Smart Home and Building Automation

What is Home Automation?

One of the major advancement in technology is the application of internet of things (IoT) in smart home devices and home automation. The word “smart” in “smart home” refers to the system been aware of it devices, which is achieved through IoT. A smart home automation system typically connects controlled devices  to a central hub. The user interface (UI) of the control devices uses a wall-mounted terminal or tablet or a web interface that may also be remotely accessible. Home automation system has high potential of sharing data between family members or trusted individuals for personal security and could lead energy saving measures with a positive environmental impact in the future.

 

Applications

Home automation is prevalent in a variety of different ways including:

  1. Lighting Control system: A smart network that incorporates between various lighting system inputs and outputs, using one or more central computing devices.
  2. Home security system: A household security system integrated with a home automation system will provide additional services such as remote surveillance of the security cameras over the internet, or access control and central locking of all perimeter doors and windows.
  3. Sound and Entertainment: The application of Bluetooth technology in  speakers have made possible to connect other Bluetooth enable devices such as mobile phones, tablets to these speakers to setup home entertainment hub.
  4. Smart Sprinkler Controllers: A smart sprinkler controller is like a smart thermostat for your garden or yard – it controls your watering schedule automatically so you don’t have to lift a finger. A smart controller intelligently optimizes your in-ground irrigation system by adjusting to weather conditions, making it easier for you to maintain a healthy landscape while cutting water use.
  5. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: This technology is design to create an intelligent indoor comfort system capable of customizing energy-efficient performance. Upon installation, it receives a simple signal from the thermostat and intelligently distribute operational messages between the indoor and outdoor components of a central heating and cooling system.