KyungDong Navien and Kiturami expand into heat pumps and AI appliances

South Korean appliance manufacturers KyungDong Navien and Kiturami are expanding their product lines into heat pump technology and AI-driven sleep care.

KyungDong Navien has launched the PCW351, a hybrid air-source heat pump water heater that combines heat pump technology with an electric heater. The device utilizes thermal energy from the air to heat water, offering energy efficiency over four times higher than traditional electric storage water heaters. The company aims to target commercial sectors such as restaurants and cafes, noting that similar models tested in North America showed a 60% increase in cumulative hot water supply over four hours compared to standard electric models.

Kiturami has introduced its 3rd generation AI Carbon Mat Ondol, which features an AI sleep control system. This technology analyzes a user's preferred temperature, sleep duration, and presence to automatically adjust heating levels. The system can detect when a user leaves the bed to switch to power-saving mode and return to the preferred temperature upon their return. The product is designed to optimize individual sleep environments through automated temperature regulation.