Whirlpool Corp. is looking to speed up the day when most consumers will be able to monitor and control appliances from their computers and cell phones.
The world's largest appliance company begins testing "smart" washing machines and dryers Tuesday at three homes in metropolitan Atlanta.
The pilot project, called "Laundry Time," is designed to making doing laundry easier by sending alerts to consumers via televisions, computers and cell phones.
In a recent demonstration of the project at a Whirlpool studio in Atlanta, messages from a specially equipped front-loading washer popped up in real time on a television screen in a different room.
Consumers can also get instant messages from computers or cell phones telling them, for instance, that a wash cycle is completed or that a dryer has not been turned on.
At the press of a button on a cell phone, families participating in the test can extend a drying cycle and perform other laundry tasks while running errands.
Whirlpool, which partnered with Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Procter & Gamble, Panasonic and Cingular Wireless in the project, wants to learn consumer attitudes and behavior toward "smart" appliances, and use this knowledge to develop products.
Marlene Bourne, principal analyst with Bourne Research, which tracks emerging technologies, said smart appliances that provide conveniences such as reducing energy use will likely find a home with consumers.
The three Atlanta homes selected for the project had to meet certain requirements, such as having at least two personal computers, compatible cell phones and a home network system already in place. The participating households include at least two children.
