SMART HOMES
A smart home uses technology to monitor and control all the devices and appliances. Door locks, televisions, thermostats, home monitors, cameras, lights, and even appliances such as the refrigerator can be monitored and controlled through one device like mobile phones and laptops. The user can create time schedules changes to take effect.
WHAT IS HOME AUTOMATION?
The idea behind home automation is to make the smart devices work automatically, responding to the occupant’s activity. For example, if an automation is set to adjust the lighting when a movie is played, it will dim the lights during the movie and go back to normal when the movie is paused or stopped. Amazon echo is an example of a home automation system.
EXAMPLES OF SMART DEVICES
SMART LIGHTING
With smart lighting, traditional light bulbs are replaced with smart light bulbs. An internet-connected hub connects all of the bulbs, providing control over the lighting ,which reduces unnecessary light and energy use. When the residents are away, these smart lights also switch on at a random time, to prevent theft.
SMART THERMOSTATS
Smart thermostats are responsible for controlling a home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They work through the heating system’s boiler, the thermostat’s main control, and an app downloaded in the smart device. The more high-tech type of smart thermostat has the ability to learn the user’s schedule from their behaviour. It can also turn off the heating or air conditioning system automatically when they leave their home.
SMART SMOKE DETECTORS
When smoke is detected, these devices send an alert to the occupant’s phone through Wi-Fi and alert them even when they are away from home.
ADVANTAGES OF SMART HOMES
Provides the ability to control all the devices through one interface, thereby saving time
Makes it easier for the elderly and disabled, as they can manage all the devices in one
Improves home security
Provides remote control of home devices
Makes the home more energy efficient by switching off devices and appliances when not in use.
Gives an insight of the daily habits and behaviours of a person like their sleep time, thereby letting them make changes to their lifestyle.
DISADVANATGES OF SMART HOMES
Home automation systems are expensive
Their basic requirement is the internet and if the connection gets interrupted , it disables the access and control of the system
These systems can be hacked and poses privacy concerns
Smart homes are complex technological systems and therefore are quite vulnerable to technical problems
If the system is set up in a poor or incompetent manner, it will not obey or recognise the commands. For example, the users can be locked out of their home if it does not recognise their voice.
Due to compatibility issues between the devices, the user might need to use a variety of apps to control their devices.
Technology gets outdated soon
REFERENCE
1. https://environmental-conscience.com/smart-homes-pros-cons/
2.https://www.techhive.com/article/3297744/smart-home-guide-for-beginners-how-to-make-your-home-more-convenient-to-live-in.html
3. https://smarthomeworks.com.au/
4. https://www.investopedia.com/
5. https://149walnut.com/2018-07-smart-home-vs-home-automation-whats-the-difference
AUTHOR : SHARANYA D
FIELD APPLICATION SPECIALIST
MedCuore Medical Solutions Private Limited
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