Are Smart Homes Smarter Than Their Owners?

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We have smart technology all over—smart phones and smart tablets are something we’re familiar with, but how about smart homes?  Yes, indeed!  These homes are designed for those who love state-of-the-art technology, love to be pampered and have a very sizeable bank account!


These smart homes take technology to the Nth degree when it comes to high-tech living.  For starters, multiple smart systems simplify and create comfortable living, save on utilities and maximize security.  But the really impressive element is the fact that most of the systems are operable from either the home’s own smart tablet or the owner’s smartphone or personal computer.

Smart Tablets:

Oh the things you can do!  The entire home’s technology comes together with a whole-home automation system that allows door locks, security cameras, lighting, window-shade and pool control and computerized entertainment systems to function via multiple smart tablets.  These tablets have magnetized docking stations that keep them charged and secure until needed.  All the smart tablets are portable and can be used in any area of the home.

Lighting & Locks:

As one might guess, lights can be programmed to go on, or be turned off, according to any pre-programmed schedule that suits one’s needs.  Even shades on west-end windows will automatically lower before the setting-sun beats down.
As offered by home developers such as Dunhill Homes, entry doors are equipped with a security system that can be programmed to lock or unlock at any time.  Of course, entry doors can be programmed and controlled while away from home, regardless of how far away the homeowner might be.

Security Cameras:

Multiple cameras monitor the home’s perimeter, pool area, inside the garage, all entrances and all interior rooms.  And whether one is at work or halfway around the world, monitoring one’s home is never a concern.

Energy Monitors:

A mounted energy monitor about the size of a smart tablet displays an easy-to-read format which provides a whole-home overview of energy costs for lighting and appliances.  This helps the homeowner to make insightful decisions on altering or maintaining programmed schedules with any of the applications throughout the home.

Pressure-Sensing Flooring:

Some smart homes have smart floors---believe it or not.  In a nutshell, it involves a high-resolution, pressure-sensitive floor that can keep track of people or activities that take place.  The flooring uses what is called ‘per-pixel’ pressure which allows the location and analyses of foot and body postures and their pressure points.

You might be asking what applications this type of smart floor could accommodate.   Actually, there are a number of them but two include 1) being able to detect when a young child or elderly member of the family takes a fall and 2) detecting home intruders.  And if a teenager decides to have a party while Dad and Mom are gone, he or she may want to reconsider since parents will be notified via smartphone or the web if the flooring picks up activity that is beyond what is programmed as ‘acceptable’ or ‘normal’.

Smart-Home Robots:

Ok, I thought I’d save the best for last…smart robotics programs are off the drawing board and utilized in a number of smart homes, already, for a variety of reasons. One type of robotics program assists with the elderly; and these stellar systems are being seriously considered as a replacement for nursing homes and hospitals by those families who have a desire to care for elderly family members on their own.


Nebraska’s own K. Carlson remains steadfast in her writing about the industry of real estate amidst her retirement from her career as an educator.