The Sentient Home: Exploring the Potential of Artificially Intelligent Properties

From the suite of smart technology already dominating 2018 to the long-term potential AI can bring, we’ll be looking at the current trends, as well as what the future may hold, as experts strive to design intuitive software and applications that cater for individual needs at every level.

Simplifying the everyday

Leading busier lives than ever, many of us will have already adopted AI and smart technology in some form or another - such as software like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which use voice commands to control smart devices within homes.

Understandably, these applications are incredibly effective in managing day-to-day tasks and offer time-saving benefits by assisting us as we wade through our mental to-do lists. However, the future of AI and smart technology apps within homes could offer so much more than carrying out daily tasks like switching on lights and managing heating systems. AI developers are striving to see this technology push the boundaries of command-activated instructions to become ‘contextually aware’ and programmed to think like a human, reacting to situations as we might ourselves.

For instance, in the future smart home, software will be one step ahead of inhabitants working to maximize their quality of life on an everyday basis without them even realizing it. From smart fridges that inventories and replenishes groceries to automated blinds and heating systems that are capable of tracking body temperature and adjusting the heating or cooling system accordingly, AI home design will continue to develop to ease the burden of the daily grind for residents.

Bolstering home energy efficiency

Smart heating systems are fast becoming a mainstay of home design in the 21st century, providing homeowners with the means to monitor and tailor their heating systems to their own personal specifications. Similarly, integrated technology that controls lights, kitchen appliances and more all goes towards creating a more comfortable and efficient living environment

But beyond convenience, one of the greatest benefits of integrated AI is the potential for optimizing energy efficiency in homes. The Internet of Things provides a gateway for the world of home design to minimize energy consumption in properties by effectively controlling variants, such as room temperature and daily routines. From motion sensor or voice activated lighting to heating systems that track when you’re on your way home, these smart home technologies all work to enhance energy efficiency throughout the home.

This ties in nicely with the growing concerns around climate change, as AI has the capability to deliver more energy efficient homes, by utilizing software to instinctively adapt to inhabitants’ preferences and even seasonal changes without the need to be prompted.

Increased home security

Security will always be a major concern for homeowners, and it remains one of the leading trends within the smart home technology industry. The use of AI in security and access systems offers homeowners more control than ever in protecting their homes, either through paid-for security services or home surveillance systems.

From facial recognition monitors and video doorbells to remotely controlled locks and high-tech burglar alarms, it’s now entirely possible to monitor your house and its vulnerability to intruders through AI and smart home apps - whether you’re at home or hundreds of miles away.

The potential for even more robust home security systems is growing exponentially, as AI developers are constantly designing new software and products to bring homeowners greater peace of mind - ensuring homes are safer than ever. This can also include sophisticated safety systems that detect fires and flooding, and monitor air quality to alert homeowners to high levels of chemicals in the air.

Whether retina scanning and fingerprint entry pads will become the norm remains to be seen, but as AI continues to expand, it’s entirely plausible that the use of high-level security systems such as these could become more accessible to homeowners over the coming decades.

With advancements in AI technology happening every day, AI is sure to be a defining element in the future of home design as we know it - whether your motivations are for greater comfort and convenience, or increased energy efficiency and heightened home security.

Author bio:

Suhayl Laher works at Tiles Direct, one of the UK’s largest independent tile distributors and retailers - bringing design inspiration to homeowners, architects and developers.