Manufacturers said more and
more items -- from ovens to cars -- were now able to integrate thanks to better
wireless technology, offering convenience and the chance to save energy.
More than 600 companies are
showcasing cutting-edge gadgetry at this year's Combined Exhibition of Advanced
Technologies (CEATEC) in Makuhari, near Tokyo.
One of the highlights is
"smart innovation" which connects home appliances -- from washing
machines and air conditioners to security cameras at the door -- to mobile
devices.
"You will soon be able to
use your smartphone or tablet PC as if it is a remote control for all these
appliances," said Shuji Tomaru of Japanese mobile phone carrier NTT DoCoMo.
"If somebody tries to
break into your house, you would immediately know because your phone will
receive the information."
Residents, he said, could also
use their phone to switch on the air conditioner before they return home or to
turn on a washing machine.
Panasonic, which has already
unveiled rice cookers and washing machines that can be controlled from a mobile
phone, was Tuesday demonstrating bathroom scales and blood pressure-measuring
devices connected to the Internet.
Masaki Matsukura at the company's
booth said that in ageing Japan, where grown children often live far from their
parents, these devices can provide reassurance.
"They can be used when you
want to check on your father's health condition, for example," he said.
"You can see the medical data whenever he measures his blood pressure, no
matter where you live."
Japanese car giant Toyota used
its first appearance at CEATEC to show off its new Smart Insect car.
These small electric vehicles
can recognise their driver and can be programmed only to operate if they know
the person behind the wheel.
And in a move apeing the
gestures that are becoming increasingly familiar as the use of tablet computers
spreads, the car will do things like open its door at the wave of an arm.
"The Smart Insect is a car
which can communicate with you, your home and society," said Toyota's
Shigeki Tomoyama.
"You can tell it what you
want by making gestures, and the car understands you and will adapt to your
personal style.
"We like to think of it as
a well-trained pet or a friend who understands you very well."
CEATEC runs until Saturday.
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