Who invented home automation?

Joel Spira is said to have been who invented home automation. Yes, that marvellous technology that allows you to go up and down roller blinds Discover how these systems were born in this post!

Domotics or Inmotics: some differences

First of all, we must be clear about the difference between home and building automation to know what we mean. The truth is that it is simpler than it seems. Basically, it lies in the place where the installation is set up. The home automation system is located in communal dwellings or family properties.. On the other hand, the inmotics is located in places of a larger size. We could say that this is the home automation for hotelshospitals, etc.

When and why was home automation born?

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when home automation came into being, as it is a difficult concept to limit. It would entail recounting the entire history of computing and electronics. And although it sounds very modern, it is not so modern.

The American physicist is said to have Joel Spira is the man who invented home automation. Thanks to his technical know-how, he began to implement it at the beginning of the 1970s.

The rise of high-rise office buildings in the 1980s provided a strong stimulus for home automation. With its help, unprecedented efficiency could be achieved for servicing devices. The first programme to make use of home automation was the SaveThe first energy-efficient building control system was developed in the USA in 1984. It enabled low energy consumption in intelligent building control systems.

Since then, the growth of home automation has continued unabated, boosted by the irruption of ICT (information and communication technologies), as well as the brutal implementation of the Internet. This has facilitated the installation of home automation systems, particularly in the United States, Germany and Japan.

Who was Joel Spira: The person who invented home automation?

In 1959, Spira was working for an aerospace company. While working on a project, it occurred to him that he could use a thyristor (a small electronic device from the transistor group) to change the light intensity of light bulbs. Previously, this was done with rheostats, which were very large and expensive.

Spira's idea meant that such a mechanism could be installed in a small box, reducing implementation costs. So much so that his invention could be used in the home without hindrance. This was the dawn of the age of home control and automation.

In 2015, the inventor of home automation died at the age of 88.

Uses and benefits of home automation

By applying home automation to home automation, it has been possible to improve comfort, well-being, comfort, energy savings, security, etc.:

• Energy management: savings, efficiency and energy generation.
• Comfort: lighting control, climate, irrigation...
• Technical security: in cases of surveillance, to prevent intrusions into the home.
• Personal security: promoting the autonomy of people with support needs, being of great value as far as telecare is concerned.
• Communication: we can connect to the home and link as many devices or media as possible. In this way, it is possible to manage the home remotely.
• Accessibility: In this area, home automation seeks to provide access for any person to any environment. The system adjusts to the capabilities, needs and expectations of all potential users, regardless of their age, gender or level of ability.

In other words, home automation can be applied to all the fields we have just mentioned, making it truly versatile.

Internet of Things (IoT) for more affordable homes

Today, the advance of home automation is on the rise. In our country, it is being implemented in 60% of newly built homes and 40% of existing homes. Likewise, it is estimated that growth of 300% in Spain for the next 5 years.

Conclusion

Now you know who invented home automationJoel Spira. If this text has been of interest to you, remember that we have also counted when did domotics appear? in our blog. In addition, if you want to start implementing this type of system at home, we invite you to take a look at our motors and automatisms for roller blinds.