Compiled from a report by China Daily on March 13.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming everyday consumer hardware in China, and smart locks may be among the next devices to become fully AI-enabled.
Industry experts say the next generation of AI-powered smart locks will move beyond basic security functions to develop perception, decision-making and interactive capabilities, becoming an important part of the smart home ecosystem.
“Future AI smart locks will be able to understand users and real-life situations,” said Zhu Zhiling, founder and CEO of Zhejiang-based smart lock manufacturer Desman Intelligent Technology.
Rather than forcing users to adapt to technology, Zhu said the goal is to make artificial intelligence adapt to people’s daily habits.
From Security Hardware to Intelligent Devices
Traditional smart locks typically focus on functions such as fingerprint recognition, facial authentication and remote unlocking.
However, the integration of AI technologies is expected to fundamentally change how these devices operate.
According to Desman, future AI-enabled locks will be able to:
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recognize family members, visitors and strangers
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detect packages delivered to the doorstep
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remind users to retrieve deliveries at appropriate times
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interact naturally through intelligent services
The devices will also feature contactless package pickup functions and more advanced human-machine interaction capabilities.
These developments signal a shift in the role of smart locks — from simple security hardware to intelligent entry points within the smart home network.
Addressing Real-Life Use Cases
AI integration is also helping manufacturers address practical challenges faced by different groups of users.
For example, elderly users often encounter difficulties with facial recognition or battery-related issues that may leave them locked outside their homes.
To address this, Desman has developed a specialized algorithm designed for older users and extended battery life to up to eight months, aiming to make smart locks more reliable for senior households.
Meanwhile, AI can help manage the growing number of home deliveries by automatically recognizing packages placed outside the door and notifying users when they should collect them.
These features highlight how AI is increasingly being designed around real-world living scenarios, rather than purely technological functions.
Smart Locks in the Expanding AI Hardware Ecosystem
The evolution of smart locks reflects a broader trend in China’s technology sector — the rapid integration of large AI models and intelligent algorithms into consumer hardware.
From smartphones and home appliances to automobiles and security devices, AI is becoming embedded across a wide range of physical products.
Industry observers say these devices could eventually function as intelligent service terminals, connecting users with digital ecosystems and home automation systems.
As AI capabilities improve, smart locks may even be able to handle more complex tasks, learning from user behavior and providing proactive services.
Global Expansion on the Horizon
Desman is also accelerating its expansion into overseas markets as demand for smart home devices continues to grow globally.
The company said international markets will be a priority this year, with different product strategies tailored to regional needs.
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In Europe, the focus will be on privacy protection and design aesthetics.
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In North America, security performance and usability will be emphasized.
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In Southeast Asia, products will prioritize affordability and waterproof features suited to tropical climates.
As AI continues to reshape consumer technology, smart locks could become one of the next everyday devices to evolve from simple hardware into intelligent assistants integrated into the connected home.