Smart homes are private households equipped with intelligent devices and systems for the intelligent management of the modern living space.
Domestic appliances (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine) and systems (e.g. air conditioning, heating, warm water), home electronics, and communications technologies are transformed into smart objects which communicate and interact to meet the needs and requirements of the home's residents. Intelligent networking of all devices in the home allows new ways of living which transcend the sum functionality of individual devices.
Intelligent energy management systems will allow energy to be delivered as and when required at tariffs which promote resource-saving energy management in the home: second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour. Smart home ICT solutions allow smart grids to efficiently manage power generation, consumption and storage in tandem with so-called "smart meters."
As well as promoting "smart living," smart homes also support self-determined living at home for the elderly, sick and infirm by combining innovative assistive and IT-based technologies. Intelligent, home environments adapt in autonomous, proactive and context-sensitive fashion to the smart home resident's requirements to carry out the tasks necessary for independent living.
Promoting Smart Homes
The German government provides generous support to a broad sweep of smart home initiatives and programs. Here we provide a brief insight into just some of the innovative smart home activities, programs and lighthouse projects in Germany today.
