HOME AUTOMATION
Home automation is truly a smart idea. It systematically performs tasks at specific times throughout the day. As an example, every night at 11 pm, a subsystem processor, can automatically regulate locking all the doors in the house, set the alarm so that we get up for work on time, turn off all the interior lights, turn on the exterior lights and lower the thermostat. It is unfailing in its duties and frees us from having to physically do these chores.
At one time, smart home automation software was an expensive undertaking, but little by little, improved technology and competition is making it an option for everyone. An investment in a home automation system means an eventual savings in energy, and immediate improvements in lifestyle. An added benefit is that low-cost smart gadgets, such as iPhones, iTouch and iPad devices offer control over the system with no additional investment in costly control panels, as once was the case.
However, an area of smart technology which is lagging behind concerns smaller, household appliances, such as refrigerators, cookers and ovens, clothes washers and dryers. Not only are they still very expensive, it is also doubtful that their capacities meet consumer needs. To become truly smart, many of these products will have to be re-adapted in design and function.
Let’s begin with kitchen appliances, with the example of a typical smart refrigerator. It turns out to be quite costly and has a LCD touchscreen and a wireless connection to the Internet. It will show you a clock and news headlines. An additional feature is that if you have an item in your fridge, say a jar of mayonaise, that needs replacing, if you gently tap it, you can automatically add it to your electronic grocery list. But, wouldn’t it be just as easy to type the name of the item into your iphone? So, a question comes to mind about how useful a touch-screen and WiFi can be on an appliance that was invented to keep food cold!
Another example of a
At one time, smart home automation software was an expensive undertaking, but little by little, improved technology and competition is making it an option for everyone. An investment in a home automation system means an eventual savings in energy, and immediate improvements in lifestyle. An added benefit is that low-cost smart gadgets, such as iPhones, iTouch and iPad devices offer control over the system with no additional investment in costly control panels, as once was the case.
However, an area of smart technology which is lagging behind concerns smaller, household appliances, such as refrigerators, cookers and ovens, clothes washers and dryers. Not only are they still very expensive, it is also doubtful that their capacities meet consumer needs. To become truly smart, many of these products will have to be re-adapted in design and function.
Let’s begin with kitchen appliances, with the example of a typical smart refrigerator. It turns out to be quite costly and has a LCD touchscreen and a wireless connection to the Internet. It will show you a clock and news headlines. An additional feature is that if you have an item in your fridge, say a jar of mayonaise, that needs replacing, if you gently tap it, you can automatically add it to your electronic grocery list. But, wouldn’t it be just as easy to type the name of the item into your iphone? So, a question comes to mind about how useful a touch-screen and WiFi can be on an appliance that was invented to keep food cold!
Another example of a