What if not only computers and smartphones but also clocks, speakers, lights, doorbells, cameras, windows, water heaters, cooking utensils, and so many more could all communicate, send you information, and take your commands? Isn’t it amazing? From smartphones to ‘smart homes’, technology is now exponentially redefining the way we live. The basic concept of a smart home is to provide with services that help save time, energy and effort, provide instant access to daily routines that are pre-timed without any need to trigger them, provide security through sensor-based motion, video surveillance, and a lot more.

In short, a centralized system that can take care of almost all your household chores by giving simple instructions is what Artificial intelligence has to offer. Gadgets like Amazon’s Echo and Google home connects different devices to each other through the Internet of things (IoT) by voice command, that’s called a Connected home, but AI driven Home Automation is a step further.

With the growth of technology and Wi-Fi-based devices, home automation is steadily being accepted across segments in India. Now devices are capable of being composed as per our needs, we can practically talk to our home and control each and every appliance and devices the way we want.

How does it work?

All devices are controlled by a master home automation controller, often called a smart home hub. The smart home hub is a hardware device that acts as the central point of the smart home system and is able to sense, process data and communicate wirelessly. It combines all of the diverse apps into a single smart home app that can be controlled remotely by homeowners. Examples of smart home hubs include Amazon Echo, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Wink Hub

In simple smart home scenarios, events can be either timed or prompted. Timed events are based on a clock, for example, shutting the door at 9 p.m., while prompted events depend on actions fed in the automated system; for example, when the owner's smartphone approaches the door, the smart lock unlocks and the smart lights are on.

Benefits that are offered through home automation:

Energy Efficiency:

AI increases home’s energy efficiency as it can give you an option of remotely managing the devices when not in use. Home automation helps in connecting with heating, lighting, plumbing systems. Did you walk out of your house without switching off the light? Turn off with the help of a computer or mobile device.

Saves Money:

App-based devices provide you with the control, to manage them when not required. Similarly, motion sensor-based devices can be easily configured to automatically switch off and it can also be configured to provide services when one’s presence is detected.  This not only brings monetary savings, but you’ll also be saving time. No wasted trips back home, no running back to switch off everything which is left on.

Ease of use:

Convenient control of your home is at your fingertips. Now you don’t have to trust anyone for your most valuable asset. One can easily operate their systems with the touch of a button. No matter where you are, a wireless controller can help you in your household chores without spending your energy. Home automation makes your life easy, for instance, if you are unwinding after a long day and you want to turn off your child’s bedroom light. You can do it through wireless control through your home automation system instead of going and switching off the lights personally.

Safety and security:
Home automation services offer security features like video and sensor-based surveillance. Appliance malfunction warning and video monitoring from anywhere in the major advantage of artificial intelligence. Moreover, the devices available today, come with the option for partial automation which means that it allows users to pick and choose services as per requirement.

How much will we be dependent on AI in future?

The use of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly. We can see the use of AI in almost every field. Now the question is how much will we be depending on such technology in the near future?

The development of home automation has brought a lot of opportunities for the future of humanity. Developed as well as developing countries are benefited from the usage of such applications and innovations. AI has the potential to revolutionize the world and it seems logical that the places that can benefit most from that potential can lead to productivity.

AI-driven home automation system certainly offers peace of mind to homeowners as it takes care of convenience, home security, and energy efficiency. The only thing that would hesitate one is in terms of security as a single attempt of hacking into such a centralized system can lead to invading privacy and loss of sensitive information.