Home automation – Everything you need to know
With the rise in the standard of living, the definition of home is changing. It doesn’t just mean four walls to protect oneself and their families. Home automation is a comparatively new phenomenon. But it’s gaining popularity very rapidly. All personal devices, home appliances, and entertainment systems are connected to smartphones, computers, or tablets.
Definition
Home automation is a term for programming technologies in the home connected to a central hub via the wifi to be accessed while at home or away. The central hub here is the device used to control everything, i.e., phone, laptop, or tablet.
Understanding the technologies involved
The following elements are included in a smart or automated home.
- Appliances like refrigerator, washing machines, garage door opening system
- Security system
- Entertainment system
- Environment control systems like air conditioners, heating systems, lights
- Personal devices
To control these automated systems through the central hub, some specialized devices are also needed. The most popular ones are ZigBee, Lutron, Wink, and Z-Wave. Each of these has mobile software and apps which help to access everything when away from home.
Benefits of smart/automated home
- Safety – The varied range of smart security systems allows the owner to lock and unlock the doors from the centralized hub itself. This adds to the safety aspect of smart homes. These smart security systems come in handy in case of emergencies also.
- Lower heating and electricity consumption – Home automation allows one to access the electrical appliances and heating system even when not at home. These can also be programmed to turn off themselves when the house or even the room is empty. This reduces the electricity and heating consumption, lowering the bills.
- More comfort – When lights and temperature are adjusted as per mood and requirements, one can’t help but feel comfortable and happy. Even music can be played with the help of the phone’s voice assistant.
Controversies
Home automation faces several controversies. Both the hardware and software can’t be innovated simultaneously, and this is the major issue. Apart from this, there are concerns about data security and data privacy. Further, it is still a complicated concept for many.
Conclusion
Despite all the controversies, home automation is a technology of the future. It is here to stay because more and more people accept technological changes and are willing to move forward with them.
