The Internet of Things (IoT), a growing network of connected ‘things’ that can collect and exchange data using sensors, has revolutionised the way in which we do business, interact with our consumers, travel, eat out, and, in general, just get things going in our daily lives. According to BI Intelligence’s Global IoT Executive Survey 2017, the number of IoT devices are expected to go up to 22.6 billion in 2021, from 6.6 billion in 2016.
The more immediate way that IoT will affect each of us will be through the special group of devices now collectively referred to as “smart home” applications. From security monitoring devices to smart switches, beds, fridges, entertainment systems and even a smart laundry machine that folds your clothes, the range of devices that were introduced for your home, at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show 2017, at Las Vegas, was astounding. Let’s take a look at how these devices are transforming the way we live:
Energy-conscious living
Convenience is the key word when it comes to smart home and IoT. But it is also instilling and encouraging a new style of energy-conscious living among us. For instance:
· Remote access lighting that can be programmed to fit your mood, Wi-Fi enabled thermostats that regulate the temperature at home, or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning) control systems that use sensors to turn lights and devices off when no one is in a room.
· With devices like Nest Learning Thermostat, one can automatically adjust temperatures in the house using location information and far-field sensors.
· Remember that time you fretted about whether you had switched off the stove, iron or toaster just as you got out of home? Smart plugs that are connected to your smartphones will come to your rescue now by letting you know exactly what devices are on and running, and what’s more, they can even be remotely switched off.
Although the aim is to conserve energy and save costs in the long run, most IoT devices in this category are priced steeply as they are just entering the market.
Enhanced home security
Smart home devices also protects you and your family from unwanted intruders. Smart locks are not just about remotely locking or unlocking doors without physical keys, they also allow you to track who is entering and exiting your house and report unfamiliar or suspicious activity. Like hotel room locks, digital keys can be issued to your kids, guests or trusted handymen who wouldn’t have to wait for you to leave work and be present physically to open the door for them. These features go a long way in being able to enter with ease at times of unforeseen events like medical emergencies.
Predictive maintenance
Every device needs maintenance and repairs at different points in its lifetime. With IoT technologies, we can now reduce the downtime in our devices and maximise their efficiency by knowing exactly when each device at our homes needs to be mended. Smart home devices use data to keep track of the wear and tear or damage that every device goes through and predicts its maintenance cycle. According to a study conducted by the US Department of Energy, predictive maintenance can reduce energy and maintenance costs by up to 30 per cent, eliminate breakdowns up to 40 per cent and reduce downtime by up to 75 per cent. By optimising a device, the energy it consumes can also be cut by 20 to 25 per cent.
Centralised automation
Now, what if we could control all these devices just by speaking to one master robot? For many of you, this may not come as surprise because Amazon Echo and it’s voice-activated assistant Alexa have been the talk of the town lately. You can connect all your smart home gadgets to Echo and manage them using voice instructions given to Alexa. Similar products are available by many other service providers like Google Home, Apple HomeKit and most recently Wink. All these devices are geared towards user convenience, comfort and energy efficiency.
Now for the downside!
Although all this may seem like a leaf out of a thrilling sci-fi book, these devices are not without its complications. The main problem? Security concerns. We will need heavy-duty technological infrastructure in order to manage the huge amounts of data collected from IoT devices and to ensure that they are not misused or tampered with. The other barrier that I see as of now is the high cost, which, I hope, should be pushed down with more affordable technologies and increasing scale of production owing to growing popularity of such devices.
Smart homes represent just a microcosm of how the IoT devices can revolutionise our lives. This can be used as a blueprint to scale this revolution up to smart cities and the like in the near future. The aim of technology is to make life easier and the beauty of IoT is that it makes this possible as seamlessly as ever.
References:
1. https://phys.org/news/2012-10-smart-technology-energy-home.html
2. http://www.businessinsider.com/internet-of-things-smart-home-automation-2016-8
and-fragmentation-problems-that-could-hinder-growth-2015-9
4. http://www.econais.com/applications/smart-home-applications/
5. http://www.greenpeak.com/Application/SmartHome.html
6. http://www.computerworld.com/article/2490360/consumerization/the-internet-of-things-at-home–why-we-
7. http://www.cypress.com/blog/internet-things-iot/home-smart-home-how-wiced-will-change-way-we-live
8. http://insurance.safeco.com/news/how-smart-homes-are-changing-the-way-we-live/
9. http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/12/14219800/smart-home-tech-ces-2017-trends
