Journey to Autonomous Home

The market is flooded with various devices advertised as “smart”, typically because they can connect to a mobile app or Amazon Alexa. While remote control of these devices offers convenience, it still depends on someone remembering to use the app and send commands.

For such technology to be truly useful, the home needs to independently monitor activities and respond without human input. This website documents my progress toward creating an autonomous home.

Tom Kern

"I know nothing about these things. What's the point?"

You've landed on the blog of a crazy techno enthusiast, and you're wondering what's the point of all this? Start here.

Overview of my setup and integrations

A guide to my entire system - from software to IoT device integration

Autonomous Garage Doors

Opening the garage based on the car's geolocation and other data

Stealthy Robotic Vacuums

Robot vacuums are great for saving time and even better when you hardly notice they're there.

Detect 💩 and refresh air

Optimizing air freshener use with automated activations

Harnessing Sunlight with a Louvered Pergola

While louvre pergolas are designed to allow light in during winter and facilitate air flow, they are often left closed.

Controlling the hood via the induction hob

If the induction hob wouldn't control the hood, I would very rarely turn it on manually - I would have to use the remote.

Advanced Shading with External Blinds

Automation for blinds control beyond sunrise and sunset

Utilizing Solar Power for Electric Car Charging

Charging the car directly using generated electricity

Automating Light Controls and Presence Detection

Mission impossible: Removal of the light switches

Statistical Approach to Lawn Irrigation

The key to a beautiful lawn is watering, but how do you determine when it actually needs water?

Always-on Radio and Voice Announcements

Investigating effective alternatives to using a television for continuous background noise.

Waking up with natural light

Tracking the set alarms to open the blinds in bedroom

Washing Machine and Dryer

How to remember that the rags are waiting for you in the machine?