In recent years we have seen the gradual rise of the smart-home through voice-activated devices and internet-connected appliances. As a result, the smart home technology market is projected to increase to $174 billion by the year 2025. It’s quickly becoming the domestic face of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the help of artificial intelligence and automation.
What is Smart Home Technology?
It’s important to understand what smart home technology is to assess where it’s going. Smart home technology is home automation–automating the ability to control items around the house with a simple push of a button or voice command. This includes clocks, speakers, lights, doorbells, security systems, windows, thermostats, and more. These devices represent the domestic realm of the IoT. Most of us are familiar with smart home technology devices in the form of our Amazon Echo’s and Xfinity voice remotes, but where is it headed next?
In-Home Healthcare
In the next five to ten years one-third of smart homes will be equipped with health-related tech as more devices gain connectivity. Individuals with dementia, chronic pain, and mobility difficulties will be able to stay independent in their homes with technology that adapts to their needs. This includes wearable devices, activity detection, sleep, and environment monitoring, online physician consultations, and more. These devices make real-time monitoring more effective and put their users in safer, more capable hands. Another promising advance in-home health tech includes researchers at Cornell University that have filed for a patent on a mirror that detects health concerns in your skin and is specifically designed to look for signs of melanoma.
Robots
While personal, household robot assistants may seem far-fetched, the fact is they’re already here. Smart vacuum cleaners such as iRobot’s Roomba are continuously picking up after us and move freely throughout our homes and that’s just the beginning of what’s to come. Home care and personal care robots are increasing in popularity. From vacuums to lawnmowers and pool cleaners, home care robots can improve efficiency in every part of your house. Plans are also underway to design bots that circle your home on the lookout for intruders, harmful emissions, and even to keep an eye on your pets.
Continued Development of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t exactly a new concept, but there’s so much more that can be done. Voice recognition is becoming even smarter and AI is likely to take a more proactive role in security and surveillance systems in the home. Devices will be able to understand more complex instructions and will soon have the ability to program themselves to perform their necessary tasks.
Smart home technology is a rapidly growing market and vendors in multiple industries are already seeing the value of integrating their products into the smart home ecosystem. For manufacturers to keep up with the demand on the frontline of this new technology, it’s essential to keep your workforce trained in the latest soldering standards. To help businesses keep their employees up to date, EPTAC has expanded our IPC certification programs to include eTraining options and remote proctoring for certification and recertification courses. Check out our online training platform to learn more.
About EPTAC
For over 30 years, EPTAC has been a leading provider of solder training and IPC certification. We provide professionals with the tools and training they need to advance their careers and improve their businesses. With 19 locations across North America, our solutions and instructional staff provide easy access to knowledge that will enhance your business model and help you meet and exceed industry demands. For more information call 800.643.7822 or contact us.
