By the end of the nineteenth century, people were already beginning to realise that there were easier ways to do household chores. In 1889, the first water boilers were put on the market. The first washing machines followed soon after – although the earliest models were hand-powered contraptions. Refrigerators, saw machines, microwave ovens and countless other inventions were next. These devices did not become truly smart until the end of the twentieth century, however. Why? Because of the rise of the internet!
Smart home
Once it became possible for devices to communicate via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, home automation really took off. In 1999, Microsoft already knew just how smart a home could be. Just take a look at this video about Microsoft’s smart home. Now, two decades later, many of the technologies shown in this video are actually found in our homes. The internet has changed how we live – and it has certainly made our lives a whole lot easier.
From wireless to robots
The history of smart-home products can be divided into three generations. Wireless technology was first, the internet as we know it today and products that communicate via e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ZigBee. Find out what technology suits your products best in our whitepaper: connectivity. The second generation is formed by products that include some form of artificial intelligence, like Amazon Echo. What about the third generation? Robots that can become your friend! They can show compassion, help you and talk to you.