Smart home technology utilizes an array of sensors, connected devices and the internet of things (IoT), machine learning, and artificial intelligence technologies for home automation. These smart-home connected devices can be monitored and controlled from anywhere using smart home apps, laptops, or other connected devices.
In this article, we will discuss what is a smart home technology? How does smart home technology work? and How to make a home smart home?
What is a Smart Home technology?
Smart home technology utilizes various latest technologies to convert an ordinary home into a smart home. Technologies such as the Internet of things, Sensors, Cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence are driving the growth of smart home or home automation.
In a smart home, users can automate the working of smart devices or control them remotely. For example, environment control smart devices such as Nest Thermostat learn user behavior and controls room temperature according to user behavior.
Why do we need Home Automation Devices?
Various smart home automation devices are available in the market at a very affordable price. These home automation devices have the following applications.
- Monitor and control smart home devices remotely.
- Smart devices can make decisions of their own according to user requirements.
- Users can access real-time data from anywhere.
Therefore Home Automation devices offers the following three benefits.
- Save electricity.
- Enhances home security.
- Improves user comfort.
How Smart Home Automation System Works ?
A smart home automation system utilizes smart home technologies to connect smart home appliances and devices to the Internet of Things.
Some of these smart home connected devices can analyze data using edge computing and send it to the cloud. It enables users to control connected devices remotely. These smart home systems can send alerts to users as well.
Smart Home Technology: Home Automation Devices
For example, you can start with a smart lighting system. They are available at a very low cost. Following are the major components used in smart home technology to turn an ordinary home into a smart home.
- Home Security System
- Smart DoorBell
- Connected Security Camera
- Connected Smoke and CO Detector
- Window and Door Sensor
- Home Environment Control System
- Smart Thermostat
- Water Heater Controller
- Smart Lighting System
- User Interaction Devices
- Smart Speakers
- Other Smart Devices
- Smart Refrigrator
- Autonomous Cleaning Robots
- Smart Sprinkler System
- Smart Plug
1. Smart Home Security System
The home security system in smart home technology enables users to access security systems remotely. They send alerts to the user when they detect anything unusual. Following is the list of Smart Home security system devices:
1.1) Smart DoorBell
The doorbell is the first thing a visitor interacts with at your home. A smart doorbell is a connected doorbell in a home automation system that can send alerts to the doorbell app. It activates and sends live video when a visitor presses the doorbell button.
Features of a Smart Door Bell
- Motion Detection Feature.
- Two-way communication.
- On-demand video feed.
- Send an Alert to the house owner’s smartphone when the visitor presses the doorbell button.
Smart Doorbell Devices
1.2) Smart Door Lock
Smart Door lock makes your front door smart. With smart locks, you are always in control of your door, no matter where you are. You can control them right from your phone. They also can raise alarms in case of unintended entry.
Features of a Smart Door Lock:
- Activity Monitoring
- Guest Access
- Auto-Lock and Unlock
- Remote Monitoring
Smart Lock Devices
1.3) Connected Security Camera
A smart connected camera in a smart home enhances household security. Users can demand a live camera stream remotely. These cameras also have features like motion detection, zoning, night vision, and smart alerts.
Smart Security Features
- Motion detection
- Smart alerts (baby crying, unwanted intrusion)
- Night Vision
- Two-way Communication.
Smart Security Camera Devices
1.4) Smart Smoke and CO Detector
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors along with raising an alarm also send audio alerts to the connected devices.
Features of Smart Smoke Detector
- Send Alert to your phone.
- Can tell specific place for alarm.
Smart Smoke Detector Devices
1.5) Windows / Door Sensor
Windows and door sensors are used to restrict unwanted entry. They set an alert if they detect a door or window opening when the security system is on.
Features of a Connected Door Sensor
- Detect Door / Window Opening
- Sensor with Glass Break detection is also available
Smart Window Sensor Devices
2. Home Environment Control Devices
These smart home control devices are used to control the environment such as temperature, humidity, air quality in your home. Users can set their preferences and some environment control devices learn from user behavior and work accordingly. Following are the examples of smart home environment control devices.
2.1) Smart Thermostat (Heating and Cooling Control)
Smart thermostats are used in smart home automation to control HVAC systems. They allow users to control their home temperature remotely. Some of these smart thermostats are smart enough to adjust the temperature based on user behavior.
Features of Smart Thermostats
- Adjust room temperature based on user behavior.
- Improves user comfort.
- Saves Electricity.
- Energy Reports
Smart Thermostat Devices
2.2) Water Heater Controller
Everyone likes to have a hot water shower when they wake up. Smart water heater control in home automation are devices that are used to control hot water supply according to user preference.
Features of a Water Heater Controller
- Water Heating as per user Schedule
- Saves Electricity and Money
- Intelligent Control
- Remotely Control
Smart Thermostat Devices
2.3) Smart Lighting System
Connected smart lighting Devices can be controlled using internet-connected devices such as smartphones or laptops. These smart light brightness and colors can also be controlled. In this way, Smart lighting technology automates smart home lighting systems.
Features of a Smart Lighting System
- Adjust light brightness.
- Multiple colors
- Daylight Sensing
- Occupancy Sensing
- Scheduling
Smart Lighting Devices
3. User Interaction / Control Devices
These smart home devices can be controlled using any internet-connected device such as a laptop, smartphone, or voice-controlled devices. Following is the list of smart user interaction devices:
3.1) Smart Speaker / Voice Assistant
Connected smart speakers are changing the way we interact with a smart devices. These voice assistants are capable of giving commands to smart devices. For example, you can control your smart bulb with Alexa or google home.
Features of Smart Speakers
- Works as Voice Assistants.
- Can Control Smart devices.
- Voice Controlled
Smart Speakers
4. Other Smart Appliances
4.1) Smart Refrigerator
A smart connected refrigerator can control refrigerator temperature more precisely. Therefore it utilizes low energy and also can send users an alert if the fridge door is left open.
Features of a Smart Refrigerator
- Look inside the refrigerator on a mobile app.
- Let you know if you left the fridge door open.
- Works with smart speakers (Alexa and Google home).
- Create Schedule
- Holiday Mode
Smart Refrigerators
4.2) Autonomous Cleaning Robots
When you leave for office. A Robotic Vacuum cleaner can do the job of cleaning your home. They are intelligent enough to clean the floor autonomously and go to the charging station to charge themself. In this way, Cleaning Robots automate user home cleaning needs.
Features of Cleaning Robots
- Automatic Cleaning
- Smart Mapping
- Voice/Remote Control
Cleaning Robots
4.3) Smart Sprinkler System
Similar to other smart home devices, The smart sprinkler system can be controlled remotely.
Features of a Smart Sprinkler Control Devices
- Saves Water
- Weather Compensation
- Auto Scheduling
Smart Sprinkler Controls
- Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
- Aifro WaterEco
- BlueSpray
- GreenIQ Controller
4.4) Smart Plug / Socket
Connected Smart plug makes home automation possible by making any ordinary device smart. For this, you just need to plug an existing device into the smart plug. Read this article for more details on a smart plug.
Features of a Smart Plug
- Controlled and monitored remotely.
- Can Make any product smart.
- Scheduling
Smart Plug Devices
To sum up, Smart home automation is becoming more affordable because of more penetration of the latest technologies such as IoT, Cloud computing, cheaper availability of data, and machine learning technology.
These smart home-connected devices enhance home security, improve the comfort level and reduce electricity & gas bills.
We will keep adding more information on smart home technologies. Add your suggestions, comments, or questions to What is a smart home technology and how smart home works?
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