Not just for billionaires: Home automation is now a reality in SA

I'll admit it. For a long time, home automation felt like a futuristic concept straight out of a sci-fi movie.

About twenty years ago I remember reading about Bill Gates's home filled with gadgets that seemed like something out of a James Bond film with blinds that knew when to open and lights that turned on as you entered a room. 

It was fascinating, but it felt impossibly far away.

Fast forward two decades, and the rapid integration of AI into our lives finally piqued my curiosity. 

I wanted to see what's on offer right here, right now, for the average South African homeowner. So, I took a trip to Homemation, a home automation company in Cape Town to experience the future firsthand. 

What I discovered was nothing short of eye-opening

The showroom was a perfect display of what's possible. I learned that home automation can begin right at your front door and be controlled in various ways, whether by a timer, an app on your phone, or a simple control panel. It’s all about personal preference.

What truly impressed me was the seamless integration. Imagine walking into your home after a long day: your lights can automatically turn on to a pre-set ambiance, your favourite music can start playing, and the curtains can close, all without you having to lift a finger. 

Even gas fireplaces can be ignited at the perfect time, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere. It's smart living, tailored to your every whim.

The security features were particularly clever. One great option, for those of us who worry about break-ins, is a system that plays the sound of dogs barking through speakers if the alarm is triggered. 

The sound moves from room to room, creating the illusion of guard dogs on the loose -a clever deterrent for any potential intruder. Bryan Viljoen, the sales manager from Homeation shared a memorable story of a client in Johannesburg who had two statues of lions in their kitchen. 

When their alarm was triggered, the alarm system would let out a mighty roar, and flames would appear in the garden. While a little over the top, you can't deny it would send a strong message!

Another feature that I absolutely loved was the "dinner time" mode. At a specific time, an announcement is made throughout the house, informing everyone that dinner is ready. 

Simultaneously, all other lights in the house dim or turn off, leaving only the dining area lit. This means no more shouting for ten minutes to get the family away from their devices and to the dinner table. Honestly, I think every home needs this one.

For those requiring a secure space, home automation can create luxurious safe rooms. Vijoen told me about a recent installation in an upmarket Cape Town suburb, which wasn't the typical bare cement room we all imagine. 

Instead, it was a fully equipped living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and Wi-Fi access for communicating with emergency services. It’s a complete sanctuary where a family could shelter for an extended period, all discreetly hidden within their home.

Walking out of that showroom, I had a powerful realization. This isn't just about futuristic gadgets anymore. 

The future of home automation and AI isn't something that's coming; it’s already here and it can make our lives safer, more convenient, and ultimately,easier.

IOL Lifestyle