The Home Automation Revolution Will Be DIY
“The DIY model moves from single, simple devices to more complex, integrated systems. They typically include some kind of “brain”—either a dedicated device or computer running software—that gathers information from various sensors and then calls all the shots by sending commands to a slew of control devices installed throughout the home. Control devices are anything from a simple module plugged in between a lamp and the wall to smart light switches, HVAC, security systems, and whole-home media interfaces.
This DIY space has long been owned by the geekier among us, requiring comfort with hardware, programming, and electrical wiring. But that’s starting to change.”
Great article today from Fast Company today discussing where home automation is going and the difference between the DIY model of the Internet of Things and the traditional professionally installed services.
Technology is already here to make this happen and its only going to get easier and more accessible from here. The gap of capabilities between high end professionally installed home automation and security system is closing quickly. The reality is people don't want to pay monthly costs and premiums for hardware and installation.
In addition, I am not convinced users need a hub or a "brain" to run DIY home automation, the intelligence can be built directly into the endpoint sensor, making it more reliable and capable. As I see things hubs exist as a stepping stone right now to join disparate systems and will be less necessary as standards are put in place to allow devices from different manufacturers to communicate freely over the network.