Making Homes Smarter

We live in the age of “smart” – smartphones, smart cars, smart homes. What makes a product smart though? And how intelligent are these devices really?

This buzzword fills the social media we consume, the marketing put in front of us and is the plague of every designer and engineer of the modern era – the intelligent product, the internet of things, the digital twin. Every product promises to be the next big thing in cutting-edge performance for its given field creating a never-ending jungle of buzzwords few people genuinely comprehend, and fewer products actually live up to. 

What makes a product “smart?”

Depending on the system design logic, sensor data is stored locally or transmitted to and from the cloud via the Internet. Finally, machine learning (ML) algorithms found locally – on the edge, as it is called – or on the cloud utilize this data to arrive at the appropriate action and trigger the actuators executing the move. The data analytics also provide real-time visualization to the user and the product manufacturer through dashboards and alerts.

Smart products, at their base, read, adapt and react to their unique environments. Sensors “perceive” their surroundings and transmit data to embed code which I deciphered into pre-programmed decisions. However, this definition could soon become obsolete as we enter the age of emerging A.I.. If your device is connected to WiFi or Bluetooth, your device has access to more sophisticated and evolving algorithms – essentially, your pony can learn more tricks. In most cases, the user is entirely unaware these behavior changes are occurring in their device until we spot them doing something unusual or new. What we’re witnessing is learning in progress, essentially. 

How Smart Homes Work

Smart homes are complete ecosystems of intelligent devices that communicate with one another and control everything from heating, lighting, audio, and visual equipment to security. All these systems are typically controlled through a central point, most likely your smartphone. Some appliances and programs have systems to adapt to your behavior; know your schedule to turn on lights or the AC, turn on the heating when temperatures drop too low, or alert you when you have an unexpected guest. 

These systems provide a dual benefit by automating tasks to free up your time while potentially saving you money; leaving lights on or the heat on while going on vacation is no longer a concern with the right home system.  

The ecosystem I mentioned comes in two forms, wired or wireless – with some apparent downsides. Suppose you don’t live in an area with strong WiFi capabilities or are worried about vulnerabilities to outside attacks. In that case, you might prefer some standards, tried, and accurate security methods. 

Extending “Smart” into the Backyard. 

One of Aiper’s ambitions is to bring the IoT to your yard. Yes, yes, I used the buzzword. Long term, that’s just what the plan is, though, to create an ecosystem of devices that automate backyard chores. Your pool, grass, driveway – we’re developing systems for all these things so you can have the same convenience of your home outside. Enjoying a swim instead of spending hours skimming and scrubbing, playing ball instead of cutting the grass, having lunch or playing a board game instead of power washing your driveway.

As of now, the Aiper Seagull Pro is the most advanced system a pool can have for a pristine, automated clean. But we’re still developing better systems every month, striving to provide that hassle-free, obtainable luxurious lifestyle – all controlled the with a click of a button.