New technologies are replacing “out-of-date” gadgets. One such technology is the integration of home electronics to build a fully automated home. Changing lifestyles and consumers’ willingness to invest in home improvement has fueled the design of intelligent, fully automated living space.

In-Stat/MDR calculated that home automation revenue hit $5.3 billion in 2007. Some of the traditional automation companies like Samsung, Honeywell, Invensys, Motorola, Texas Instruments, Mitsubishi and Philips are looking to capitalize on new market opportunities in home automation. Honeywell, Siemens, and the Schneider Group are the most prominent forces in the European market, jointly accounting for a 38percent share of the total 2002 European market.

Networking now allows different equipment to share information and signals from each other. Network technologies such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ultra Wide band have altered the way nodes connect and share information, and thus altered consumer lifestyles. These technologies present numerous opportunities to network home control systems, such as lighting, security, HVAC, entertainment systems and appliances.