Toys for Tenants

Tools for Automated Homes

By Erica Rascón on Jan 8, 2013 in Technology | 1 Comment

Whoever said that practical toys couldn’t be fun had never heard of SmartThings.

Tenants will soon have access to an undeniably practical, incredibly fun, and potentially life- and money-saving set of devices. Before the ink on the business plan has dried, the product has already taken off, blazing a trail in home automation that is bright and promising. Thousands are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their SmartThings starter kit.

SmartThings, a breakthrough technology company, has a simple goal to “add intelligence to everyday things.” From this humble approach, CTO Jeff Hagins and his staff of 25 reimagined ordinary operations within the home. By rethinking the connection between a device and the intelligence needed to control it, SmartThings has created a wireless network that can help tenants monitor and operate endless facets of their homes with a smartphone or tablet.

According to a Kickstarter survey, potential users are most enthusiastic about SmartThings impact on DIY home security. Residents want an easier way to monitor their homes. They want to know who is at the front door long before they reach the foyer. They want to ensure that the Christmas lights aren’t burning down the house while they are away at a party. They want to enjoy their vacations without worrying about a burst pipe and flooded basement. SmartThings’ series of wireless devices such as low-resolution, cloud-controlled cameras, temperature and moisture sensors address those concerns and more.

While SmartThings can be used to mitigate major home catastrophes, the simple daily functions are also impressive. By attaching a contact sensor to a closet door, a sister knows precisely when her younger sibling is attempting to make off with some “borrowed” clothing.  A motion sensor alerts a mother when her sleepwalking child has left his bedroom; Lumawake can monitor his sleep patterns and help mom determine the conditions under which he receives the most rest. The cloud-controlled camera at each door of the home helps dad verify that the kids made it home by curfew—whether dad is home or not. Interested in saving money on energy bills? A built-in weather forecast can delay or shut off the sprinklers when it begins to rain, or adjust the thermostat based on human presence or absence from home. And for time saving conveniences, outlet controls allow users to turn off the iron after leaving the house or pre-heat the oven as soon as users leave the grocery store.

Though the Kickstarter golden child won’t hit the consumer market until Spring 2013, there is already an eye on aftermarket add-ons and applications that will stretch the product’s potential even further. Investors who get in early may find a few kinks to work through but they will undoubtedly experience the joys of a home that’s easier to operate.

What creative uses can you find for such home automation technology? What potential drawbacks do you see in a fully digital, automated home?