Artificial intelligence also knocks on the door of home automation

Thanks to machine learning algorithms, homes adjust their lighting behavior patterns, temperature and even the music preferred by residents. AI makes devices increasingly intuitive, with infinite possibilities: 24/7 smart surveillance cameras with high-definition images and advanced movement analysis, sensors, direct communication with emergency services, pet care… Remote management makes it possible to control devices from almost anywhere.

Large technology companies worldwide have set their sights on the integration of AI and home automation. Apple, for example, is working on a smart device with a touch screen and voice control to manage appliances, make video calls and use AI-based applications. It intends to compete in this way with Amazon’s Echo Show and Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub.

The possibilities of ‘smart homes’ lead the average citizen to entertain the idea of ​​investing in home automation. The reward is greater energy savings, convenience and comfort. According to the II Observatory on housing and sustainability 2024, from the Real Estate Credit Union (UCI), 74.5% of Spaniards surveyed would be willing to invest to convert their home into a smart home.

Autonomous homes

A study by Statista shows that the number of ‘smart homes’ across the planet has grown between 2017 and 2023 to 300 million. The forecast is that the figure could double in 2028. Despite the help of Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, in Spain the implementation of artificial intelligence in home automation is still in an incipient phase. One of the companies that is betting on this merger is dotcombased in Terrassa (Barcelona). Milko Todorov, its director, points out that “he witnesses daily how AI is beginning to transform home automation, creating homes and spaces that are smarter, more efficient and adapted to individual needs.” He predicts a future with more integration between AI and home automation that will allow “greater customization.” The revolution will consist of completely autonomous homes, “capable of self-managing all aspects of daily life efficiently and safely,” he clarifies.

Among the advantages of smart home automation we can highlight extreme customization, energy efficiency and security. «AI allows you – Todorov assures – for systems to learn and adapt to the habits of users. At Dotcom we implement solutions where lighting, air conditioning and even camera security systems are automatically adjusted based on people’s routines and preferences.

Intelligent systems optimize energy consumption by turning off unnecessary devices or adjusting usage times based on schedule and consumption patterns. They not only cause cost reduction but also contribute to sustainability. Home automation facilitates the use of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels, in homes, which implies less dependence on the electrical grid and being able to maximize the use of natural resources. And in terms of security, the director of Dotcom explains that “smart cameras and sensors use artificial intelligence to detect potential threats, such as unusual movements or intrusion attempts.” «They can respond automatically by activating alarms, locks or sending notifications in real time. All this can be monitored directly from the mobile phone with applications,” he adds.

Among the possible disadvantages of integrating AI into home automation is the unavoidable high initial cost“although the long-term benefits outweigh the investment,” he says. Another burden could be the dependence on internet connectivity. At Dotcom they try to minimize these risks through hybrid solutions. Privacy and data security is another point of concern among users. “We prioritize the protection of our clients’ information using encrypted systems,” says Todorov.

An example of a home automation installation with AI carried out by Dotcom: «In a client’s home everything works through Alexa, such as raising the blinds or putting the television in cinema mode. In this home we have implemented humidity detectors in case there is a water leak and gas detectors,” Todorov indicates that in Spain “gas and humidity detectors are not usually implemented.”

Armor

Eusebio Nieva, technical director of Check Point Software for Spain and Portugal, comments that “today, artificial intelligence in home automation is being introduced little by little by some of the providers, who are incorporating artificial intelligence services, especially generative.

Regarding the dangers that connected homes entail, he maintains that “in home automation, specifically, the risks are the same as in any other environment, aggravated because in general in these spaces the users are obviously not experts in cybersecurity. Most device manufacturers also do not pay much attention to cybersecurity, because they focus on connectivity,” he points out.

But there are other threats, considers Nieva: the lack of investment by the manufacturer in cybersecurity multiplies the risk, “especially because in many cases the software is not very protected and the procedure for creating users does not require that they be changed, for example , default keys, or even the start-up is usually not as efficient as it should be.

Nothing random

Smart home security cannot be left to chance. «With cameras, which are remotely managed devices, we can be giving people outside our home a gateway. And that may mean access to the alarm or a smart lock. That’s why you have to be aware that protection is very necessary,” says Nieva.

His advice so that smart homes can protect themselves from cyber attacks is to “use security gateways that force the user to have stricter security standards in their home, and then the protection of the devices themselves, not only in home automation, but also in access to these services, such as mobile phones or laptops.

Checkpoint offers its services with comprehensive device-wide protection tools, so that users do not use harmful apps downloaded from anywhere. “Some companies that manage or create software for the devices use some of Checkpoint’s cybersecurity software embedded within those devices,” he says.

Among the precautions to ensure smart home devices are safe, Nieva recommends “maintaining good practices and generating a secure password with double authentication.” Other measures that must be taken are update firmware regularlyset up a secure Wi-Fi network, turn off devices when not in use, use Virtual Private Networks (VPN) for remote access, and have a response plan for a potential security breach.