Smart Tech and Automation Products for a Fully Integrated Home

This article first appeared in the May/June 2023 issue of Pro Builder.

Whether it's for energy, lighting, security, comfort, or entertainment, U.S. consumers are increasingly discovering and embracing smart appliances, systems, and innovations in their homes, and building products manufacturers are continuing to bring new and better smart home and home automation products to market.

And that market continues to grow, with no signs of slowing. According to statistics portal Statista, there were 39 million smart homes nationwide in the U.S. in 2018, and recent analysis indicates that number will reach 77.05 million by 2025.

In homes today, where the majority of homeowners regard the internet as a fourth utility, the integration of technology into the home's every day activities is increasingly the norm, and that integration is now more seamless and intuitive than ever, as the following products show.

Voice-activated mirror from Kohler

The Kohler Verdera Voice mirror with Amazon Alexa capabilities includes full stereo sound and voice command for a hands-free bathroom experience. Users can adjust lighting, play music, shop, get the weather forecast, or update their calendar through Verdera’s voice controls. Kohler’s voice-activated mirror also comes with a motion-sensing light for increased safety and less disruption during nighttime bathroom trips.

Kwikset keypad dead bolts

SmartCode 260 Keypad Deadbolts from Kwikset include a 10-button keypad design, 50 user codes, a new fast motorized dead bolt, LEDs for bright illumination, and Microban antimicrobial protection built into the finish and keypad, the company says. SmartCode 260 traditional styles are available in Polished Brass, Satin Nickel, and Venetian Bronze finishes, and contemporary styles are available in Satin Nickel, Matte Black, and Polished Chrome finishes.

Span smart electrical panel

Span Panel is a smart electrical panel that allows homeowners to control and monitor every circuit in the home from a smartphone or tablet. The Span Panel is Amazon Alexa-enabled and offers electrification upgrades such as solar and battery storage, extending average battery duration by 40%, the company says. The panel is compatible with standard circuit breakers and is designed for indoor or outdoor placement.

Smart lighting solutions from Legrand

Legrand’s Smart Lighting with Netatmo solutions provide advanced control of lights and power throughout the entire home and install in place of standard switches and outlets, connecting to home automation systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The battery-powered, wireless smart switches and dimmers allow users to add three-way lighting control without the need for any wiring. Using Legrand’s app, homeowners can manage their lights and power, create automated schedules, and shut off forgotten fixtures remotely.

Smart home platform by Resideo Technologies

Resideo Technologies’ ProSeries Smart Home Platform is a professionally installed and monitored security, life safety, and smart home control system that the company says offers the largest range of Resideo’s supported home solutions in one modular, scalable system. The latest firmware update for the platform includes customized voice descriptions for increased personalization, a Google Assistant integration for simple voice control, self-help videos easily accessed via a QR code, and Wi-Fi accessibility for connecting touchscreen keypads.

Lighting control from Somfy

Somfy Digital Network (SDN) 0-10V Interface Module is designed to deliver an integrated automation solution for managing natural and artificial lighting and building management systems for any space. The module accepts industry standard 0-10V input commonly used in lighting control systems and converts it to an SDN signal. This next generation of the interface module enhances its capabilities, with Animeo IP integration for solar tracking and a building management systems interface for optimized home energy use. The module is housed in a junction box–mountable, plenum-rated enclosure, is powered by an AC line 120-volt input, and uses a single RJ45 jack to connect to the SDN bus via a standard CAT-5 cable, for easy installation.

LED fixtures from Crestron for greater lighting control

With Crestron’s LED Light Fixtures, homeowners can control the color of their lights including hue, saturation, color temperature, and intensity. Users can synchronize Crestron’s LED Light Fixtures with their natural circadian rhythm, or they can usee a Crestron Solar Sync sensor to match the natural light outside. The company’s new LED fixtures are compatible with the Crestron Home operating system.

Wireless network solution by Savant

Savant’s Smart Network is a learning wireless network solution that leverages Juniper Mist Wi-Fi technology designed for smart home integrators. Savant Smart Network applies artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based analytics to create a learning ecosystem that achieves optimal wireless performance throughout the home, the company says.

Uponor wireless comfort control

Smatrix Pulse, Uponor’s newest comfort control solution, provides radiant heating and cooling along with forced-air heating and cooling in one system that connects to a smart home assistant and can be controlled remotely via the Smatrix Pulse app. The system includes voice-activated controls and is equipped with wireless thermostats that have a maximum distance range of 98 feet (30 meters) from the controller.

Door lock from Hampton Products

The Array Connected Door Lock by Hampton Products can either be used with a traditional key, using the hidden keypad, or can be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. Users can create custom codes with authorized access or one-time use. Homeowners can also create personalized schedules and automations that trigger actions with other Array devices, such as triggering Array lights to turn on automatically when the door is locked or unlocked. The Array Connected Door Lock is powered by the Array by Hampton app, which works with Apple’s iOS, Android devices, and can pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Voice Assistant.

Smart thermostat by Degrii

Degrii’s Smart Thermostat offers built-in geofencing technology to automatically adjust the temperature depending on when consumers are home. The smart thermostat is compatible with the Degrii app, which offers a 15-minute installation walkthrough and analyzes the home’s environmental and HVAC operations data for customized energy-saving tips.

Liv-Connected home fall detection

Working in partnership with WellAware Care, a software developer and distributor of digital health devices, Liv-Connected, a modular-home builder that integrate health care technology into its designs, is introducing the Liv Health Hub, an at-home health monitor that detects falls and notifies a caregiver from any of Liv’s Conexus Home models. The system can be paired with Liv-Connected’s sleep monitor and blood pressure tracker for a fully integrated health package.