Automated processes make living more comfortable, efficient, and safer
A smart home can take care of many of our daily routines: turning on the lights in the morning, raising the blinds, or even starting the coffee maker. According to the digital industry association Bitkom, nearly one in two households in Germany uses at least one smart home application. Smart lamps and lights top the list. They automatically turn off the lights when no one is home and turn them back on just in time for you to arrive. The lighting can be dimmed and changes color temperature depending on the time of day, your mood, or a pre-programmed scene. If no fixed rule is set, the system is simply controlled via an app or voice command.
When multiple devices need to communicate with each other, this usually happens via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or specialized wireless standards such as Zigbee or the relatively new, cross-manufacturer protocol Matter. Smart thermostats and smart lighting can save a lot of electricity. However, automated devices consume slightly more energy in standby mode than their analog counterparts.
Easing the Burden of Daily Life, Reporting Emergencies
Automated processes can ease the burden of daily life, especially for older adults. In addition, emergency sensors that detect falls can send out a call for help in case of an emergency. Seniors do not have to shoulder the financial burden alone: The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) provides funding for smart systems designed for age-appropriate home renovations.
Connected—but secure
Smart security technology also alerts users to smoke or unauthorized entry. According to a recent survey by the German Electrical and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI), smoke detectors and electronic burglar alarms are the most widely used security applications. And smart lighting has the advantage of being able to simulate occupancy during vacations using programmed lighting and roller-shutter sequences, which deters potential burglars.
To securely connect the home network, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends keeping software up to date and installing updates. In addition, default passwords should not be used, and the router’s firewall should be enabled—if available. In many cases, it is sufficient to use devices exclusively within your own home network to prevent data from being spied on. Lighting and roller shades, in particular, can be controlled using schedules or scenes without an internet connection.