We hear of 'Smart' technology in the media all the time; from Smart cars to Smart phones and even Smart robotic pets. Curiously this title of 'Smart', frequently pops up in reference to kitchen appliances: Smart fridges, Smart vacuum cleaners, Smart microwaves, I've even seen a Smart bin! On further consideration however, perhaps it makes sense that there are so many Smart devices in the kitchen as the concept revolves around making life easier and less labour intensive. The aforementioned devices are usually given the title of 'Smart' as they host a level of connectivity to external sources, usually the internet. Taking the Smart bin for example, this bin would scan the items being put into it and then it could automatically order that item, over the internet, from the local supermarket, smart huh?!
This concept carries over to the term 'Smart-Home' but on a larger scale. Smart-Homes are all about integrating all the systems in the modern house through a communications infrastructure. The modern home contains a variety of systems, such as central heating, security, home entertainment, communications and lighting, that are usually in total isolation from each other. In the Smart-Home, these systems and devices are integrated together into one system so that they can communicate and pass commands between them. Having different systems interface with each other means that, for example, if a motion sensor was triggered not only could the security alarm be activated but the lights could automatically turn on, the blinds or curtains could open, the doors and windows could lock, the CCTV cameras could start panning and recording and the home entertainment system could blast music at maximum volume.
Smart-Homes are achieved through a combination of making devices or systems susceptible to automation and then linking them all through dedicated cable or by sending a special signal through the mains electricity cables. Once everything is linked up this removes the need to actually flick a switch or turn a knob to make something work and allows elements of the home to be controlled remotely by, or to respond automatically to, the people living in it. For example, all the lights in the house could be controlled from a wall pad in the master bedroom, the heating could be turned on by SMS text or the blinds would automatically shut when the TV was turned on.
With network systems becoming faster and cheaper and the rise of wireless technology, Smart-Home systems are not only becoming more affordable and easier to integrate but, more importantly, as society becomes more technologically competent, more people are recognising the real benefits of a safer, more fun, more energy and labour efficient environment to live in, hoo-ray the Smart-Home.
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