Japanese consumer electronics company Sharp Corp. is aiming to generate ¥1 trillion from the sale of about three million smart appliances in Japan by fiscal 2019, the Nikkei Asian Review reported, citing Sharp Executive Managing Officer Masahiro Okitsu.
The numbers are up from last fiscal year's outlook of 30,000 smart appliances and ¥550 billion in total sales, the report said.
The Nikkei said Sharp, majority-owned by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., is looking to grow in artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Okitsu reportedly told reporters Dec. 11 that the appliance business should not "end when you buy the hardware," adding that "products whose hardware continues to grow after the purchase will catch on" going forward.
The company plans to collaborate with other manufacturers to produce items compatible with smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod, according to the report. It also intends to increase smart appliance sales and related services to China and the U.S., among other markets.
As of Dec. 11, US$1 was equivalent to ¥113.37.
