A world where everyday objects have minds of their own thanks to computers and electricity has been an environment commonly conjured up by screenwriters, cartoonists, and other creatives for decades. Possessed, murderous technology was featured in the 1980s cult film Maximum Overdrive. Twice the Simpsons moved into homes kept clean and running by a central computer. Drama-developing mischief and jokes aside, these depictions have been seen as allegorical but unrealistic.
Not anymore. The Internet of Things is quickly coupling with the advent of mass-distributed embedded systems. We traditionally think of PC technology in a non-consumer setting, manufactured and sold by companies with strong ties to industry and other rugged environments. Truth be told, embedded PC computer systems are making their way into everyday life as well. The home, first and foremost.
Here are a few examples of embedded home gadgets:
Alba Smart LED Bulbs
Utilizing motion sensors these bulbs produced by Stacks will know when someone is leaving one room and entering another. The system will act accordingly, turning off lights in unoccupied space and turning them on in rooms being used. Voice-activated dimming is still a luxury for the idle class, but are right around the corner for the rest of Consumeria.
Belkin Crockpot
Synced to a downloadable app, the “smart slow cooker” lets users adjust temperature, timing, and other variables remotely. For anyone familiar with the importance these factors play in a good roast or stew it’s a blessing to be able to make these adjustments away from home. And it’s only the beginning. Affordable smart ovens are on the way.
Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Opener
Again we have a common part of life managed by combining an embedded device to a downloadable app. This nifty piece of kit lets users shelve the garage door opener held sacred for decades like the crown jewels. Indeed, the system will work with any automatic garage door manufactured after 1993.
Dropcam Pro
There’s no shortage of WiFi-enabled home video monitoring systems on the market. What makes the Dropcam Pro system special is its relative low-cost, high-quality image capture, and ease of use. It’s also one of the more highly rated smart video security systems on the web. Not to mention, the matte black finish makes it unassuming in just about any key vantage point of a home.
WallyHome Water Monitor
This sounds like an idea straight from the Shark Tank. Water-drop sensors connected to a mother device nearby are placed underneath and near likely sources of water leaks. This prevents leaks from going unnoticed for days or weeks and causing catastrophic damage to floors and foundations. It’s a neat idea, exemplifying the creative potential of embedded systems.
Not that long ago we as a society considered a world where parts of our homes were managed remotely via computer something only the super rich could afford. These days a family can automate a whole host of home features without spending more than $1000. And to think, smart home gadgets are just one part of the embedded system revolution happening right now.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
