Artificial intelligence is moving beyond smartphones and computers and into one of the most routine parts of household life — laundry.
Haier Malaysia’s newly launched IRIS 2698 Top Load Washing Machine Series puts AI-driven automation at the heart of its approach to laundry, using sensors, motor control and automated programme adjustments to reduce the amount of decision-making required from users.
Launched at Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur, the new series is built around four technology pillars — Clean, Care, Smart and Health — with the Smart component centred on AI Wash and One Touch functions.
According to Stacy Kew Poh Yin, Product Director of Haier Malaysia, the series was designed to combine washing performance with intelligent automation.
“The IRIS 2698 Series was developed around four key pillars — Clean, Care, Smart and Health — ensuring consumers enjoy a more efficient and worry-free laundry experience,” she said.
AI that adapts the wash cycle
Rather than requiring users to manually select every washing parameter, the AI Wash function is designed to analyse the laundry load and automatically configure the washing process.
The system detects the weight of the laundry and uses that information to determine the appropriate water volume. It can then adjust other washing parameters, including wash duration, detergent intensity and spin ratio, according to the load.
This creates a more adaptive washing process, where the machine effectively determines how much washing power is required instead of relying entirely on preset settings.
For users, the practical advantage is less guesswork. A smaller load does not necessarily require the same amount of water or washing time as a heavier load, while different types of laundry can require different treatment.
The IRIS 2698 also includes dedicated programmes for delicate clothing and bedding, extending the machine’s automated approach beyond standard everyday laundry.
One Touch turns multiple settings into one action
For users who prefer simplicity, Haier has incorporated One Touch, which reduces the washing process to a single command.
After powering on the machine, users can press and hold the One Touch button for three seconds. The washing machine then automatically determines the appropriate parameters and starts the wash.
The feature is particularly aimed at removing the need to navigate through multiple settings before every load.
AI meets motor control
Behind the AI Wash function is precise motor control, allowing the machine to translate the detected laundry load into adjustments to the washing cycle.
This is important because the AI element is not simply about choosing a programme from a menu. According to Haier, the system can coordinate several operating parameters — from water quantity and washing duration to detergent intensity and spin ratio — based on the laundry being processed.
The result is a washing machine designed to operate more like an automated system than a conventional appliance that depends heavily on manual programme selection.
Double Drive adds mechanical intelligence
The IRIS 2698’s technology package extends beyond AI.
For cleaning performance, Haier uses its Double Drive Technology, which employs two driving forces during the washing process. Compared with a conventional single-power washing system, the technology is designed to create stronger washing action while reducing the tendency of clothes to become twisted and tangled.
This is particularly relevant when washing multiple garments or larger loads, where clothes can become intertwined during the wash.
39-minute washing with Essence Technology
The machine also features Essence Wash Technology, which Haier says can complete a load in 39 minutes, based on a recommended laundry load of up to 3kg.
Its Essence Spray Technology premixes detergent into a concentrated essence before spraying it directly onto fabrics. By introducing the detergent more evenly at the beginning of the washing process, the technology is designed to improve soaking and support faster stain removal.
AI does not stop when the wash ends
Haier’s smart-home approach also extends to what happens after the washing cycle.
The Fresh Air System automatically rotates the inner tub every hour after washing to improve airflow and reduce moisture inside the drum.
The system is designed to help prevent unpleasant odours and keep clothes fresh for up to 12 hours inside the tub — a useful feature for households where laundry may not always be removed immediately after the cycle ends.
From appliance to automated household technology
Julian Thean, Head of Brand Marketing of Haier Malaysia, said the company’s approach to innovation is focused on addressing everyday consumer challenges.
“At Haier, we believe innovation should go beyond technology — it should solve real challenges faced by consumers every day,” he said.
The IRIS 2698 illustrates how appliance technology is increasingly shifting from simply adding more functions to automating decisions on behalf of the user.
Instead of asking consumers to determine the right combination of water, time, detergent intensity and spin settings for every load, Haier’s approach is to allow the machine to make those adjustments based on the laundry it detects.
For the consumer, the most significant technology may therefore be the one that is barely noticed: an AI-assisted washing process that quietly decides how the laundry should be handled, while the user gets on with the rest of the day.
