However, smart home automation and smart home products are relatively new concepts and can get overwhelming. In this article, we will look at what home automation is, how smart home systems work and their applications.
What is Home Automation?
In simple words, the automatic control of electronic devices in your home is what home automation is. A home automation system comprises a network of electronic hardware and communication interfaces that work to connect day-to-day electronic devices to each other through the internet.
How Does Smart Home Technology Work?
Every smart home device is connected via the WiFi network and can be controlled over a smartphone, tablet or laptop through an app or a simple voice command.
There are two basic ways you can control your home automation system:
- Remote Access, Control and Monitoring:
Connect, access, manage and check the smart home product via an internet-connected device like smartphones, tablets, etc. This can include security systems, adjusting room temperature, turning on entertainment devices, etc. - Automation:
Apply pre-regulated schedules to the devices, such as coffee machines starting up coffee preparation at a certain time, home cooling systems regulating the temperatures when you come into a room, etc
These functions are performed through three primary components of a smart home automation system:
- Sensors
in smart home devices monitor the changes, such as motion detection, temperature, light, airflow, sound, etc. and adjust related settings. For instance, a security system can detect abnormal movements and turn on the lights or sound the alarm. - Controllers :
are the devices that are used to access, monitor and communicate with your smart home products to control them. For instance, you may control your AC, fan and lights through a tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, etc. - Actuators :
are the actual switches, valves, motors, etc., that conventionally control the movement, function, mechanism, etc., of a smart home device and can be programmed to be activated by a controller.
Conclusion
Smart home automation systems make life easy and are a boon for the elderly, people with disabilities, professionals who leave children or pets home unattended and so on. Additionally, smart home devices are energy-efficient and help you save money on your electricity bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Smart Home?➕
A smart home is one where major electrical appliances, devices and systems are automated. If you have integrated IoT home automation in your home, you have a smart home.
Does smart home automation equal IoT home automation?➕
Yes. IoT, or the Internet of Things, is basically any device, which was not conventionally smart, but is now connected to the internet. For example, light bulbs were not traditionally connected to the internet, but smart home bulbs are. Thus, all home automation systems are technically IoT devices. A home automation system refers to the application of those IoT devices in a smart home.
What are the two major benefits of smart home automation?➕
Home automation systems help you manage all your smart home devices from a single point. But apart from that, smart home automation also increases energy efficiency with better control on energy consumption and it is also possible to amplify home security systems with this technology.
Disclaimer- This article is based on the information publicly available for general use. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided herein.