May 11, 2016 – The ZigBee Alliance, a non-profit association of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced that Midea Group has joined the ZigBee Alliance and will be accepting a seat on its Board of Directors. The addition reflects the Alliance’s growing influence and engagement in China, and among manufacturers focused on the smart appliance product category.
Midea Group is known for high-quality consumer appliances and air conditioning systems. Established in 1968, Midea has operations around the world with more than 126,000 employees. The company is an early adopter of ZigBee Alliance technologies for home appliances that deliver “smart” functionality, a rapidly emerging product category in the connected home.
Midea Group joins Comcast Cable, Itron Inc., The Kroger Co., Landis+Gyr, Legrand Group, NXP Semiconductors, Philips, Schneider Electric, Silicon Labs, SmartThings, Texas Instruments and Wulian on the ZigBee Alliance Board of Directors.
“Interest in the smart home continues to gain traction and as an industry it is critical to develop products that resonate with consumers while at the same time connect with each other to ensure a satisfying experience for the end user,” said John E. Osborne II, chairman of the board for the ZigBee Alliance and general manager, The Kroger Co. R&D. “Midea’s expertise in product design and the Alliance’s leadership in the wireless IoT movement makes for good synergy and opportunity.
We’re especially pleased to have Midea join our Board of Directors.”