Artificial Intelligence Is the Next Step for Smart Homes

In recent years, homeowners have adopted smart home technologies to improve their quality of life. Connected devices and appliances perform actions, tasks, and automated routines based on a homeowner's preferences. Smart technologies enable homeowners to save time, money, and energy.

Major tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Amazon have driven the adoption of smart home technologies. From digital voice assistants to intelligent thermostats and everything in between, smart homes are the homes of the future.

However, interconnected smart home devices are only the tip of the iceberg. Various industries have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, which will likely become increasingly prevalent in the smart home industry.

Below is more information about AI and the significant role it will play in the evolution of smart home technology.

AI: Carving Out Its Place in Smart Homes

Many AI technologies have emerged that come equipped with learning and decision-making capabilities in recent years. AI essentially mimics human intelligence using vast amounts of data.

AI-powered smart home devices can interact and communicate with each other, allowing them to learn human habits. Data collected by AI smart home technologies predict user behavior and even develop situational awareness.

Companies in the United States and across the globe have developed AI tech to allow industries to innovate and consumers to benefit from its features. For example, Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant rely on AI to work properly.

AI brings standard smart home technology to the next level. AI can convert raw data from interconnected devices into a design of behavior. In other words, it can automate tasks based on a homeowner's preferences.

Use Cases for AI in Smart Homes

As both AI and smart home technologies advance, more use cases emerge. It seems as though more possibilities present themselves for home automation, so it's exciting to see how they can make life easier for homeowners.

For example, suppose someone is cooking on a smart stovetop. In that case, an AI device can monitor the temperature of the food being cooked and raise or lower the temperature for optimal cooking.

In another example, if AI devices recognize no one is home, they will have the intelligence and ability to keep the air conditioner and lighting systems turned off until the garage door opens.

Then, AI devices will sense the homeowner has returned and turn these units on. Combining AI and smart home technology can create optimal living conditions for homeowners, automate tasks, and even make decisions. AI devices act as an external brain that can manage various daily activities in a home.

Here are some AI-driven smart home technologies that may emerge:

• A household robot that can sort dishes, pick up and move various items, and even pour a glass of water.
• An AI-enabled refrigerator that monitors available food ingredients to help homeowners decide what to cook based on dietary restrictions and favorite recipes.
• An AI-powered oven with computer vision (CV) that controls the cooking process and monitors when food is cooked to the desired temperature.

These actions may seem minor but can improve a homeowner's quality of life and make managing tasks much easier and highly efficient. However, even the most advanced technologies come with their drawbacks.

AI Challenges in a Smart Home

A major concern for AI developers and potential AI smart home tech adopters is the growing security threats expected to emerge in the industry. Wirelessly connected devices tend to be more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats or potential attacks.

It will be essential for manufacturers and AI experts to figure out ways to safeguard AI-powered smart home devices from cybersecurity threats. Ensuring customers will stay protected while using these devices is crucial; without trust, consumers may be wary or hesitant to adopt these advanced technologies. Establishing trust will be vital to increasing AI smart home tech sales and generating revenue for these innovative companies.

In 2016, a Mirai Internet of Things (IoT) bot took over smart home devices. Security cameras, air quality monitoring systems, and routers were all compromised. Nearly 600,000 smart devices worldwide were affected and major sites like Twitter and Facebook experienced increased web traffic and suspension of services.

If AI-powered smart home technologies are invaded, users open themselves up to more cybersecurity risks. Malicious actors can monitor device behavior unbeknownst to the user.

Thieves may be able to enter the home if they monitor AI device data to learn when homeowners typically leave the house. Developers must find appropriate countermeasures to safeguard against these potential security threats.

Regardless of security concerns, it's anticipated that AI will become a revolutionary technology in the smart home market in the coming years.

Expect AI to Power Smart Homes

Because AI use cases continue to emerge, homeowners looking to reap its benefits and improve their quality of life will likely adopt these advanced smart home devices.

Smart homes will become even smarter using IoT sensors, machine learning (ML), and AI-powered devices. It will certainly be interesting to see how these technologies develop and how widespread they become in the future.