Don’t look now, but the world is in the midst of another household revolution that offers more gee-whiz technology aimed at saving time and boosting convenience in ways unimaginable just a decade ago. It is a period in which software, sensors and artificial intelligence are making it easier than ever to do everything from mow lawns and clean floors to wash windows and unlock doors.
Here are 10 of the more ingenious devices that may soon change the way we live, by making our houses smarter, safer and more efficient.
HouseLogix VoicePod, voice-controlled home-automation system
If your home truly is your castle, then the wireless HouseLogic VoicePod makes you its undisputed monarch. The small tabletop unit’s embedded software enables you to bark out simple commands and get instant results – no questions asked or protest lodged. Whether locking doors, turning on the heat or a television, or shutting off lights, you rule. The VoicePod works in conjunction with a Control4 home-automation system, and one VoicePod covers about a 700sq-ft (65m) room. ($649; www.voicepod.com)
Philips Hue, smart LED lightbulb system
When the lightbulb sprang from Thomas Alva Edison’s brainpan in the late 1870s, it is safe to surmise that the Hue – a wireless-controlled lighting system that turns the common lightbulb into a timer, a security device, a mood-setter and more – was not even a glimmer in his vision. Armed with Hue lightbulbs, a router-like device (with capacity to control 50 bulbs) and a mobile app, a homeowner can use a smartphone or tablet to brighten or dim lights, change a bulb’s colour, time lights to automatically turn on or off or be programmed to slowly brighten or fade. You can even turn lights on or off remotely, or make them pulse to the beat of music. (Starter kit: $100; www.meethue.com)
iRobot Roomba 800 Series, robotic vacuum cleaner
In the 1960s US cartoon show The Jetsons, the futuristic family relied on Rosie, an aproned robotic maid, to perform household chores. The Roomba 800 Series vacuum cleaner is a far more sophisticated articulation of the robot-maid ideal; think technological chateaubriand to Rosie’s ground chuck. The Roomba relies on a system of software and sensors that enable it to quietly navigate around your home’s effects. When finished, the Roomba returns to its base for recharging. And owners can program it to work whenever and wherever it suits, up to seven times a week. ($699; www.irobot.com)
Honda Miimo 500 robotic lawnmower
Convincing one’s spouse that the lawn is not in dire need of a mowing can be as fraught as eating fugu. The answer? The Miimo, which promotes domestic tranquility by removing the chore entirely from the resident mower’s to-do list. The Miimo uses an intelligent combination of controls, timers and real-time sensory feedback to cut the grass. Concerned that the Miimo might do an Edward Scissorshands-like move on your neighbour’s back 40? Fear not. The user defines the Miimo’s cutting territory with a perimeter wire that sends out electric signals, much like an electric fence for pets. ($3,100; www.honda.co.uk/garden/miimo)
Jibo, family robot
For those who remember HAL 9000, the congenial but ultimately diabolical computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Jibo could be thought of as HAL’s cuter, infinitely more friendly döppelganger. Just 11in (28cm) tall, the unfailingly polite and interactive robo-servant uses artificial-intelligence algorithms to become the personal assistant you never knew you always wanted. Available in 2015, the “male-gendered” Jibo is a veritable Swiss Army knife of functionality, able to take family photos, keep a record of appointments, recite stories to your children and engage in casual conversation. Just don’t let “him” see your credit card number. ($499; www.myjibo.com)
Nest, learning thermostat
Not long ago, programmable thermostats seemed like cutting-edge technology. Then along comes the Nest from Nest Labs, a thermostat that educates itself, like a home-schooled child, and learns the homeowner’s personal heating and cooling preferences. All that’s required is manual adjustment of the thermostat for about a week. During that time, the Nest learns preferences and creates a personalised heating and cooling schedules, and keeps adapting to any future changes in usage patterns. The unit can be adjusted remotely via a smartphone or tablet, and it even senses your absence – not unlike the family dog – and turns off the heat or air conditioner after you leave home, lowering usage and, consequently, utility bills. ($249; www.nest.com)
Ecovas Winbot 7 Series, robotic window-washer
Even if you don’t suffer from climacophobia (fear of climbing ladders) or acrophobia (fear of heights), it is easy to admire the labour-saving Winbot, which just might send squeegees to history’s dustbin. The robot employs a powerful suction mechanism to cling to windows or mirrors, Spider-Man-style, then uses sensors to map out an efficient cleaning path. The Winbot definitely won’t cure phobias, but it will relieve at least one preoccupation. ($300; www.ecovacs.com)
Monsieur, artificially intelligent robotic bartender
How can you be the life of the party when you’re head is stuck in a mixology book? Enter the Monsieur, a robotic bartender that mixes tailored-to-taste cocktails. Seriously. It can mix literally hundreds of different drinks, and it learns your preferences for stronger or weaker pours. Not sure what to drink? Ask Monsieur and it’ll make suggestions. This robotic Sam Malone also will accept orders via smartphone. And it even tracks your alcohol consumption and sends you a smartphone link to a taxi service if it thinks you’ve overindulged. It's a personal bartender that has also is your bar-back. ($3,999; www.monsieur.co)
August Smart Lock, Bluetooth-activated deadbolt lock
Leaving a house key with the neighbours in case of the dreaded home lockout is so yesterday, thanks to the Smart Lock. This device provides keyless access to your home through a virtual key, enabled on a smartphone or tablet. It uses secure, encrypted locking technology, similar to that used by financial institutions for on-line banking. You control who has access, as well as that access’s duration. The Smart Lock can even sense your approach and unlock doors for you. It’s a personal valet of sorts – and no tipping required. ($250; www.august.com)
The Clapper, sound-activated electrical outlet
This much-ridiculed yet deceptively ingenious device, made famous by late-night US television commercials, is not exactly new, having first been shipped in 1986. But this sound-activated electrical switch, which can flip two devices on or off with the clap of a hand, was pretty advanced for its time. And almost 30 years after Joseph Enterprises introduced it, the Clapper – along with its sing-song-ey “Clap on! Clap off!” slogan-cum-jingle – remains a pop-culture touchstone, as well as a convenient step-saver. And for that, it deserves a standing ovation. ($20; www.chiapet.com)
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