Walton launches new smart ac model with IOT, AI features

Walton has launched a new smart air conditioner (AC) model, which the company described as its most feature-rich AC to date, integrating a range of internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence-enabled functions.

The model was unveiled by Bangladesh national cricket team pace bowler and Walton AC brand ambassador Taskin Ahmed at a launch ceremony held at the Walton corporate office in Dhaka recently.

Also present at the event were Walton AC Chief Business Officer Md Tanvir Rahman, Head of Walton's Residential AC Research and Innovation (R&I) Centre Engineer Ariful Islam, and other senior officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tanvir Rahman said Walton is adding smart features to make air conditioning "more comfortable, more intelligent and more efficient". He said the new model integrates solar hybrid operation, humidity monitoring, offline voice control and multiple AI-based functions, developed by Walton's AC R&I team.

He also said several technologies developed by Walton's R&I team have received patent certification, which he said has strengthened the brand's value at home and abroad and improved competitiveness in international markets.

Engineer Ariful Islam said Walton's in-house innovations, including offline voice control, iconic display, intelligent inverter and "AI Doctor", have received patent certification. He said the certification was issued by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industries after evaluation of novelty, applicability and industrial potential.

Walton AC Electrical and Electronics Design in-Charge Md Jewel Rana said the solar hybrid feature is designed to run primarily on solar power during the day, switching to hybrid operation if generation is insufficient by drawing on solar first and then grid electricity as needed. At night, he said the unit can run on battery-supported solar power or directly from the grid to reduce electricity consumption.

Walton said the model's offline voice control allows users to operate the AC without an internet connection. The model also includes an iconic display showing operation status, power use and error information, and can be controlled through a mobile app for device control, monitoring and configuration.

Additional features include iFeel, air quality index and filter clean alert, frost clean, air plasma and 3-in-1 converter mode technology, the company said. It also said the AC uses R-32 refrigerant. Walton said each of its AC models is released to local and global markets after quality certification from an international standard testing lab, NUSDAT-UTS.