China's largest home applications maker Haier Group announced its smart home strategy of 2018 on March 7, as well as its strategic cooperation with internet giant Baidu on artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things.

Both companies are based in Zhongguancun Science Park. Baidu's DuerOS, the domestic leading conversation-based AI system, and Haier's U Plus IoT platform, the world's first smart home intelligent platform, will work together to explore technological solutions for smart living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, and to lead the development of smart homes.

Haier and Baidu reach strategic cooperation on artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things on March 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lu Qi, chief operating officer of Baidu, said, "The combination of AI and IoT presents great opportunities to change consumer experience. The cooperation between Baidu and Haier will not only bring better smart living experience to users, but also rapidly promote the development of industrial manufacturing and establish a good and sustainable AI industry and ecology."

Liang Haishan, vice president and CEO of Haier, said that Baidu is strong and advanced in cloud computing, big data, and AI, and he hopes that Haier's cooperation with Baidu in the field of home appliances will bring better experience to users.

Lu Qi, chief operating officer of Baidu, gives a speech on the company's cooperation with Haier. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Haier set up more than 1,800 offline smart home experience stores in 2017 and sold more than 18 million "net devices" (intelligent household appliances), with users surpassing 55 million.

In 2018, Haier Smart Home will build 8,500 new offline specialty and integrated stores offering home building materials among other products. The company's 3D Cloud Design 4.0 system will be launched this June.