What are smart homes? How will homes look like 100 years in the future?

A recent study by Zion Market Research concluded that the global smart home market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% between 2017 and 2022. 

The initial market revenue of $24.10 billion in 2016 is expected to shoot to $53.45 billion by 2022.

'Smart Homes' is not a new concept and some of us have even experienced a few changes pertaining to this in our lives. 

Why? 

With every little aspect evolving, getting better, and making lives easier, why should homes be any different? 

If you ask around, everyone has a different concept of a smart home.

It is automatic windows for some, collapsible furniture and sleek doors for others. Some may identify it with flame-less kitchen top. 

A smart home is all this and much more.

With more than a decade of experience with Sancheti Builders, I always wanted to witness this technology for myself. I feel that something like this will definitely help us in making everyday life easier.

For me, in the simplest sense, a smart home can be any place that provides comfort, security, and convenience to its owner. 

Having said that, the basic philosophy often goes far and wide and there are always going to be more developments to even the best homes to make them even better.

Going forth, I wish Pune will also grow in this journey of making its homes smart, efficient, and fuss-free.  All the noise should be blocked out, your senses should be at ease, and one should be at complete bliss. 

A smart home will do that – your job for you, if not completely, at least assist you in making it less of a ‘work’. Because, believe me, a home should be for relaxation, your office is where the work happens.

Here are a few that could make a noticeable difference to our homes:

1. Televisions:

Along with auto-recorders, televisions that could automatically connect to devices to play songs and channels would be truly spectacular. Voice and gesture recognition could be an added advantage.

2. Lighting: 

How great would smart lights be? They would be able to decipher whether an occupant is present or not in a room and know when to switch on and off. Such lights are also a cheaper and much durable option than regular ones; not forgetting they are also beneficial for the environment.

3. Security: 

Security for me is the most important. Let's say a system that ensures doors, windows, and all entry and exit points automatically lock upon closing and can be only opened with a password-protected lock. Adding fingerprint/retina identification will take it to yet another level.

4. Self-appliances: 

Appliances that can work with minimum or negligible human assistance would be so amazing! I mean how easy would it make everyday chores? Imagine self-disposable dustbins, auto-pet feeders, a device that automatically monitors and waters plants, a lawn mover that trim lawns periodically, etc.

5. Kitchens: 

A regular kitchen may often lack the flexibility that a smart kitchen has! Imagine the ways it could make tasks easier: doing the dishes, cooking up a meal once the ingredients are fed, brewing tea/coffee, making a glass of fresh juice, pouring a glass of wine, creating shopping lists, notifying when products are nearing expiry dates, etc.

6. Bath area: 

Often seen as an accident-prone area in a home, auto showers could change that for good! Think of a shower that can automatically adjust the temperature of the water as per the season, self-ignition lights, non-skid areas that prevent accumulation of moisture, towel warmers, and an instant clothing dispenser can make even the most common experience like an everyday shower an enjoyable one!

7. Mobile Phones and Other Chargeable Devices: 

How many of us own multiple wireless gadgets that make everyday living a breeze? However, we often forget to charge them. As ironic as that may sound, a device to remind/charge these when the battery hits low can really knock off a big task!

8. Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

We have witnessed some stunning advancements in numerous aspects of technology. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence will change the way we do things so far. Although, currently, the reach of AI is limited to software and its related aspects, utilizing it in smart homes would indeed be a very smart move.

9. Solar Power: 

We are not new to this one, yet I feel it is so underrated. Using the power of the sun to do everyday tasks is a brilliant idea. Solar can be used even today, in a much better way, thanks to inventions, technologies, and some bright minds! While solar cookers, battery, and heaters are common, many more solar-powered devices can be used in smart homes. Solar powered devices are environment-friendly, less expensive (compared to others in the same domain), and are easy to use as well.

10. Eco-friendly “green” roofs: 

This one truly blew my mind! Also known as “living roofs”, these amazing and thoughtful roofs are truly the epitome of smart homes. 

The roofs are completely designed with a flat patch of grass on the top (which is exposed) while the underneath stays hidden. The natural plant structure increases oxygen supply in the home, keeps the temperature controlled (hence, minimizing the use of air conditioners), and reduces energy costs too. 

During rains, they go one step ahead by utilizing the water to help the plants on the top surface grow. It is, thus, a perfect win-win situation for all and in my opinion, is the best add-on to any smart home.

11. Non-toxic paints: 

Another underrated product. Even if it isn’t a smart home, this one is a must-have. With “green” paint, you ensure you do not breathe the harmful chemicals released every time the walls are re-done.

The natural components in these paints are eco-friendly and an excellent choice especially if you have kids at home.

Although Pune is still starting out on most of these, I wouldn’t be surprised if these make an appearance somewhere in this small city in the coming decade itself! 

For now, get going, pull up your socks, and put those ideas to work - that’s my only advice to every person who sees my dream as theirs and hopes for better homes, better lifestyle, and better lives for all of us in the near future. 

I believe this will be a reality with consistency, a stern eye for detail, and working towards it every single day! Cheers!