Disassembly Analysis of Persil's Smartwash Intelligent Laundry Pod
Henkel's Smartwash technology, unveiled in a teardown by the ZeroBrain YouTube channel, is a groundbreaking smart detergent dosing system integrated into a ball designed for use in washing machines [1][2]. This innovative device, owned by detergent giants like Persil and Somat, aims to automate and optimise the detergent dosing process, enhancing laundry performance and user convenience.
The Smartwash ball houses detergent in double chambers and is equipped with a range of sensors, an inductive charging coil, a control pad, and a pump mechanism. Its primary function is to automatically dose the correct amount of detergent during the washing cycle, optimising detergent usage and streamlining the laundry process.
The Smartwash ball connects to WiFi and integrates with a smartphone app, allowing users to personalise their laundry settings with location-based features. During operation, the ball audibly bounces inside the drum, protected by a rubberised exterior to prevent damage. The internal electronics are protected to IP68 standards, ensuring durability under wet conditions.
The device's main PCB utilises an ESP32-D0WD-V3 microcontroller, and it also includes an ESP-PSRAMH 64 Mbit pseudo-static RAM. The wireless charging of the Smartwash ball is managed by a T3168, while the charging of its Li-ion cell is handled by a TP4056. Two Hall effect sensors are used in the Smartwash ball to measure detergent and softener output, and the device includes a presence sensor to detect the presence of a pod.
The Smartwash ball weighs 441 grams and comes with a single pump that pumps both types of fluids independently. The device requires users to input details about the local water supply hardness and laundry dirtiness as per the accompanying app. The teardown of the Smartwash ball revealed other ICs on the PCB that may be an IMU to detect motion of the ball. The video demonstration of the teardown was in German.
The Smartwash ball by Henkel represents a move toward adding "smart" features to what has traditionally been a straightforward process, aiming for efficiency and customisation in laundry care. This new product is intended for washing machines, offering 'smart' dosing of detergent and setting a new standard for laundry technology.
[1] The teardown of the Smartwash ball was first reported by Jan Praegert [2] The Smartwash ball teardown was demonstrated by German YouTube channel ZeroBrain
The Smartwash ball, integrated with sensors, a control pad, and WiFi connectivity, is designed to optimize detergent usage and enhance user convenience in the laundry process. This 'smart' laundry device, developed by Henkel and featuring a PCB with an ESP32-D0WD-V3 microcontroller, aims to set a new standard for smart-home devices and other gadgets by offering customized and efficient technology for washing machines.
