Functional sofas have become the undisputed leader in the soft furniture market.

According to the "2023 China Functional Sofa Industry Market Research Report" by HuaJing Industry Research Institute, the market size of China’s functional sofa industry reached 12.68 billion RMB in 2022, with a year-on-year growth of 24.0%, outpacing global market growth. The market size is expected to surpass 15 billion RMB in 2023.

From 2016 to 2023, the penetration rate of functional sofas in China grew from 3.7% to 8.3%, while the U.S. reached 48.8% penetration by 2022.

Overall, China’s functional sofa market is in a high-growth phase with low penetration, offering a significant opportunity for expansion.

As Technology Advances, Consumer Upgrades, and Industry Development Accelerates, What Trends Will Shape the Future of Functional Sofas?Just as "Intel Inside" represents high quality and performance in the computer industry, "OKIN Inside" is set to revolutionize the experience of functional sofas.

More Precise Market Segmentation

Meeting the Personalized Needs of Different Consumer Groups

Driven by various factors such as economy, technology, and societal changes, consumer behavior has become increasingly segmented. The same trend is evident in home furnishings.

As user demands continue to evolve, functional sofas will develop new features based on a deeper understanding of different consumer profiles, habits, and purchasing behaviors. This will lead to rapid growth as the industry tailors products to increasingly specific needs.

Currently, basic features such as Bluetooth connectivity, music playback, storage solutions, and massage functions on functional sofas are no longer sufficient to meet consumer demands.

To enable further functional iterations, the key innovation lies in the functional framework technology.

The functional framework is the core component of a functional sofa, primarily consisting of parts like the headrest, lumbar support, footrest, and frame. These parts work in harmony to enable the multiple functionalities of the sofa.

As a global leader in the functional sofa framework industry, OKIN has been providing system products and comprehensive solutions for the functional sofa sector since its brand inception in 1986.

By focusing on the research and innovation of key components for electric frameworks, OKIN has continually enhanced its product matrix, strengthening its product capabilities and addressing the diverse needs of various consumer segments. Its ever-expanding product lineup adapts to shifting market dynamics and consumer preferences. For instance:

• Wall-free sofa frame: An innovative frame structure that solves the issue of sofas being unable to be placed against walls, optimizing space in homes.

• Elderly assistance sofa frame: A single-motor drive that allows for various reclining angles and a standing aid function, making it easier for the elderly or those with limited mobility to sit or stand.

• A frame designed to cater to the preferences of Asian consumers for lower seating.

• Designed to allow cleaning robots to pass freely underneath, ensuring convenience in maintaining cleanliness.

By integrating various smart components, OKIN can further meet a wide range of refined, segmented needs:

For functional sofas—products that emphasize functional benefits—it is essential to continuously enhance product features in line with the evolving consumer demographic. By creating diverse, scenario-based user experiences for various segments, OKIN can meet the personalized demands of niche markets and offer differentiated value.

With a focus on continuous innovation in core functional sofa driving technology and smart accessories, OKIN is dedicated to enhancing service and user experience value, establishing a lasting competitive advantage.

High Aesthetics, Higher Efficiency

"Mechatronics" and "One-stop Functional Sofa Solutions" as Game Changers

Currently, many functional sofas in the market exhibit monotonous designs, severe homogeneity, and limited color options. Moreover, to ensure extensibility, their overall shape tends to be bulky, which often compromises their visual appeal.

With the rise of the "aesthetic economy," combining attractive design with high-quality functionality has become one of the key strategies for brands to differentiate themselves. The first step in achieving this is overcoming the bulky, cumbersome designs.

In 2021, OKIN pioneered the "mechatronics" integrated frame design in the industry, merging the frame and electrical systems into one. This innovation greatly enhanced the lightweight nature of functional sofa frames.

As a result, there is now more room to enhance the aesthetic appeal of functional sofas. Embracing minimalist Italian design, which focuses on "less is more" and uses simple, luxurious aesthetics, is the perfect choice to elevate the visual appeal without sacrificing functionality.

Italian minimalism in home furnishings isn't just about removing complexity, but about simplifying design to emphasize the right colors and create a comfortable, artistic atmosphere—perfectly aligning with the core focus of functional sofas on comfort and relaxation.

Not only that, the "mechatronics" integration improves the efficiency of coordination between the frame and motor through refined components, achieving a balance between cost and performance.

Additionally, OKIN's "one-stop functional sofa solution" has transformed the entire process of manufacturing, assembling, and using functional sofas, making it more convenient and efficient. This solution addresses common challenges such as uncontrolled costs and low installation efficiency, and it has been widely applied across various products, including functional sofas, massage chairs, cinema chairs, elderly chairs, and smart electric beds.

Faced with the challenges of rising raw material costs, supply chain complexities, and volatility, the mechatronics products and one-stop functional sofa solutions not only drive cost reductions along the supply chain, standardize components, and promote lean management but also help functional sofas expand into mid-to-high-end markets.

From Functionality to Intelligence

Unlocking Endless Possibilities

As the "Internet of Things" continues to develop, consumers are increasingly seeking immersive, scenario-based experiences. Simple functional features will no longer meet the rising demand. The new standard for functional sofas lies in smarter product interconnectivity and human-machine interaction.

So, what changes can we expect as functional sofas move towards intelligence? OKIN's AI Zero-Pressure Sofa Solution offers a glimpse into the future of intelligent functional sofas.

The OKIN AI Zero-Pressure Sofa Solution integrates a millimeter-wave body monitoring system within the sofa's backrest. By tracking chest and back movements, it monitors breathing, pulse, and heart rate data. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, it generates sleep and health reports non-invasively, providing real-time monitoring of health status.

Additionally, the OKIN AI Zero-Pressure Sofa Solution can automatically adjust the sofa's position based on each user’s heart rate, breathing, and other data, transforming the functional sofa from a passive adjuster to an active service provider.

The solution also offers a range of customizable features such as massage, sedentary reminders, heating pads, and more, perfectly meeting consumers' desires for a comfortable home experience.

With various control methods like handheld controllers, offline voice control, and smartphone app operation, the process is simplified, creating a more convenient and intelligent living experience.

The home furnishings industry is entering a new phase of competition in a post-real estate era, where the functional sofa, a high-potential segment, is poised to meet new demands from Chinese consumers for enhanced lifestyle quality and intelligent features. This presents a fresh development opportunity. As the "Intel" of the functional sofa industry, OKIN, with its robust technological foundation and experience-driven innovations, will help home furnishing companies gain a competitive edge in this evolving market.