IoT home automation involves utilizing internet-connected devices to control various household appliances. It can include setting up intricate heating & lighting systems and managing home security controls and alarms, all of which are linked to the central hub and can be operated remotely using the smartphone app.

Despite the prevalence of mood-sensing music systems, motorized blinds, intelligent heating & cooling, bright lighting, and automated doors and windows in the constantly connected world of IoT home, there seems to be a lack of dialogue about why consumers have not fully embraced the hype around IoT home or whether it has genuinely enhanced domestic life.

The American Association of Home Builders coined the term “smart house” in 1984. However, IoT smart homes, or home automation using IoT, gained popularity in the 2000s. 

With the advent of several affordable, intelligent technologies, smart houses became a viable option for consumers. The Echo IV, introduced in 1966, was the 1st IoT home automation system.

It lets customers make grocery lists, adjust their house’s temperature, and turn appliances on and off. The kitchen computer, created in the 1960s and developed recipes, was never a commercial success due to its high price.

In an IoT smart home, a central hub connected to the internet manages all the individual devices. The hub is then regulated using a smartphone application. The setup process for an IoT smart home can be complicated as specific add-ons are compatible with particular devices.

Internet-connected home security features like alarm systems and access control are also part of the equation. Once domestic appliances are linked to the internet, they become a significant aspect of the Internet of Things.

Home automation systems typically link controlled devices to a central hub/gateway. The control program for the system can be accessed through a tablet, wall-mounted terminals/desktop computers, phone applications, or an online interface that can be accessed on the internet from a remote location.

Home automation using IoT for Smart Home

IoT technology is poised to permeate nearly every facet of our daily lives, enhancing our comfort and security. According to Statista, there will be an estimated 30.9 billion IoT connections by 2025. In this article, we will examine the most prevalent methods for utilizing IoT technology in intelligent houses. 

Smart IoT sensors are aware of our temperature, music, and lighting preferences, as well as our daily routines, such as waking up, eating, and going to bed. Smart plugs, lights, & security systems work together to simplify our lives. With just a smartphone application, we can easily control our house security even when we’re not there.

Applications of Home automation using IoTSmart Homes

1. Lighting

The lighting in a home can now be adjustable to cater to individual needs. For instance, if people start watching a movie, the lights can be programmed to dim automatically to prevent any disruption to the viewing experience. Similarly, when you enter your house, the lights can switch automatically without requiring you to press a button.

The system can automatically reduce the lights when you leave your house to conserve energy, eliminating the need for you to do so manually. You can use your laptop, smartphone, and other connected devices to control all of the lights in your home. This allows you to schedule your app to turn on the lights when the alarm goes off. 

2. Bathrooms

IoT technology can enhance the convenience and enjoyment of your everyday routine in the bathroom. Intelligent mirrors can connect to other appliances like computers & smartphones, recognize the faces of members standing near them, and display personalized information such as weather forecasts, news articles, and specific websites that interest each individual. 

Special sensors can detect movement and automatically switch off the water in the bathroom if no one is present. Smart shower controls can also recognize individuals and adjust the water temperature and pressure to their preferred settings while limiting the time spent in the shower to conserve water. 

Automated jacuzzi users can relax and enjoy the bath without manually adjusting the temperature, air-jet regime, or music preferences, as the app manages everything for them

3. Gardens

Sensors can be helpful for individuals who desire to grow their vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the house. Users can use the app to check whether the optimal temperature and the plant are adequately hydrated.

The software can monitor the soil’s current condition, check if it has enough moisture, and activate an irrigation system if necessary. 

IoT technology has brought significant advancement in gardening, revolutionizing the way plants are grown. Sensors can detect the ideal moisture level and turn off the watering system, preventing water waste. The software can track the soil’s current status, determine if it has adequate moisture, and activate an intelligent irrigation system if needed.

4. Kitchen

By utilizing AI technologies, IoT devices can make cooking easier and safer. Smart sensors can also monitor smoke & carbon monoxide, as well as the temperature & humidity levels in the kitchen. 

IoT devices incorporating AI technology can make cooking safer and more accessible. Intelligent sensors can monitor the kitchen for smoke, carbon monoxide, and temperature and humidity levels to ensure everything is in working order. Built-in applications can track food availability in your fridge, give recipe suggestions, and reach the nutritional value of meals. Additionally, intelligent spoons can encourage users to eat slowly.

5. Security Systems

Do you consistently verify whether the doors & windows are closed, and the computer, TV, and other electrical devices are switched off before departing your residence? Utilizing specialized sensors, intelligent security systems can perform this task on your behalf.

As you depart from your home, these controllers can lock the entryway, shut the window covers, power down electronic appliances, protection against any human/animal intruders. Using the app on mobile devices, users can remotely monitor their homes and control the temperature, humidity, & lighting. In addition, they can keep a watchful eye on their elderly relatives and assist if required.

6. Safety Sensors

Intelligent safety devices equipped with sensors can identify potential hazards in your home and promptly notify you of any issues. These devices can also take preventative measures to mitigate risks. All that is required to utilize these safety features is a phone with internet access and the installation of the sensors within the household.

Temperature, humidity, or gas controls may regularly check the air in your home and notify you through email if anything is outside the recommended range. 

Safety sensors can prevent fires, explosions, water leaks, and gas leaks. Proximity or video sensors can detect attempted break-ins and immediately activate the alarm or notify the authorities.

7. Temperature Control

With temperature control automation, you can adjust the temperature in your home to a level that is most comfortable for you. Users can program smart thermostats to control the temperature based on their preferences and settings, and they can even recognize your current activity and adjust the temperature accordingly.

For example, users can use the app to automatically raise the temperature in their bath or shower or lower it to help them stay calm during at-home exercises like yoga, pilates, or other physical activities.

8. Doors and Windows

In the future, keys will no longer be necessary for our doors. Doors may utilize facial recognition technology to unlock your house, and anyone entering who is not recognized as a resident will need to be identified. You could even program the doors to open as you approach your home and close as you leave.

Opening a door could trigger a chain reaction in other home appliances, leading to the opening of other doors when authorized users are detected, or the automatic turning on of the TV or coffee maker.

Bright windows can be programmed to respond to various events and signals from other devices. With such a system, the windows can automatically detect and close themselves when necessary, eliminating the need for you to worry about losing them when leaving the house.

9. Home Routine

By utilizing AI and ML technologies, you can manage your home’s temperature, lighting, and security system. The technology can notify you of necessary purchases through an online app, search for information online, provide news updates, order meals, schedule appointments, and even book lodging or travel arrangements.

You can monitor the status of your home automation from anywhere. By using the app, you can verify the functionality of your lighting, security, and other internet-connected devices while you are out and about, visiting your parents or friends.

Sensors for Home automation using IoT

IoT sensors have the potential to significantly elevate our quality of life while also improving home security. Intelligent motion controllers can detect the presence of someone on your property and, through the app, alert users of any intruders, whether human or animal.

Smart controllers within the network ensure that all windows and doors are closed when residents depart the house at night, as well as during certain weather conditions, such as rain or storms.

Using the controls at your disposal, you may adjust the lighting, humidity, and temperature. Smoke controllers help prevent house fires, whereas carbon monoxide detectors help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.