Smart home automation is earning swift recognition among consumers around the world. In today’s day and age, a lot of emphasis is being given to the technologies that make the daily lives comfortable, fast, and easy. Automation is one of such booming technologies witnessing advancements in terms of innovation and applications at a supersonic pace. Home automation or smart home technology involves mechanization of thermostats, security, temperature controls, and home appliances. Introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized smart home automation for the better. It offers automatic control of electronic and electric devices in homes. Users access these devices through wireless communication. Home appliance manufacturers from around the world are keen on inventing more effective and affordable devices to impel the sales and ensure customer satisfaction. As a result, the global demand for smart home automation is flooded with groundbreaking home systems.
High Points of Smart Home Automation Technology
Smartphones can be connected to practically anything and everything that is technology-enabled. Be it banking, entertainment, or home settings. The home technology is evolving at a rapid pace. The technology is promising, convenient, and rapidly evolving. The modern world is reaching the tipping point as far as utilization of technology in homes, workplaces, and other spheres of daily human lives are concerned. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another such technology finding its way in daily human lives. Availability of a myriad of automated devices and high-tech concepts at the consumer technology and trade shows like the Consumer Electric Show (CES) only point out the advancement in automation technology. Along with enhancements, smart technology and smart home technology in particular is anticipated to become easily accessible. This could be one of the biggest high points for the consumers across the globe. Along with mechanized home features and security devices, consumers will witness the advent of technologies like lookout cameras for pets and automated shopping. Take a look at some of the imminent trends in home automation:
Cameras for Pets
Closed-circuit television or CCTV has been the original security essential as far as home automation is concerned. With the combination of security cameras and smart home automation, they have become all the more indispensable and sophisticated. Along with the standard usage for security purposes, the cameras installed in households can help pet owners monitor the activities of their pets. These cameras have motion sensors with the ability to self-activate when the pets move. These devices can also soothe pets that are nervous and are prone to damaging furniture and other home articles. For instance, the recently launched Petcube Play Interactive camera, a Wi-Fi enabled indoor pet camera that allows pet owners to check in on their pets through smartphones and other smart devices. It also allows interaction with the help of two-way audio and high definition video camera. The sound alerts added to the cameras notify users in case of major events.
Wireless Kitchen
Futuristic, is the buzzword for smart home automation. Manufacturers of modern home appliances and technologies are keen on adopting technologies that can provide customer satisfaction and convenience. For example, URBANEER recently developed the first commercially available wireless kitchen in partnership with the Wireless Power Consortium or WPC. It has automatic kitchen products designed using advanced technology for the utmost customer comfort and optimal use of home space. These customizable products are considered to be ideal for modern homes. After the launch of the game changing furniture line with built-in chargers by Ikea, many other companies have ventured into wireless charging furniture. This type of furniture transmits electricity with the help of electromagnetic fields through a base and a receiver. From lamps to side tables to stand-alone charging pads, companies like Ikea are revolutionizing the industry for home automation. Another company, Curvilux recently launched its nightstand product with attached wireless charging pad.
Breathing Sleep Robot
Enhancing sleep technology is a part of the smart home automation revolution taking place across the world. Companies are launching advanced devices that use technology and data to manage health, sleep, exercise, and other activities of the users. Apart from the fitness trackers, smart beds, and pillows, manufacturers are introducing other ground-breaking products. For example, the Sensorwake 2 Olfactory Alarm Clock. This clock wakes up the users with a pleasant smell of their choice. It uses soft melodies, dynamic light, and a scent that instantly puts the user in good mood. Another pioneering discovery made in the field of home automation is the sleep robot. To put this into perspective, Somnox recently introduced the world’s first ever sleep robot that improves sleep by stimulating breathing. It can also help reduce stress and unwanted thoughts. The sounds like heartbeat and guided meditation can help the users fall asleep faster.
Multi-room Music
Although multi-room music has been around for a few years, the technology is witnessing rapid advancements in terms of innovative applications and devices. The manufacturers in the smart home automation industry are keen on launching high-tech products that can play different kinds of music in different rooms of the house based on the mood of the users. All the multi-room products of today including smart speakers, AV receivers, network streamers, wireless speakers, and stereo amplifiers run using either wireless technology or by creating their own mesh network. Most of these music systems work on the Wi-Fi network of the users’ homes. DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay 2, Sonos One, Amazon Echo, Amazon Alexa, and Google Chromecast Audio, and Bose Soundtouch 10 are some of the examples of multi-room music systems available with customizable user experience. Almost all of these systems have their dedicated smartphone app that allows easy access and trouble-free control of the multiroom.
Overview of the Smart Home Automation Market
The global market for smart home automation is anticipated to witness impressive growth in the forthcoming years. Remote control living and high demand for automation will remain the major baits for the users opting for the advanced products available in the market. Rising disposable income and awareness regarding the innovations taking place in the world of technology can create major business opportunities for the top market players like Honeywell International Inc.; Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.; Legrand SA; Schneider Electric; and others. High demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, smart kitchen, smart security, and energy management can propel the demand for the global market in near future.
Rising penetration of internet of things is one of the major factors responsible for the innovations taking place in smart home automation technology. Arrival of smart thermostat technologies such as Z-Wave, C-Bus, ZigBee, KNX, EnOcean, and others has simplified the adoption and implementation of wireless technology. This technology plays a crucial role in the insanely increasing popularity of home automation. Major companies in the market are keen in investing heavily in research and development along with business collaborations. Growing demand for home entertainment, security, and energy management can be considered as a vital sign of growth for this industry.
In conclusion, a myriad of brand new products are expected to be launched in the market for smart home automation in the next few years. Most of these products will heavily rely on Internet of things, artificial intelligence, and smart sensor technology. The best thing about automated smart home products is the way they allow the users to have total control of the way they prefer for the product to function. Easy accessibility of cutting-edge technology and pioneering products is also anticipated to set the precedence for the companies operating in this market.
