# Clothes-Folding Laundry Machines Panasonic's Sustainable Maintainer Will Fold Your Clean Laundry By Ell Smith | Published 2017-09-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-maintainer References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/09/06/panasonic-washing-machine-folds-clothes-voice-controlled-fridge-technology-ifa-2017/) & [cnet](https://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-sustainable-maintainer/preview/) In the near future, common household appliances could take on entirely new forms that are more convenient and autonomous than before; [Panasonic's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homechef-7in1-compact-oven) 'Sustainable Maintainer' is an example of this, serving as a futuristic washing machine that can fold one's clothes. This high-tech laundry machine is perfectly integrated into the walls, offering an unobtrusive household aid. To activate the machine, users simply tap the walls, prompting one of [several usable compartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xiaomi-mijia-threezone-washing-machine-pro-drum) to open. After placing laundry in one of the compartments, the machine will identify the clothing item's labels, treating the items with the ideal temperature and pressure conditions. After the clothes have been washed, the machine's arms will fold the clothing items into a neat pile, providing a streamlined and integrated laundering process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Autonomous Laundry Machines:** Laundry machines that offer more convenient and autonomous features such as folding clothes could be the next trend in home appliances. - **Smart Home Appliances:** Smart home appliances with integrated features that simplify daily chores like laundry could continue to trend. - **Sustainable Living Appliances:** Laundry machines that emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency could gain popularity. ### Where This Applies - **Home Appliances Industry:** The home appliances industry could be disrupted with the introduction of more autonomous and smart home appliances. - **Sustainable Living Industry:** Laundry machines with sustainable living features could create opportunities in the sustainable living industry. - **Interior Design Industry:** Integration of smart home appliances like autonomous laundry machines into interior design could disrupt the interior design industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Germ-Killing Clothing Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clothing-care-appliance.md) - [Flatpack Portable Washing Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collapsible-washing-machine.md) - [Ultra-Modern Toy-Like Washing Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toshin-machine.md) - [Portable Washing Machine Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-washing-machine.md) - [AI-Powered Laundry Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenet-ai-laundry-robot.md) - [Garment-Drying Laundry Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zera-lab-launbot.md) - [Compact Washer-Dryer Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/washerdryer-robot.md) - [Laundry-Folding Humanoids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/figures-helix.md) - [AI-Powered Laundry Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-fx-washer-and-dryer.md)