Smart Home Day, observed on November 3 every year, focuses on the technology behind the smart home which is one equipped with and controlled by the use of a home automation system. This form of mechanization monitors and controls aspects of the house such as lighting, temperature, and appliances. Smart homes typically also include home security such as access control, remote monitoring, and alarm systems.
History of Smart Home Day
The earliest form of home automation was labor-saving machines. As time advanced, self-contained/ self-powered electric devices, as well as gas-powered home appliances, became a regular feature. This development began in the 1900s with the introduction of electric power distribution, further birthing the invention and commercialization of appliances such as washing machines, water heaters, and refrigerators, among others.
The year 1975 saw the introduction and development of the first general-purpose home automation network technology, known as the X10. The X10 is a communication protocol for electronic devices, which uses power transmission wiring for signaling and general control, with signals comprising radio frequency spasms of digital data. In 1978, three years after its launch, X10 products came with 16-channel command consoles and an appliance module.
In 2011, tech giant Microsoft Research discovered that the innovation of home automation could be limited in relevance by the high cost of ownership, a lack of flexibility of interconnected devices, and poor manageability. Since this information was made public, designers and engineers now take factors such as scalability, how well the devices can be monitored and controlled, ease of installation and use for the consumer, affordability, speed, security, and ability to diagnose issues when building modern home automation systems.
As of 2012, an A.B.I. research report stated that the United States had recorded 1.5 million installations of home automation systems.
Smart Home Day timeline
From 1901, there is a boom in the invention and development of home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and the like.
In 1991, gerontechnology, a means of using technology to enhance everyday living for older people, is introduced.
In 1998, everyone begins to catch on and smart homes become more popular and in demand.
The Nest Learning thermostat, which is the genesis of modern smart home technology, is launched in 2011.