Prashant Bora on how IoT gadgets are driving the next wave of home automation.

Connectivity and new-age technologies highlight the rising scope of work in the gadgets & appliances sector, driven by customer preference, requirements, and innovation. These aspects have directly resulted in the integration of new-age technologies like AI and ML, and combined with the comprehensive aspects of internet connectivity, smart home automation through the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming how the sector has been historically perceived. Intelligent home automation through the emergence of IoT is being perceived as the critical enabler for reshaping the future of the sector, offering the benefits of smart technology-driven homes that are responsive to user requirements.

For example, many residents forget to turn off devices and appliances that are manually operated. This not only wastes valuable energy but also increases the general cost associated with utilities and reduces product lives. Through smart home automation driven by IoT gadgets, aspects such as user convenience, affordability and more are prioritised — leading to an efficient experience and enhanced quality of living. This paradigm shift is driving a holistic growth of the IoT market globally, which is reflected through prominent reports that reveal that there was a 15% growth of connected IoT devices from 2022 to 2023 and is set to grow at 13% to reach 18.8 billion units by 2024. Furthermore, home automation through IoT is growing annually at a significant 18.9% in 2024, a figure that is estimated to register an unprecedented 33.2% by 2028.

Defining home automation through IoT gadgets

The necessity to create smart homes is supplemented by connected IoT gadgets that combine the internet and relevant systems with users’ households. The objective of this is to empower users to monitor, control and manage appliances, gadgets and larger electronics equipment remotely through internet connectivity.  The goal of designing these devices is to prioritise user convenience, security, and energy efficiency to ensure a comfortable living experience. Through IoT-driven home automation, users can control lights, fans, televisions, and security cameras irrespective of location, through their smartphones. As a result of this, users are enabled to reduce their utility bills and enjoy an enhanced living experience while also ensuring the gadgets and appliances’ service lives are maintained appropriately.

Role of IoT gadgets in driving home automation

The goal of integrating IoT gadgets as an essential part of households to ensure home automation is driven by the rising user requirements. To begin with, IoT is considered the catalyst for enhancing user convenience. Through these gadgets, users can control diverse aspects of their household electronics remotely — through voice assistants or smartphones. This also reduces the dependency on remote controls or manual interventions through switches. This aspect directly translates to enhanced energy efficiency, as electronics products can be automatically adjusted to save valuable energy, especially when users are unavailable to do it themselves or they are out of their homes. As a result, electricity is not only saved but bills and environmental concerns are also addressed promptly.

A critical part of IoT-driven home automation is to raise the security of households. Through connected CCTV cameras and smart locks, residents can monitor the state of their homes in real time — adding an extra layer of security. Furthermore, all IoT-driven features can be customised per user preferences, such as lighting moods and setting temperatures to suit diverse user requirements. This aspect essentially transforms the quality of living, enhancing it to the next level.

While it is perceived as a complex process, IoT installation and operation remains a rather simple task. Through a combination of interconnected devices and sensors, IoT devices communicate in a network of other devices, along with a central hub — usually the controlling device (smartphones etc). For example, electronic appliances that come equipped with sensors and connectivity technology like WiFi remain connected with a smartphone that monitors and controls them. These smartphones are accessed by home residents, and offer smart home automation, helping users to create personalised routines. Based on usage patterns, environment and other metrics, these devices collect valuable data that is transferred to the central hub to streamline performance and raise efficiency and affordability. Robust encryption and security protocols are integrated within the algorithms of these smart devices to safeguard the data transfer process and ensure the privacy of users while safeguarding their homes.

As this holistic process transforms the general efficiency of gadgets to establish new benchmarks for IoT-driven home automation, users must complete their due diligence before incorporating them as per their needs. Customers need to determine the budget since pricing for these products varies depending upon multiple use cases and metrics. A clearly defined priority, for example, energy savings or convenience could help them to make informed decisions. They must also contemplate purchasing suitable devices that complement the central platform for hassle-free integration and efficient control.

Future outlook

As IoT drives this comprehensive transformation of households through electronic gadgets around the world, innovation and originality are taking precedence. In the coming years, more unique products are expected to be launched to align with user preferences, requirements, affordability and other relevant metrics. As the industry prioritises user convenience, energy savings, security, and personalisation aspects that enhance the quality of life, global users will be empowered to holistically transform the quality of their lives. This will essentially transform the way households operate, leading to a more immersive experience of living while enhancing the comfort of our lives.

Founded by Mr Prashant Bora, MD, and CEO of OTEK (A Bora Multicorp Venture), an INR 5000 Cr revenue-generating organisation, specialises in the design and manufacturing of innovative products, its products are designed in New York (USA). Driven by Mr Bora's innovative vision, OTEK is looking to rapidly grow its product portfolio in the next 10 years. Furthermore, the company also emphasizes improving customer service and upholding its environmental commitment to provide high-quality, affordable, and innovative products without compromise — a critical contributor to the brand's estimated net revenue of INR 150 Cr in FY 2025-26. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

For a deeper dive into the dynamic world of Industrial Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), explore our comprehensive collection of articles and news covering cutting-edge technologies, robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and the latest advancements in the Industrial Automation realm. Uncover valuable insights and stay abreast of industry trends by delving into the rest of our articles on Industrial Automation and RPA at www.industrialautomationindia.in