such as HVAC and signage, with their existing apps. For instance, large residential buildings can integrate appliances with their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve the use of washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can detect abnormal conditions in the building using temperature and humidity sensors and quickly respond to issues through alert functions.

Meanwhile, LG has accelerated the integration of external products and services into the ThinQ platform by acquiring the smart home platform company Athom, known for its IoT device connectivity. Athom’s smart home hub Homey (homey.app) connects more than 50,000 types of appliances and IoT devices, and the Athom app store features around 1000 apps that connect and control products and services from global brands such as Philips and Aqara.

LG plans to integrate Athom’s open ecosystem and IoT device connectivity into the ThinQ On AI home hub, aiming to realise an AI home where generative AI better understands customers and provides optimal space options.

“With the official launch of ThinQ AI, we aim to deepen engagement with open-source community smart home power users in the open-source community and broaden our collaboration with B2B partners,” said Kim Kun-woo, vice president of LG (www.lg.com). “This initiative will bolster our efforts to create smart home ecosystems powered by LG appliances, enhancing customer experiences across multiple touchpoints.”