Imagine that you can do everything from switching on the lights to washing your dishes from one place only. Besides, it connects everything in your home with each other. So, when you give a command, all the devices receive your request. Also, when you go outside to take your groceries, you get to know immediately where the parking spot is vacant. Moreover, you can get access to not only free but super-high-speed wi-fi everywhere in your city.
Many countries in the world have are either progressing towards it or some that have completed it. Countries like Singapore, the USA, and Australia have many smart cities. About 69% of the total homes in the USA have at least one smart home device. But what exactly makes one’s home, a smart home? Let us see.
What are Smart Homes?
Smart homes incorporate the use of technology to manage and control the appliance and systems in a house. Connecting everything to the internet and a smartphone app that works on wireless networking. Working is more efficient as all the appliances are interconnected. All the lighting and heating devices can be controlled with one click. Smart home technology makes the experience comfortable, fun, and cost-effective.
According to research, consumers will spend about $123 billion on smart home technology in 2021. The smart home device allows one to control the thermostat, lights, and others from the phone itself. They detect the presence of the occupants and start functioning, especially, according to their needs. Smart lights and thermostats automatically regulate them according to the daylight and weather respectively.
Smart locks and garage-doors also have sensors that detect whether it is the owner or an outsider. Hence, they are able to either grant or deny access to facilities accordingly. One can monitor their place with the security cameras. You can schedule the coffee and get it at the correct time. Moreover, you do not have to keep track of the expiry dates or make a grocery list anymore. Smart refrigerators take care of it. Apart from this, any task like laundry, dryers or washing dishes, checking the electrical or plumbing, everything can be managed and controlled.
Is it Eco-Friendly?
Yes! Using energy-saving techniques like solar power, wind power, etc. can make home automation more efficient. The system formulates a way to save energy autonomously. It saves not only the ones using but also the one which is getting wasted. Most importantly, it is energy efficient. At time, people forget to switch off lights, appliances, etc. So, this system can automatically sense that there are no users and can switch it off. Moreover, the thermostats and brightness of lights can be cutomised automotically by the AI tech.Hence, it has a positive impact on the environment. It also saves your electricity bill! first “personal and family security”, and second “excitement about energy savings”.
Does it have any cons?
Smarts cities might be an efficient and comfy way to live. But it comes with its disadvantages. At times, the people who are living on rent have security and privacy concerns. Faulty electrical grids and network connections can be weak rendering the appliances useless at times. Also, the security passwords are with the landlords, this is a violation of privacy. Moreover, people lack knowledge about the working of the framework.
The scientists and researched are working to overcome such problems. More advanced and effective technology will be introduced. But this also promotes an indolent behavior. Not getting such small activities done, can make one lazy toward other tasks as well. Therefore, the development and expansion of this sector will not only proof to be useful but can eventually impinge the human lifestyle.
SMART CITIES
Smart City is a concept that accelerates urbanization growth and is composed of Information and Communication Technologies that aid in the development, and promotion of environmentally friendly practices. All devices are cloud-based IoT that collect data from the devices. After that, it analyses and performs the functions accordingly. This system is very efficient and accommodating for the citizens. It provides a more sustainable and cost-effective way of living. The user can connect their devices to the internet anywhere in the city and can find charging docks too. Sensors connect with the traffic lights which can detect the traffic. It, according to real-time traffic, adjusts lights and reduces traffic congestion. Cars also connect with parking meters and other services, which makes it easily accessible. Cities have a smart waste disposal system wherein the garbage bins autonomously send info to the respective companies along with providing a pick-up schedule.
How many countries have adopted this?
In 2015, 193 countries agreed to the proposal of Sustainable Development goal by the United Nations. Singapore, Dubai, Oslo, Boston, Amsterdam, and many other countries are taking up the projects to convert into smart cities. New You is one of the most advanced smart cities. The fancy and advanced communication network system has alienated the use of payphones in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. One can cite Amsterdam as a well-connected smart city. The process to convert it began in 2009 and has complete over 170 projects. They use an innovative model of boats called ‘roboat’ which freight the deliveries on rime time and the right place. There is no need for man-power, it works automatically. Moreover, they also have floating villages to eliminate the problem of overcrowding.
Smart cities not only makes our lifestyle facile but also ensures transparency in the working of government. Since, all the transactions and penalties will be done technically,, systematic record of everything will be maintained.This discourages practices like bribing, or other ways of corruption. Apart from that, investments in the projects of smart cities require the support of both the public and private sectors. Public financing can increase the rate of return on the projects. This also accelerates the speed of the project. For this system to work, it necessary to have a comprehensive system that can do the work with sincerity and accountability.
In the contemporary world, there are many countries like Australia, or USA where many people have smart homes. Whereas in developing countries like India, people are still not aware of such technology and introducing it will take time considering the incomes of people. In future, scientists are planning for many intriguing developments. When you wake up, your shower will work automatically with required temperature of surroundings. You may find a package on your front door containing medicines. This is because the shower detected signs of illness like cold. Hence, a lot of developments will take place to ease the human lifestyle. There is so much exciting stuff to see yet!
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