Smart homes and its concept
Systems that simplify or entirely remove obstacles from our lives are becoming increasingly appealing in this fast-paced environment. So it’s no wonder that the fully integrated, fully connected smart home is the next technology trend to catch on in Africa.
Smart houses, like other smart devices like the smartphone and smart TV, aim to reduce the time and complexity of regular tasks for the user. Imagine a home that seems to sense your needs, where everything from your entertainment system to your lighting system to your security system and even your air conditioning can be managed and monitored through a single centralized system. Smart homes are built on the idea of incorporating intelligent technologies into residential settings with the goal of improving quality of life. This concept’s emergence is a possible solution to two significant challenges in the construction industry: energy consumption and environmental repercussions. Sensors and actuators put throughout the smart home can identify residents’ actions and activities. A smart home isn’t just a collection of smart devices and appliances; it’s a network of them that can be controlled remotely.
All of the gadgets are controlled by a master home automation controller, also called a smart home hub. The smart home hub is a physical device that acts as the system’s brain, detecting, processing data, and communicating wirelessly. It combines all of the different smart home applications into a single app that consumers may operate remotely. Smart home hubs include devices such as the Amazon Echo, Google Home, Insteon Hub Pro, Samsung Smart Things, and Wink Hub. Some smart home systems may be constructed from the ground up, for example, using a Raspberry Pi or equivalent prototype board.
Originally designed to manage environmental systems such as lighting and heating, smart house technology has progressed to the point that it can now control almost any electrical component. Smart Home technology uses many of the same gadgets as assistive technology to create an environment in which many house aspects are automated and devices may connect.
The widespread adoption of Smart Home technology, as well as current forecasts, indicates that this growth will continue to accelerate substantially.
Three decades ago, the concept of “smart homes” was just that: a theoretical model for future residential structures. Advanced intelligent technologies are predicted to have an impact on urbanized regions to promote smart growth, green development, and healthy environments.
NET WORTH OF SMART HOMES
The smart homes market was worth USD 79.13 billion in 2020, and it’s predicted to grow to USD 313.95 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 25.3% throughout that time (2021 – 2026).
Smart homes have risen in popularity in recent years as a result of their potential for adopting design objectives and creating technology to improve occupant comfort. The method incorporates ICT, automated technology, and embedded intelligence.
According to data from Briter Bridges, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, known as the “big four,” are leading Africa’s home-tech sector, which has been steadily growing over the last few years. Property markets and rents, furniture marketplaces, investment and financing and property management are among the companies in this subsector.
Meanwhile, a number of nations, including South Korea, China, Canada, India, Brazil, and Germany, are implementing green building policies, an endeavour that is expected to help the market grow significantly throughout the projection period.
IMPORTANCE OF SMART HOMES
1. Protect Your Home and Personal Property in a Convenient Way
Smart homes, with their always-on connectivity and notification systems, allow consumers to swiftly respond to the unexpected, from WI-Fi-enabled smoke alarms to plugs with auto turn-off. Installing a smart water leak and moisture monitoring system, for example, allows you to set up notifications on your phone for unexpected moisture changes and fix leaks before they cause serious floods or mildew.
2. Effectiveness
Smart homes have a higher level of energy efficiency. When no one is in a room, lights can be turned off automatically, and the thermostat can be set to allow the internal temperature to drop during the day before returning to a more comfortable level just before residents come in the evening. All of these automated tasks, when combined with contemporary, energy-efficient equipment, result in significant savings in power, water, and natural gas, easing the demand for natural resources.
3. Availability
Accessibility technologies may be included in a smart home for elderly or disabled occupants. Voice-command systems can control lights, lock doors, dial a phone number, or access a computer. Home automation allows a person to plan automatic operations such as watering the grass, eliminating the need to conduct these time-consuming duties regularly.
4. Financial savings
Smart devices not only save energy but also money. Although the upfront cost may be more, most energy-efficient, smart devices pay for themselves over time. Solar panels and geothermal heat pumps are examples of clever, energy-efficient equipment that can be eligible for tax incentives. Finally, smart homes sell more quickly and for a higher price.
5. Quality of Life
More money equals less worry, and that’s a win-win situation. It’s wonderful to ask Alexa to play the current song from across the room, but having more money in your budget is even better. Plus, energy-efficient homes put a lot less load on the environment, which makes life better for everyone. So do yourself a favour and start replacing your outdated appliances with smart, sustainable technologies that will make you and the rest of us happier.
The most undervalued continent, in terms of implementing “Smart House” technologies, is Africa. Many people in Africa does not have access to grid electricity, but the continent is rich in inexhaustible natural resources, such as solar energy.
Individual solar energy is a way to safely and efficiently equip your household. Solar lamps, sockets and phone chargers are among the most popular products. Another resource in Africa is wind, which can also be used as a base for providing energy to individual households.
Another problem facing the adoption of Smart homes in Africa is the poverty rate in the continent. Millions of people can barely afford 2 square meals and a roof over their heads, hence the idea of a smart home sounds very far and unattainable to them.
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