Exploring the Possibilities of IoT and Smart Home Technologies

Imagine a lifestyle where a smart alarm wakes you up, a robotic automated vacuum system has already cleaned the house, a smart coffee machine has already brewed the perfect sip of espresso, and a smart heater has warm water ready to go. All you have to do is wake up to a clean house, pick up the morning coffee and enjoy a warm bath. A perfect start to your day, wouldn’t you agree? This and so much more is the promise that Iot beings power smart home technologies. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in, as we take you on a journey to explore how IoT and smart home technology can change how we live.

Table of Contents

• What are IoT and Smart Home Technologies?
• IoT in Smart Home Technologies
• Setting up your Smart Home!
• Smart Gadgets Connected to IoT
• Conclusion

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things  or IoT is a network of physical devices that are equipped with,

• Electronics
• Software
• Sensors
• Network Connectivity

What are Smart Home Technologies?

Smart home technologies are devices that can be controlled remotely through the internet, allowing users to automate and monitor their homes from anywhere in the world. By 2025, IoT and smart home tech are expected to be in 10% of all households.

IoT in Smart Home Technologies

A connected home can be customized with the right hardware, software, and services. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple are leading the way in developing products to make life easier and more efficient. These technologies do everything from controlling the temperature to monitoring your health. They can be used to 

• Monitor energy usage
• Control the appliances
• Automate tasks 

Also, they can be used to

• Keep an eye on your home while you're away.
• Make sure your kids are safe while they're playing outside.

The best part about these technologies is that they are becoming increasingly affordable, and you don't need to break the bank to get started. 

How do they Work?

The design of an IoT-powered automation system is complex and includes remote servers connected to sensors through the cloud. These sensors are placed in various locations. IoT sensors use the following for communication purposes.

• Bluetooth
• ZigBee
• Wi-Fi
• Z-Wave 

Setting up Your Smart Home!

• The main device in the system is a controller, often referred to as a hub or gateway.
• Ethernet is used to connect it to the home router.
• The sensors transmit and receive instructions through this centralised gateway, and the gateway takes this communication to the cloud. 
• Setting up a desired order of events is possible because every device is interconnected. 
• IoT device monitoring via an app is also made possible by this connectivity.

Cloud Connection

• IoT devices can be accessed from anywhere worldwide because the data is kept up to date and stored in the cloud on the Internet.
• Once the command is received, the hub sends a signal to the sensor and triggers the requested action.
• The hub then updates and provides the relevant information required.

Real-Time Monitoring and Notifications

• The actions can be planned, and the updates can be monitored in a scheduled routine. 
• The cloud network gets input and updates it to the hub.
• The hub sends it to the sensor, which triggers the action.
• The altered states are then notified immediately.
• Not even a single change will be left unnoticed.

Smart Gadgets Connected to IoT

A few of the significant smart objects connected to the internet are the

• Kitchen 
• Smart sensors can check your kitchen's temperature, humidity, and smoke levels to ensure everything is in order. They can also check for carbon monoxide and smoke.
• Special built-in applications track whether users have enough food in the refrigerator, offer recipe recommendations, and calculate the nutritional value of a meal.
• Even smart spoons are available that motivate customers to eat consciously and slowly.
• Doors 
• No more keys are required to open the doors in future. Facial recognition can be used to unlock the doors. Any visitors not known to be house residents must be allowed access by a resident.
• The doors can be set up to open as you approach your house and close as you leave.
• The entrance door could open when it recognises the authorised users and turn on the light, followed by other doors in the house opening and the TV and coffee maker turning on.
• Garden
• The technology enables users to check on the app whether the temperature is appropriate and whether the plant is correctly hydrated and getting enough sunlight. 
• The app can keep track of the soil's current condition, assess whether it has enough moisture, and, if necessary, initiate a smart irrigation system.
• The sensor detects when the moisture content hits the optimal level and turns off the irrigation system to prevent overwatering.
• Safety Sensors and Security Control
• Safety sensors notify if there are any potential threats in the house, such as temperature rise or gas control and even take the necessary preventive actions immediately. 
• The only requirement is for the sensors and an online smartphone to be installed in the house.
• Security control systems will ensure that the doors and windows are locked, the electrical gadgets are switched off, and the house is protected against human and animal trespassing.
• Even elderly people and kids at home can be monitored through smartphones.
• Temperature Control
• The temperature in the home can be adjusted to the setting that makes you feel the most relaxed.
• Smart thermostats regulate the temperature based on user-configured settings that reflect their tastes.
• These controllers can determine what you're doing and adjust the temperature appropriately.
• The app can be set so that the temperature will instantly rise when they take a bath or a shower. The temperature will drop if they do exercise, yoga, or any other physical activity at home to keep them cool.
• Lighting 
• Lighting in homes can be automated to meet individual needs. The lights can be set to dim automatically when people start viewing a movie so they won't be distracted from the story.
• Smartphones, laptops, and other connected devices can control house lighting.
• Apps can be configured to turn on the lights if the alarm rings.

Conclusion

The future of IoT and smart home technologies is bright. Smart homes will become more efficient, secure, and comfortable, while IoT devices will become more powerful and connected. With the right investments, the future of IoT and smart home technologies look very promising.

To get a deeper understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT), check out the courses such as Programming the Internet of Things (IoT) by Skill-Lync and become an expert in the industry of IoT. Talk with our career experts and book a free demo session to learn more!