Home automation makes come true the smart home idea. It is a technology that intends to reduces human intervention in everyday tasks in our house. For further knowledge about it, we can take a look at home automation: what it is and how it works? To be short, home automation is based on a set of smart appliances integrated or connected by a network that permits automate some activities inside home. It has components such as sensors, controllers and smart devices configured to make things happen by themselves in home. It is a one big step advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). In this article, we will be understanding how to know what are best technologies in home automation? We have researched several home automation systems and we will introduce them next, so we can find the best that suits for our needs and our lifestyle.
First thing to know: how stuff will be connected?
Some of the most used connection technologies used in home automation are:
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is one of the most popular protocols in home automation because it is easier to configure. However, its connectivity drops dramatically when there are many devices connected increasing their latency and getting slower response capacity. Also Wi-Fi requires a very high energy power consumption which is another inconvenient because increases costs by devices battery usage.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is another frequently used connectivity protocol easy to use. It is more used for short-distance communication appliance like smart door locks, light bulbs, etc. Its consumes less power and it can be coupled with several products that have same connectivity feature.
Infrared
Infrared is the most traditional and straightforward communication protocol, typically used for one-way command such remote control.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is one of the most older communication protocols, it is used in home automation mainly with remote-controlled appliances with the help of a transmitter and a receiver.
Li-Fi
Li-Fi is a communication protocol using visible light or VLC (Visible Light Communication) instead of radio waves.
There are some more communication technologies used in home automation like ZigBee, Z-Wave, UPB, INSTEON, Thread, among others.
How to know what are best technologies in home automation?
We already know that home automation biggest benefits are energy efficiency, safety, comfort and convenience. Also, we can have time and cost savings, improved production, high quality levels, competitive advantage and alert events triggering in real time. However, in order to automate our home also we need to have clear some considerations like budget investment, internet outages and learning curve.
Next, we will introduce some home automation technologies to help us find the best that suits for our needs and our lifestyle.
Home automation systems
Smart home core relies on hubs and controllers which manage all home automation system. For example, with them we can record our favorite TV show or change thermostat heat through a smartphone.
Devices that are voice-activated are designed as automated personal assistants to help complete everyday task in home. Most known are:
- Amazon Echo: smart Bluetooth brand speaker powered by Alexa controlled by voice command from Amazon.
- Google Home Hub: speaker AI-based that works with voice command central offering a hands-free option from Google to manage smart home devices.
- Apple HomeKit: based on a voice command iOS assistance called Siri from Apple but compatible with most smart devices available.
- Samsung SmartThings: high trending smart home hub that allows connect hundreds of devices through a wirelessly secure connection.
Smart plugs and outlets
Smart plugs and outlets versatility allows to getting intelligent to regular objects by controlling them through the phone or programming their behavior like when to automatically turn on or turn off following certain conditions, such as:
- Such ConnectSense Smart Outlet.
- D-Link my dlink Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug.
- Currant WiFi Smart Outlet and Plugs.
Home Security Systems
Home security systems involves all security features to consider in home including smart locks and cameras. We can find out if there is someone near of the window or lock remotely some forgotten to close door. In market we can find some good options like:
- Arlo Ultra.
- Wyze Cam Pan.
- RemoBell S.
- Nanit Plus.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
- Vivint Smart Home.
- SimpliSafe Home Security System.
Smart thermostats and well-being
There are so many smart devices that help to ensure well-being at home such smart thermostats providing capability of automate temperature heating and cooling in home.
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control.
- GE Energy Star 115-Volt Electronic Room Air Conditioner.
- Smart Health and Fitness Devices.
- Tempo Studio.
- Wyze Scale.
- Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting allows to programming or smart access to lights or configure their brightness:
- Yeelight Smart LED Bulb.
- Wyze Bulb.
Smart kitchen and house helping appliances
A wide variety of smart appliances that helps with everyday task in kitchen and housekeeping, such:
- Brava Oven.
- Anova Precision Cooker Wi-Fi.
- iRobot Roomba s9+.
- iRobot Braava Jet m6.
- Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI.
Smart outdoor gadgets
There are several smart gadgets to help us automate so many task in outdoor like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or others like:
- Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller.
- Worx Landroid M 20V.
And much more…
Now we have seen how to know what are best technologies in home automation, just resting choose which are the best option for our needs and budgets. Well-being is nowadays more possible thanks to these technologies hence they can make our home a more comfortable place and lend towards a more relaxed life. Home automation is a developing technology in which many minds and organizations are exploring, researching and creating more efficient and affordable products for mass users.