“Technology is not simply an extension of human endeavor but an evolving ecosystem of its own, deeply interwoven with human life.” This reflection by Kevin Kelly, founding executive editor of the Wired magazine, captures the intricate relationship between humanity and technology.
Today, the connection between human life and technological progress has never been more intertwined. Household appliances, furniture, smartphones, and computers—once mundane essentials—have been transformed into tools of convenience and joy. They have entered homes worldwide, changing how we live.
Yet, when it comes to sleep—a fundamental right everyone is born with—technological imagination has stalled. This raises an essential question: in the age of smart technology, what kind of sleep experience should we aspire to?
Some pioneers are already exploring this frontier. Recently, Serta hosted an event designed as an interactive experience, allowing participants to explore innovations while lying down. One of these is the new iComfort mattress, a product that offers a glimpse of emerging sleep technology.
Smart beds: Final piece of the smart living puzzle
The bed is more than a piece of furniture—it’s the backdrop for a third of our lives. From fur to straw, cotton to coir, latex to foam, humanity’s quest for better sleep mirrors the growth of civilization. Yet, bedding innovations have traditionally focused on mechanics and materials, with little room for transformation.
Over a decade ago, as the smart home movement gained traction, the idea of a “smart bed” began to take root. In 2011, Serta launched iComfort in the US, sparking industry-wide discussions.
Initially, smart beds centered on electrification. Motors enabled beds to adjust positions or incorporate features like massage. While functional, these products were more electric than intelligent. Early versions of smart beds left much to be desired, and the category was often dismissed as a gimmick.
A fundamental issue remained: few people could articulate what a truly smart bed should do. Beds with varied features were marketed as “smart,” yet failed to establish clear benchmarks.
Despite these challenges, the industry has evolved. Smart beds have moved from the 1.0 era of electric adjustments, to 2.0 versions controlled by apps and voice commands, to 3.0 models with sleep monitoring and health data. This progression mirrors the broader evolution of smart homes.
Now, beds are no longer static objects for people to adapt to. They are dynamic systems designed to adapt to people. In the artificial intelligence era, this relationship is again poised for disruption.
Market leaders often define standards. At its event, Serta not only launched the iComfort mattress but also unveiled the NICE standard for AI-driven smart beds. This framework emphasizes four principles: natural (sustainability), intelligence (adaptation), comfortable (experience enhancements), and expansion (ecosystem connectivity).
By offering a comprehensive smart sleep solution, Serta seeks to formalize the principles it has long practiced. This framework may serve as a benchmark for the entire industry.
The AI era of sleep
Sleep is as mysterious as it is essential. At the event, guest speaker Li Dan said, “Being skilled at sleeping and getting good rest is a rare talent.”
According to the “Annual Sleep Report of China 2024,” the national sleep index for Chinese residents in 2023 dropped to 62.61, the lowest in three years. This decline coincides with the booming sleep economy. Data from iiMedia Research shows that China’s sleep economy reached RMB 495.5 billion (USD 69.4 billion) in 2023, an 8.6% increase from the previous year. By 2027, the market is projected to hit RMB 658.6 billion (USD 92.2 billion).
Despite this growth, the smart bed market in China remains underdeveloped. Edward Wu, CEO of AI Dream and president of Serta China, said that smart beds deserve focusing on as Chinese consumers continue to aspire strongly for futuristic lifestyles that offer a better quality of life. Compared to North America, where smart bed penetration is at 16%, China lags behind at less than 2%.
For Jin Yuan, general manager of AI Dream’s technology and innovation business, a smart bed is not just a product—it’s an integrated solution. iComfort combines a smart base for quick sleep induction, a mattress for restful support, and the AI Dream app, which evolves over time by analyzing user data. Together, they address common sleep challenges like difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, and morning fatigue.
The bed base features patented dynamic support technology, offering pressure relief, massage, and a four-stage “lull-to-sleep” program that guides users into deep rest.
The mattress, a hallmark of Serta’s legacy, blends nearly a century of expertise with innovative technologies like hybrid spring support, temperature-regulating fabrics, and reinforced edges. These features ensure breathability, stability, and comfort for an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
At its core, Serta’s solution taps into real-time data and advanced algorithms to monitor sleep patterns and offer personalized insights. Over time, it refines recommendations, creating a more intuitive sleep experience.
Serta’s innovations extend to specialized groups, such as seniors, pregnant women, and children, with tailored solutions for personalized sleep. To further redefine possibilities, Serta introduced the world’s first Dolby Atmos-enabled smart bed, integrating 11 audio units into five speakers for an immersive bedroom sound experience.
According to Jin, this is but one form of exploration, with research underway to incorporate sensory dimensions—sound, light, temporary, and even scent—into smart beds and bedroom environments.
In the AI era, a bed that understands your habits and helps you rest better is no longer a dream—it could be reality.
Rethinking innovation through the lens of sleep
In a market saturated with bedding companies, many boasting deep histories and strong brands, why has Serta emerged as one of the leaders?
The answer might lie in a difference of approach. From introducing the world’s first mattress-specific spring, Serta has shown that bedding innovation is not merely about improving product functionality—it is about providing holistic sleep solutions.
The industry’s guiding mission should always be the same: how to ensure users sleep long enough and sleep well. Applying this problem-solving mindset to technological innovation is the only viable path forward.
This philosophy aligns with Serta’s identity, not merely as a traditional bedding company but as a tech-forward enterprise focused on sleep solutions. Serta’s core advantage lies in its deep understanding of the sleep domain. On the one hand, its experience gives it a strong foundation. On the other, it exhibits a drive to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in sleep technology.
Right now, one clear direction has emerged: Using AI to build products that better understand “you.” This addresses a longstanding blind spot in the sleep market. Comfort is a judgment informed by both objective standards and subjective feelings, meaning any assumptions by manufacturers can only set a baseline. To surpass this, smart living must dismantle a shared misconception between companies and consumers: what is familiar is not the same as what is essential.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by 36Kr.