Smart homes

Present situation worldwide and in Switzerland

Buzzwords such as “smart home” or “smart building” have no exact definition: broadly speaking, they refer to buildings that have been connected and upgraded with information and sensor technology. Developments such as the Internet of Things or cloud-based services have a potential for application in the buildings sector. Passive systems and intelligent planning can also contribute to making a building smart. Smart solutions must perform the desired action with as little user input as possible. One good example is the use of algorithms to manage heating and air conditioning based on continuously updated forecasts as to weather conditions and building use. Other fields of application include monitoring systems that enable the elderly to extend independent living. In a modern, technological society, smart solutions for accessible buildings, fire safety, energy, earthquake proofing and general comfort matter enormously. The greatest potential lies in the intelligent reaction to short, medium and long-term changes in use and/or environmental factors.

Implications for Switzerland

In a modern, technological society, there is huge potential for smart solutions in building construction and operation. The challenge lies in practically implementing new concepts. The integration of solutions that are strongly tied to the rest of the building must be ensured from planning to installation and operation. The necessary interaction between rather traditionally-minded buildings professionals and new players steeped in information technology can be challenging. For pure add-on solutions, i.e. extension packs or additional programmes such as voice-operated home appliances, user acceptance and the creation of tangible added value are key. Academic and industrial research in Switzerland are well positioned and very active; it should therefore be possible to successfully keep up with the trend.