Safety and security applications have led demand in the home automation market besides the entertainment. Lighting control, security systems like video surveillance and alarm sensors, thermostat, safety sensor, automated door locks are popular categories. Amy Jalili, Director of Marketing at On Controls said, “Security continues to be in big demand, as does lighting control. We're seeing more and more homeowners integrate lighting solutions into their control and automation plans for their home, it's right up there with audio and video. Security continues to be in big demand, as does lighting control. We're seeing more and more homeowners integrate lighting solutions into their control and automation plans for their home, it's right up there with audio and video.” Core Brands Senior Brand Manager Chris Bundy indicated that the growth in lighting automation is huge, with estimated 25 percent YoY growth, mostly coming from the international markets like Asia Pacific. Tim Dinkel, Lighting Controls Specialist for Wiring Devices at Eaton also pointed out that the company’s lighting control and wiring devices have tremendous growth.
Paul Williams, VP of Lighting & Comfort Products at Control4 said, “With this OS 2.8 release, we have focused on security and multimedia because those are important areas that consumers want to integrate into their smart home. People want to make sure their home and family are secure, and we see the need for providing this peace of mind to our customers. Entertainment is also a major smart home entry point due to the simple control that consumers want, and the great solutions we deliver.”
The wireless smart lock is believed to be one of fast-growing sectors. Nolan Mondrow, President of LockState said, “The smart lock is among the fast-growing and a must-have for smart home because it’s the first thing homeowners touch to enter the home. The door lock opens the door to the home automation in the house.”
James Hsieh, Chief of Staff of CEO Office at Mivatek believes elderly care will experience high growth in the IoT market, followed security systems and automation/energy management. “The aging baby-boomer population provides us with a unique opportunity to create easy-to-use products that serve their specific needs.”
Besides the security and entertainment, environmental control is also significant for home automation. Minkin of Border States Electric indicated that energy management and automation have been driving growth of controllable thermostats and temperature/humidity sensors. The introduction of sensor technology is creating a new market demand. Stokke of RTI said, “More and more sensor technology is being introduced into the home. From an energy management standpoint, sensors can detect when a person arrives at home or enters the room, allowing the lighting and temperature to adjust accordingly. Of course another area sensor technology is important is with security.”