Engineering Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Homes
Engineering Artificial Intelligence in homes is now very much in the reach of the middle class and easily considered by the rich.
We are nearing the end of another decade in the 21st century. Thanks to many advances in technology, the existence of homes that can greet their occupants, automatically set the temperature, turn lights on and off and even clean itself is no longer in the realm of movies and science-fiction.
From Sci-fi to Reality
We’ve all heard the legends or rumors of how the homes of billionaires like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg function. That Engineering Artificial Intelligence in homes have been exclusive to folks like them even back in the 1980s. The so-called ‘smart home’ where lights turn on and off as you walk by or via claps and voice control. Laser-enabled security systems that automatically call the police when something is amiss.
These were very complicated and expensive systems back then. But thanks to advancements in technology, especially in communications technology (Wi-Fi, Internet of Things), computing and artificial intelligence, today’s smart homes can be smarter. Much smarter than the state of the art smart home a couple of decades ago.
Today, engineering Artificial Intelligence in homes from the ground up is entirely possible even for the middle class. Anyone who can afford to build or renovate a home can have it AI-ready with a little extra cost and planning.
What are the advantages of living in a smart home?
You can converse with it
Gone are the days of the newspaper broadsheet. Homeowners can now ask for the latest news, weather, stock prices and game scores. All thanks to devices like Amazon’s Echo, Apple Homepod and Google Home. They can even ask to play music or order online.
Power Saving
The house can sense when the occupants are home or are in certain areas. It can even turn the lights and air-conditioning on or off as needed. Or lights and temperature can be controlled via voice. This saves the owners on power in case these functions are left on when they’re away.
Security
As previously mentioned, unused services and connections can be turned off and on remotely or automatically. No more worries of leaving the coffee maker or the electric iron on resulting in a fire. Devices such as an automatic fire alarm can contact the emergency services or the authorities in case of an intrusion.
Convenience
It would be convenient to be able to turn anything on or off from another room. It would even be more convenient to not have to keep track of the fridge’s inventory of eggs, milk and juice. What’s even more convenient is the house being able to sweep itself on a pre-defined schedule. Thanks to devices like the Roomba. Lastly, the house can self-regulate the right temperature upon the arrival of its occupants thanks to a connected NEST thermostat.
There are many services out there that specialize in engineering AI in homes from the ground up or with an upgrade. These involve inter-connecting compatible products to consumer or proprietary control centers or simple strategic placement of independent devices. Anyone can do it, but properly engineering AI in homes takes some careful planning to be satisfactory.
Proper engineering begins with well-placed AI assistants like Amazon’s Echo, a couple of NEST thermostats, as well as smart light switches from Pycom or MicroE. The home itself begins to learn what to turn on and off, what to order and when to be on alert. All in all, saving time for the home’s occupants with a little extra cost.