Consumer electrical product maker Sharp Corp plans to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) offerings.

Riding on big data application, the company said it intends to create a combination of AI and IoT ecosystem to produce products, services and platforms that are people-oriented, connecting homes and social systems.

It currently offers IoT-applicable flagship models for air conditioners and air purifiers, and further expansion will see it launching small and beauty appliances in the near future, the company said in a statement.

The company is also looking at research and development (R&D), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and talent cultivation as it pushes forward its 8K ecosystem, said Sharp Electronics Malaysia Sdn Bhd MD Robert Wu in the same statement.

Sharp has been a major innovator in the LED television (TV) technology, particularly in the high-definition 8K segment. However, the company said its direction in the segment goes beyond TV panel as it works to create and develop an 8K ecosystem through partnerships with related parties to build up a series of value chain in 8K solution.

It added that the strategy will see Sharp’s imprint in various fields, particularly in industrials, security, medical, education, entertainment and broadcasting.