The global sensor and device market for home security and automation is expected to grow from $1.4bn in 2015 to $4bn in 2019. Source: ABI Research
92% of installers see home automation as a growth area for business. Source: IFSEC Global research
In a recent survey we asked installers which home automation technologies are installers interested in or actively selling and installing:
But if the industry seems to be on the cusp of mass market adoption, several barriers remain – not least cybersecurity concerns, ease-of-use issues, shortcomings in interoperability between devices, protocols, networks and applications, and the need to convince the consumer of the benefits.
But the benefits are potentially profound. Cutting energy costs, remote monitoring and management of security systems and the sheer convenience of turning lights and appliances on and off wherever you are in the house and even beyond are just three of the most compelling.
Long device replacement cycles also mean that suppliers tend to charge a premium for deployments and push consumers into managed services contracts.
Falling prices will help, especially when growing adoption rates persuades manufacturers to produce equipment in higher volumes.
House builders are increasingly keen on building smart heating controls and thermostats into new homes. However, retrofits on older properties remain more challenging. A thriving DIY market also makes it difficult for professional installers to compete.
Nevertheless, a lot of venture capitalist funding is going into home automation start-ups that compete with giants like Samsung, Google, Amazon, Honeywell, GE, Legrand, Siemens, ABB, and United Technologies Corporation, for example) but also home automation systems specialists such as Crestron Electronics, Savant and Control4.
Flagship home automation products to date include the Nest smart home thermostats and cameras, Sonos music systems, GE’s Z-Wave components and Samsung SmartThings Hub. Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home voice activated smarthubs are also driving usage by delivering internet-connected, multimedia gadgets that can control smart thermostats and other devices.
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October 7, 2022
National Home Security Month 2022 is looking to raise awareness of home security and the importance of taking precautions. Read More
October 5, 2022
There is an opportunity for installers to capitalise on growing consumer demand for smart home products, according to a new report. Read More
August 11, 2022
Seeking to empower residents to create safer and healthier homes, Aico has launched its third version of the HomeLINK App for residents. Read More
December 14, 2021
The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is designed to better protect citizens against threats from insecure IoT products. Read More
December 3, 2021
Blake Kozak from Omdia explores the top five trends in the residential security market to look out for in 2022. Read More
April 28, 2021
As the uptake of smart devices continues to increase, the UK Government has announced its "groundbreaking plans" to ensure they are more cyber secure. Read More
December 9, 2020
Kelly Jackson Higgins explores how hacking attempts on ‘smart’ home assistants via laser pointers have raised further security concerns about the devices. Read More
October 7, 2020
Monitoreal can be found demonstrating its AI video security assistant, designed to provide a smart home video surveillance solution "for all". Read More
July 10, 2020
Sarb Sembhi highlights the concerns raised over IoT security devices in a recent report, and asks what everyone can be doing to better protect their devices, employees and families. Read More