Samsung unveils Bixby‑enabled fridge that can open and shut doors
Samsung's latest kitchen gadget pushes the boundaries of voice‑controlled home tech. At this week’s CES 2026, the company rolled out a refrigerator that talks back through its built‑in Bixby assistant. The idea is simple: you speak, the appliance moves.
While many smart fridges can adjust temperature or display recipes, this model claims to manipulate the physical door itself. Critics have wondered whether a voice command can reliably handle a heavy, magnet‑sealed panel, especially in a bustling kitchen. The manufacturer says the system can swing the door open past a right angle, not just a slight nudge.
If the claim holds up, everyday chores could become hands‑free, reducing the need to fumble with handles when your hands are full. Samsung frames the fridge as part of its broader push toward open‑source compatible appliances, hoping developers can tinker with the Bixby APIs. The move also raises questions about energy efficiency and durability when motors are engaged frequently.
Consumers will likely weigh the novelty against practical benefits once the unit reaches retail shelves.
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 says its newest Family Hub fridge can obey simple voice commands. “Open the door” or “Shut the fridge door” will trigger the appliance to swing the door fully open, over 90 degrees, according to a CES 2026 press release. The feature relies on the built‑in Bixby assistant, the same voice platform that powers other Samsung devices.
For users who forget to close the door, the promise is convenience without reaching. Yet the announcement offers no data on response time, noise level, or durability of the motorized hinges. It also leaves safety considerations unaddressed—won’t the door close if a child’s hand is in the way?
The brief description suggests a straightforward integration, but real‑world testing will be needed to confirm reliability. As with any new smart‑home function, privacy implications are not discussed. Samsung’s claim is clear: the fridge will obey.
Whether the added complexity justifies the benefit remains to be determined.
Further Reading
- Samsung is putting Gemini on a fridge, and it'll debut at CES 2026 - Android Central
- Samsung Presents 'Your Companion to AI Living' at The First Look during CES 2026 - Samsung Newsroom
- Samsung brings Google's Gemini AI to its refrigerators - SamMobile
- Samsung's Bespoke AI aims to do it all in the home - Korea JoongAng Daily
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Common Questions Answered
What voice commands does Samsung's Bixby-enabled fridge support according to the CES 2026 announcement?
The fridge responds to commands such as “Open the door” and “Shut the fridge door,” causing the door to swing fully open or closed by more than 90 degrees. These commands are processed by the built‑in Bixby assistant integrated into the Family Hub model.
How does the Bixby‑enabled refrigerator physically open and close its door?
The appliance uses a motorized mechanism that is triggered by Bixby voice input or a tap on the door with the palm or back of the hand. When activated, the mechanism swings the door fully open or shut, rather than just a small opening.
What distinguishes Samsung’s new Family Hub fridge from other smart refrigerators mentioned at CES 2026?
Unlike many smart fridges that only adjust temperature or display recipes, this model can physically manipulate the door using voice commands or hand taps. The key innovation is the ability to open the door over 90 degrees without manual effort.
Did Samsung provide performance details such as response time or noise level for the Bixby door‑control feature?
The CES 2026 press release did not include data on how quickly the fridge responds, the noise it generates, or its long‑term durability. Samsung highlighted convenience but left those technical specifications undisclosed.