Emerging Technology – Smart Homes
Thesis Statement
Smart home technology should become widespread as it has the potential of improving residential energy efficiency, by determining optimal appliance settings and usage schedule. Moreover, it can be utilized for assisted living applications, significantly improving the quality of life of the elderly or disabled.
Description
My chosen research subject for the upcoming final paper is smart home technology. This constantly evolving technology addresses both existential challenges – such as the fight against global warming – as well as the human need to improve their quality of life and comfort. Rokach (2012) explains that smart houses have the ability to design energy consumption schedules that fit their users’ particular needs, and execute it by automatically turning on or shutting off lights and appliances such as air conditioners; this algorithms achieve a much more efficient use of energy. Smart homes can also provide assisted living, as they have the capability to monitor user activity, moving patterns and activities, and are configured to contact a caretaker or family member in case of uncommon activity, which may serve as an indication of an accident or other disabling circumstance. Moreover, smart home security features can identify potential home intrusion situations, provide alerts upon door openings and aid in other ways in the protection of the household. Research being conducted in the field of smart housing is guided towards incorporating the technology to smart urban areas and take part in larger settings, as GhaffharianHoseini, Dahlilah, Berardi and Makaremi (2013) contend. Considering all the aforementioned functionalities, I believe smart home technology is worthy of further research focused on its widespread implementation.
References
GhaffarianHoseini, A., Dahlilah Dahlan, N., Berardi, U., GhaffarianHoseini, A., & Makaremi, N. (2013). The Essence of Future Smart Houses: From Embedding ICT to Adapting to Sustainability Principles. Elsevier - Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 593-607.
Rokach, J. (2012). Smart Houses in a World of Smart Grids. The Electricity Journal, 94-97.
