What is home automation ?

As a very simple definition, Home Automation is any technology that enhances interactivity between people and their home equipments.

This interactivity is achieved through remote or automatic control of devices or subsystems around a home. subsystems are groups of devices related to the same functional purpose. Some examples of subsystems are ligthting control, audio & video equipments, monitoring & surveillance, etc.

A home automation system improves the way a person interacts with the home environment . Aspects like comfort, entertainment, connectivity, convenience, energy saving and safety are the goals pursued by home automation systems manufacturers.

The home automation business

The home automation business is one of the fastest growing segments in the construction industry today. In recent years, most real estate developments have made use of some sort of home automation, such as structured wiring, HVAC system and central vacuum cleaners. Recently, many other options have been introduced to new developments in order to improve their market value. Fortunately, due to the advance of technology and decline in prices, the implementation of a home automation system can be relatively uncomplicated if designed and installed by trained professionals.

According to Park & Associates, a marketing research and consulting firm, the custom installation business for home automation will see revenue increase from US$ 12.6 B in 2007 to US$ 22.6 B in 2012 in the US market. It is very probable that a relatively higher increase will occur in countries like Brazil, where the construction industry is now in a high growth rate.

The benefits of home automation in today's world are far beyond any other in the housing business. However, most existing home automation systems are still bounded by old traditions of the industry. Traditional businesses focused mostly on hardware development, seeking high standards of reliability. Most of the new companies have opted to focus on software development, like PC add-ons and plug-ins, in order to provide lower-cost solutions. Our challenge developing 3NYX® was to create a complete home automation system able to utilize advantages from both approaches while adding a good amount of innovation.