The new era of Smart Home solutions

What does “Smart Home” mean?

Smart home technology allows you to remotely control and monitor your home's devices and appliances. This includes things like lights, thermostats, security systems, door locks, and more. Smart home technology can be accessed through a central hub or app, giving you control of your home from anywhere. With smart home technology, you can customize your home to meet your needs and preferences while also saving energy and money. Smart home technology can also be used to help keep your home safe and secure with features like motion sensors, cameras, and alarms. Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, making it easier and more convenient to control your home.

Construction of a Smart Home

The Smart Home Paradigm with the three main components of sensors, data processing and environment control | https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Smart-Home-Paradigm-with-the-three-main-components-of-sensors-data-processing-and_fig2_220144286

Smart home technology is beneficial in various ways, including energy savings, improved security and convenience, and increased comfort. According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Technology Association, over two-thirds of respondents reported that their smart home technology had saved them money on their utility bills. Additionally, more than half of respondents reported feeling safer with their smart home technology in place. Finally, over three-quarters of respondents reported that they felt more comfortable in their homes with the help of their smart home system. But the construction of the smart device is a little more complex than we see. It is all about the sensors, data and how to control it. 

The 3 basics for smart devices are: 

• Sensors
• Data processing
• Control

Sensing is a system that consists of sensors, motion analyzers and microphones. Sensors detect environmental changes and provide access to information such as position, temperature, speed and more. Motion analyzers use this information to create detailed motion models from which changes can be detected and conclusions are drawn. Microphones are used to detect sounds and analyze them to detect different situations.

Smart home devices generally involve collecting data from sensors or user interactions, organizing the data into a meaningful format, analyzing the data to identify patterns or anomalies, and taking action based on the analysis results. For example, a smart thermostat might collect data on temperature readings throughout the day and use it to determine the optimal temperature to maintain in the home. Smart lights collect data on user interactions, such as how often the lights are being turned on and off, and use that data to adjust the lighting levels in the home for energy efficiency. Smart home devices can also use data processing to automate tasks, such as turning on lights when someone enters a room or turning off lights when someone leaves the house.

Smart home technology uses automated and interconnected devices to manage and control a home's lighting, heating, cooling, security, and other appliances. With the help of this technology, homeowners can manage their home environment more efficiently, save energy, and improve their comfort and convenience. Smart home systems integrate various devices and services that allow users to control and monitor their home environment from any location and at any time. These devices can be controlled either manually or automatically, depending on the user’s preference. To use the technology, homeowners need to purchase and install smart home products such as thermostats, lighting systems, security systems, cameras, and other home automation devices. These products are typically connected to a home's Wi-Fi network, allowing users to interact with them through a mobile app or voice-activated device. 

Sensing with unusual sensors

• Geofences
  
  Geofencing is a location-based service that uses GPS, RFID, or Wi-Fi to define virtual boundaries that trigger a pre-programmed action when a mobile device enters or exits the area. These boundaries, or “fences,” can be used to send push notifications, trigger automated processes, or collect data. There are several ways to configure your devices to use geofencing. Geofencing is typically a setting in the companion app you use to set up your smart device. However, frequently the capability is enabled as part of the process of initiating automatic activities (sometimes called Automation or Routines). Geofencing is used, for instance, when you configure an Automation to turn something on or off when you leave or return home. The control app for a smart-home platform like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa may also provide you access to geofencing.
  
• Google nest
  
  Google Nest is a line of smart home products and services developed by Google. It includes products such as thermostats, smoke detectors, security cameras, and smart speakers. These products are designed to work together to create an intelligent, interconnected home.
  
  
• Bosch Smart Kitchen Dock
  
  The Bosch Smart Kitchen Dock is a kitchen hub and charging station for smart devices. It has a built-in wireless charging pad for Android and Apple devices and an integrated Alexa voice assistant interface. The dock can be used to keep track of recipes, set timers, or listen to music while cooking. It also includes an integrated digital display showing relevant information, such as cooking instructions or nutrition facts.

Process data with the systems we all know

• Bosch home connect - Bosch Home Connect is an innovative technology that brings the convenience of smart home automation to your home. It allows you to control and monitor appliances and home systems from anywhere, anytime. With Bosch Home Connect, you can access and control various home appliances such as ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. You can also monitor and control lighting, heating and cooling, and security systems from anywhere. Bosch Home Connect also offers a range of additional features and services, including remote access, energy management, and voice control.
  
  

• Google Home - By bringing together many gadgets and services in one location and integrating them as separate entities, Home Assistant serves as a central point for smart home controllers. Using a trigger event, conditions, and actions, including scripts, the offered rule-based automation system enables the development of unique routines.
  
  
• Apple HomeKit - HomeKit, commonly called Apple Home, is a software framework created by Apple Inc. and included in iOS and iPadOS. It enables users to set up, communicate, and manage smart home equipment using Apple devices. It offers consumers a means of automatically finding and setting up such devices. Users can enable automatic activities in the home with only a single voice command to Siri or through the Home app by configuring rooms, products, and actions in HomeKit. Developers may build sophisticated applications with HomeKit that manage accessories at a high level. HomeKit is merely a communication protocol that integrates and controls a variety of home accessories.
  
  
• Samsung Home - a smart speaker. Because of its SmartThings Hub integration, the speaker can operate other smart home devices compatible with Samsung's SmartThings software. The default music player is Spotify, which may be operated via voice commands, and Samsung home appliances can all switch between audio playback.
  
  
• Xiaomi Smart Home - It is a Mi Ecosystem managed by a mobile application by Xiaomi. Devices are managed and communicated with in order to link them to the network and to one another utilizing Bluetooth and WiFi. Mi Ecosystems includes Mi Purifier, Mi Scale, Smart Home Kit, Smart Vacuums and more. 

Control

All te devices in your home use technology to control various aspects of a home's environment, such as temperature, lighting, and security. This type of automation usually involves integrating various systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, as well as control and monitoring systems.This can include controlling lights, fans, heating, cooling, security, and audio/visual equipment. Automation systems can be programmed to adjust lighting, temperature, and music to fit the mood of your home. The automated system can turn certain appliances and electronics on or off at designated times. Additionally, some automation systems can be programmed to recognize when people enter or leave the house and adjust accordingly.

Smart windows

Window automation systems provide automated control and operation of windows. These systems can be used to open and close windows, adjust a window’s tilt, and control the amount of light streaming into a room. They can also provide a way to increase energy efficiency by preventing heat loss in winter and keeping rooms cooler in summer. Window automation systems can be operated manually, but they are often used in conjunction with a home automation system. This allows users to control the windows remotely via an app on their smartphone or tablet. In addition, these systems can be programmed to open and close at certain times of the day or in response to external conditions such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight.

Smart security

Electronic locks that require a code, keycard, smartphone app, or another authentication method to unlock. These locks are being connected to a home or business security system, allowing you to monitor who is entering and exiting the premises. Smart locks also allow you to change or reset the code or keycard remotely, giving you greater control over who is accessing your property.

Smart cleaning

Robotics for cleaning - Smart cleaning gadgets are devices that automate home cleaning processes. They use advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and automated controls to help users clean their homes with minimal effort. Smart cleaning gadgets can be specialized cleaning robots, robot vacuums, mops, or a combination of the three.

Smart kitchen

Many products have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many homeowners now looking to equip their kitchens with the latest smart appliances. A smart fridge is one of the key components of kitchen automation, allowing homeowners to monitor and control their fridges from the comfort of their home. 

Smart fridges use Wi-Fi to connect with the user’s home network, allowing them to monitor and control the fridge’s temperature, humidity, and other settings. They also come with features such as built-in cameras, so users can check the contents of their fridge without having to open the door. Smart fridges also come with voice-control capabilities, allowing users to issue commands to the fridge from anywhere in the house. 

Smart ovens are another popular choice for kitchen automation. Smart ovens come with touchscreens and voice-control capability, allowing users to control the oven’s temperature, settings, and other features from anywhere in the house. Smart ovens also come with built-in cameras, so users can monitor the progress of their food without having to open the oven door. Some even come with Wi-Fi-enabled recipe books and meal planner apps, making it easier to follow recipes and plan meals.

Ideas what to do smart

Smart solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automate and optimize complex processes. Smart solutions can improve operations' efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. In the future, smart solutions are expected to become even more sophisticated and integrated into everyday life. Smart solutions may eventually be used in autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and other automated systems. We asked a popular AI tool what it think about future solutions, and this is what we get: 

1. Utilize Automation: Automation can reduce the time and cost of completing tasks, allowing businesses to focus on more complex and high-value tasks. Automating tasks can also improve accuracy and reduce human error.
2. Invest in Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is a cost-effective and reliable way to store and access data. It can also give businesses access to a wide range of powerful tools and applications, helping them be more efficient and productive. 
3. Implement Big Data Solutions: Big data solutions can help businesses to gain better insights into their customers, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Big data can also be used to detect patterns in customer behavior and to identify growth opportunities. 
4. Develop Machine Learning: Machine learning can help businesses to automate complex tasks and make decisions quickly and accurately. It can also be used to provide insights into customer behavior, allowing companies to understand their customers better and anticipate their needs. 
5. Leverage Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence can help businesses to automate mundane tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more complex and high-value tasks. It can also be used to detect customer behavior patterns and identify growth opportunities. 
6. Adopt Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology can help businesses securely store and access data, as well as facilitate digital transactions and contracts. It can also be used to develop secure, immutable records of transactions, allowing businesses to track and verify the authenticity of their data. 
7. Utilize the Internet of Things: The Internet of Things (IoT) can help businesses to collect real-time data and automate processes. It can also be used to develop smart products and services that can respond to customer needs in real-time.

The brands and inventions mentioned above are the exclusive property of their owners. EMBIQ is incredibly proud to have kindly participated (or still is participating) in developing some of them. If you want to discuss your Smart Home idea or basically know more, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at advice@embiq.com