Modern living in South Africa is increasingly embracing smart home innovations, where homes are becoming more efficient, convenient, and secure. These advancements are evolving to reduce energy consumption, leading to cost savings.
Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, predicts that by 2024, homes will offer even more high-tech features to enhance efficiency, functionality, and personalized living experiences. The trend is moving towards smart technology becoming a staple in modern homes rather than a luxury.
Here are four trends that will contribute to making South African homes smarter this year:
Improved Internet Speed: The upcoming auction of radio frequencies, including 5G by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), will result in lightning-fast internet speeds for smart homes. This will enable seamless integration and control of gadgets within the smart home ecosystem, enhancing stability and reliability for monitoring and controlling critical systems remotely in real-time. The rollout of 5G is expected to elevate the capabilities of smart home technologies.
Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is being integrated into smart home devices to analyze user patterns and anticipate future decisions, optimizing efficiency, intuitiveness, and responsiveness. AI will help smart homes adapt to user habits and preferences, making them more attuned to the unique needs of residents. Generative AI will further enhance smart homes by identifying appliances requiring maintenance and scheduling service appointments based on the homeowner’s schedule.
Smarter security: Technological innovations are enhancing smart home security systems, such as smart locks with various activation interfaces. Blockchain technology is strengthening security systems, and AI can analyze behavioral patterns to alert homeowners of unusual activities in the premises.
Energy optimization: With an anticipated energy shortfall in 2024, smart home technologies like the CBI Astute Range are helping homeowners monitor and manage energy consumption. These technologies analyze data to identify areas for improvement and automate energy usage adjustments even when homeowners are away. Smart technology also facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources like rooftop solar to combat load shedding and ensure efficient power utilization.
Dr Dickson concludes that smart homes in 2024 will be innovative sanctuaries for South Africans, adapting to unique resident needs. For more information, visit https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on social media platforms.
About CBI-electric: low voltage: Established in 1949, CBI-electric: low voltage specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. A subsidiary of JSE listed industrial group Reunert, the company operates internationally and has established itself as a market leader in the industry. In 2021, CBI-electric: low voltage launched the Astute Range, a smart IoT home automation range.