Editorial illustration for Samsung's Smart Fridge Can Open and Close Doors with Bixby Voice Commands
Samsung Smart Fridge Opens Doors with Bixby Voice Control
Samsung unveils Bixby-enabled fridge that can open and shut doors
Smart home technology just got a little lazier, and potentially more convenient. Samsung is pushing the boundaries of kitchen automation with its latest refrigerator idea at CES 2026, targeting consumers who find physical door opening too taxing.
The company's new smart fridge promises to transform how we interact with kitchen appliances, introducing hands-free door control that goes beyond simple novelty. Imagine juggling groceries, a toddler, or a hot dish and being able to command your refrigerator to open or close without setting anything down.
While voice-activated home devices aren't entirely new, Samsung's approach suggests a deeper integration of artificial intelligence into everyday household equipment. The fridge doesn't just crack open slightly, it promises a full, 90-degree door swing triggered by a simple vocal instruction.
For tech enthusiasts and kitchen gadget lovers, this represents another step toward the increasingly intelligent home environment. Who knew a refrigerator could become your newest hands-free assistant?
Using the device's built-in Bixby voice control, you will soon be able to say "Shut the fridge door," or "Open the door," and your machine will obey. According to a press release from Samsung at CES 2026 this week, the voice commands will open the door fully, not just a smidge -- over 90 degrees. You can also tap the door with the palm or the back of your hand to activate the movement.
This could be super helpful when cooking, say when your hands are dirty and you want to get the milk out. Along with voice control for the doors, the Family Hub line is also getting a Gemini injection. Its built-in AI Vision that powers the fridge's ability to recognize what you're putting into and taking out of your fridge will now use Google's LLM.
Samsung's latest smart fridge reveals how voice technology might reshape even the most mundane kitchen interactions. The hands-free door control could be a genuine convenience for home cooks juggling ingredients or managing messy cooking scenarios.
Bixby's integration allows users to simply command the refrigerator to open or close, eliminating the need for physical contact. This might prove especially useful when hands are covered in flour, sauce, or raw meat.
The technology goes beyond simple voice commands. Users can also trigger door movement by tapping with their palm or hand's back, providing multiple interaction methods. Samsung seems focused on creating practical, simple smart home experiences.
While the feature might sound minor, it represents another step in making household appliances more responsive and adaptive. The full door opening - specifically noted as over 90 degrees - suggests careful engineering to ensure functional utility.
CES 2026 continues to showcase how voice control is moving from novelty to practical household integration. Samsung's approach feels less about flashy technology and more about solving real cooking challenges.
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Common Questions Answered
How does Samsung's new smart fridge use Bixby voice commands to control the door?
Users can verbally command the fridge to open or close its door using specific voice instructions like 'Open the door' or 'Shut the fridge door'. The voice control will open the door fully to over 90 degrees, providing a hands-free solution for kitchen tasks.
What alternative methods can users activate the smart fridge door besides voice commands?
In addition to voice control, users can tap the refrigerator door with either the palm or back of their hand to trigger the door's opening or closing mechanism. This feature is particularly useful when hands are dirty or occupied during cooking.
When and where did Samsung first showcase this smart fridge technology?
Samsung introduced this innovative smart fridge with hands-free door control at CES 2026, demonstrating the latest advancement in kitchen automation and voice-activated appliance technology. The technology aims to provide convenience for home cooks managing multiple tasks simultaneously.