Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

home automation

How to get started with home automation

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In 2021, nearly 65 percent of American homes include some form of a smart home device, according to a ValuePenguin survey of 1,000 individuals. Though the realm of home automation is growing in popularity, it can be a baffling arena.

Just the term sounds like a case of humans versus machines in some epic cyber battle, but home automation is really about simplifying human life through automating electronics in the house, such as appliances, HVAC systems, and security features, allowing them to complete tasks without requiring much interaction with the homeowner.

When implemented correctly, home automation can not only make life more convenient but can actually reduce monthly utility bills. If you’re ready to harness this futuristic power and take the leap into automating your home, here are the key steps to take to research, purchase, and install what’s needed to make your home smarter. [Read more…] about How to get started with home automation

Home automation: A surprising connection between sleep and technology

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Inventors have been tossing around the idea of home automation for over a century. But while the concept isn’t as stunning and futuristic as it once was, home automation is alive and well.

A few years ago, experts estimated that over 45 million smart home devices would be put into service in the U.S. by 2018. Here are some of the ways automation is changing the way its users sleep.

Making More Space in Small Homes
If you’re living in cramped quarters, home automation offers a way to use one room as a bedroom at night and an exercise room or playroom during the day. A robotic system makes it all possible. [Read more…] about Home automation: A surprising connection between sleep and technology

ABB prepares for home automation boom

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With the home automation market predicted to exceed $115 billion by 2026, ABB recently showcased its innovations in digitalisation, safety and security, and interoperability.

The home automation market is set to experience a predicted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 6 percent between 2017 and 2026, driven by immense interest in energy efficiency as well as the digital control of home lighting, security and other consumer systems.

At IFA 2018, the company showcased its ABB Ability™ portfolio of connected and software-enabled solutions for the smarter home and mobility segments, which span the entire value chain, from the point-of-power generation to socket.

[Read more…] about ABB prepares for home automation boom

Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

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If we were to think of robotics and automation as one industry – which we at this website in fact do – we could argue that it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the world right now.

Certainly if we were to include software automation systems – such as robotic process automation – it would probably be the biggest.

But Robotics and Automation News tends to concentrate on physical machines – such as robotic arms or autonomous vehicles – which can be seen in a typical manufacturing or logistics facility.

And we try and understand what other sectors are most closely related to robotics and automation – manufacturing and logistics being two obvious ones.

[Read more…] about Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

Final call for Instructables ‘Design for Robotics’ competition

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Instructables is probably the most popular website for the maker community, and contains thousands and thousands of guides on how to make things. 

The website was bought by the Autodesk group, which owns the AutoCad and Fusion 360 range of software, and is offering free software to the education sector. 

A few weeks ago, Instructables launched a competition which it called “Design for Robotics”, in partnership with GE Appliances, which makes washing machines and similar household goods.  [Read more…] about Final call for Instructables ‘Design for Robotics’ competition

Analysis: New Nest Labs security products face stiff competition, says IHS Markit

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By Blake Kozak, principal analyst, security technology at IHS Markit

Nest Labs has expanded into the home security market with a range of products which includes the Nest Secure alarm system, Nest Hello video doorbell, Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera, and corresponding software and services. 

The video doorbell uses Google’s facial recognition technology.

Nest Labs is one of the first big movers in the home automation market, and the company is thought to be one of the leaders.

Nest currently offers a range of products including thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and video doorbells.  [Read more…] about Analysis: New Nest Labs security products face stiff competition, says IHS Markit

Household appliances maker Vorwerk acquires Neato Robotics

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Neato Robotics, which mainly makes robotic vacuum cleaners for the home, has been acquired by Vorwerk. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Vorwerk first invested in Neato Robotics in 2010. With this acquisition, the German family-owned enterprise says it is enhancing its strategic position on the emerging global market for home robot vacuums.

Neato will operate within the Vorwerk Group as a wholly owned independent business unit, with its own brand identity and corporate culture. There will be no changes to leadership or daily operations.  [Read more…] about Household appliances maker Vorwerk acquires Neato Robotics

ABB integrates Amazon and Sonos technology into its smart home products

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ABB has partnered with Amazon and Sonos to add new functions to its home automation range of products, collectively called free@home. 

ABB claims to be the leading home automation company in the German market, and the company is apparently looking to expand into new geographies, possibly including the US.

Its free@home range includes a variety of devices and hardware, all based on its digital platform, ABB Ability.  [Read more…] about ABB integrates Amazon and Sonos technology into its smart home products

Six new trends in home automation

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Amazon Echo Dot
Amazon’s Echo Dot, the voice-controlled Alexa-enabled device, can connect to a wide range of your smart home gadgets

By Megan Wild, editor of YourWildHome.com

It’s an exciting time to be a homeowner, but it can also be overwhelming. It seems every week there is a new smart home product on the market that can automate various aspects of your life, and it can be tough to decide which direction to go.

Like all new technology, there is a certain amount of risk involved. You don’t want to jump on something too early, only for it to be outdated and forgotten about a year later.

On the flip side, there is also that natural feeling of wanting to keep up with the trends in order to maximize your home value — not to mention take advantage of all of the cool features many of these devices have.

Here are six trends in smart home automation that are relatively safe bets for the foreseeable future.  [Read more…] about Six new trends in home automation