"What's next? Whirlpool is working with Cisco Systems Inc., Sun Microsystems Inc. and Siemens AG to develop "connected homes," with routers, security systems and Internet-connected appliances all consolidated into a "smart home" system."

This article talks about the Innovation process at Whirlpool, and uses the work of my team as one of the shining examples:

"There's not a big market for that right now," MacGregor says. "But a lot of good ideas have come out of that, and over the next five years, things may change dramatically." If that happens, he says, "from an innovations standpoint, Whirlpool will be positioned at the leading edge."

The article is available online as well as a PDF.