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Ericsson has teamed up with Electrolux to develop intelligent, on-line household appliances. Could we soon be ordering goods through the fridge?

Among the many life-changing Internet applications targeted at consumers, the ability to communicate with the refrigerator and the washing machine seems an unlikely basis for on-line services.

But L.M. Ericsson AB and white goods manufacturer, Electrolux AB of Stockholm, have formed a joint venture company based on their belief in a mass market for exactly that. Together the two have invested a total of 70 million krona ($8.6 million) in the unnamed 50:50 venture, created to market products for the "networked home."

The concept is based on a "kitchen-centric view of household management," said Magnus Braxell, director of business innovation, Ericsson. With easy-to-use, touch screen interfaces and embedded wireless and Powerline communications devices, intelligent appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves and washing machines can become a portal for household services, such as on-line grocery shopping.

The devices themselves will also be accessible remotely, enabling consumers to change programs and allowing maintenance personnel to update software and monitor how the machine is operating.

The companies estimate the market for electronic household services at over $15 billion by 2005, and aim for a 20% market share of 20 million networked households in western Europe and the United States.

The new venture's first products will be delivered by the end of next year and are likely to include mobile and counter-top touchscreen terminals and Ericsson's E-Box communications gateway.

Although Ericsson would like to use Bluetooth wireless technology where possible, Braxell acknowledged that the current version does not work well through walls and ceilings. Another possibility is to use Powerline technology to run data over domestic electricity lines, he said.

Futuristic fridges

Electrolux's Screenfridge is also likely to s ship in some form next year. The futuristic, multimedia icebox has toured 17 countries in prototype form. Via a touch-screen keypad, households can record video messages to each other, browse the Web and send email. The fridge contains a built-in TV and radio and also keeps stock of its contents, even suggesting recipes based on ingredients within.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:23 AM