The very first glimpse of smart home technology was in 1975 with the invention of X10, a home automation platform that sent digital information through a radio frequency into a home’s electrical wiring. This communication protocol was first used with a home’s air conditioner wiring. It enabled the platform to communicate between devices and control modules installed within the home.

Today, home automation refers to the automatic and electronic control of household utilities, features, activities and appliances in your home via the Internet, an important element of what is commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT). It is designed to make life more convenient and secure. It is also designed to help you spend less on household bills because you can control virtually everything remotely from your phone or computer, even when you are not at home. This includes things like a home security system, lighting, heating, cooling, entertainment and electronic devices.

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