Home Automation Systems Shack | Domotica

Not only in the USA does Home Automation becomes popular, also in Europe this phenomenon is taking shape. Here Home Automation is called Domotica. Derived from the word Domus which means home, and the word Telematica, the term used for the fusion of telecommunication and informatica (information technology).
Since the industrial revolution people are seeking for more automated machinery and Domotica is seen as the next step in this trend. After automating factories, house appliances took over the domestic work and now Domotica is automating these same house appliances and connects them together. It’s the next step in a world where life become more convenient and automation frees up time for leisure and pleasure.
In a Domotica house, communication, relaxation and caring tasks are made easier by electrical apparatus and information networks.
A definition used nowadays for Domotica is:
Domotica includes all the apparatus and infrastructure in and around a house, which uses electronic information to measure, program and drive functions for the benefit of its inhabitants.
In this way Domotica adds value to the daily life by contributing in an effective way to pleasure and the value and sustainability of living.
Europe defines 7 categories in its Domotica domain:
Caring,
This can be done by turning on and off lights automatically.
Communication,
With remote control of appliances from a smart phone or an remote internet connection.
Working,
In the form of teleworking or tele shopping.
Relaxation,
With on demand audiovisual systems in each room at each time of the day.
Comfort,
With automated heating systems for the perfect temperature every moment of the day.
Energy saving,
By use night electricity and closing or opening curtains when external heating has to enter or kept out of the house.
Buildings,
In the form of safety and alarm systems to give a worry free life.
That some people in Europe take Domotica serious is clearly observed on the bwired website. Here you can not only monitor the house’s water consumption or energy use. But this family gives you a peak trough their security camera, let you monitor their answer machine and even shows you the data collected on their personal scale.
On a more serious note, this family runs their washing machine at 10 pm to make full use of the night / weekend rate available in their country. On a less serious note, they drink their last coffee at 9 pm according to customs….
Of course you don’t have to go to this extend to automate your house. And of course there is no reason to share all this information with the world. It is however nice to see that Home Automation is not just confined to the USA, but is also spreading in the form of Domotica in the rest of the world.