An incredible image has been released showcasing the house of the future, which is fully equipped with smart technology. The home features smart curtains, a self-restocking fridge, and thermostats that can be controlled from outside the house. Futurologist Dan Sodergren has shared his vision of what the home of the future could look like, including the functionality of hybrid workspaces and the rise of automated garages as 'self-driving sanctuaries'.

Smart tech on the rise

A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 75% of homes now contain some form of smart device or appliance. The average British household that has adopted this technology owns nine electronic devices and three pieces of 'smart' technology. In fact, 21% of homes in the UK have integrated smart tech, according to the study commissioned by Hive, marking the 10-year anniversary since the launch of its smart thermostat in 2013.

Superior control and energy efficiency

Dan Sodergren explains that the increasing investment in smart tech can be attributed to the cultural shift in the UK towards environmental conservation and digitalization. The adoption of tools like smart thermostats allows Brits to have superior control over their homes, leading to enhanced energy efficiency, home comfort, and a better understanding of energy usage. The study also found that 18% of smart homes have lighting that can be controlled via voice or an app, while one in 10 have a smart washing machine. Additionally, 54% of households have at least one smart speaker.

Investing in the future

The survey also discovered that the average British household has spent £1,236 on smart home technology over the past five years and plans to introduce four more devices within the next five years. Furthermore, 46% of respondents expressed excitement about the development of more smart tech for the home. The primary reasons for investing in smart tech were cost savings (34%), convenience (11%), and security and safety (9%).

Preparation for winter

However, the research revealed that only 20% of adults feel that their homes are 'very prepared' for the winter season. The figures from OnePoll.com indicate that there is room for improvement in terms of winter readiness. Statistics collected from more than a decade of Hive data highlight the positive impact of their smart thermostats, as their customers collectively saved over one million tons of carbon emissions and almost £325 million on energy bills. These savings are equivalent to powering over 366,000 homes annually, almost 700,000 return flights from London to JFK, and driving over four million car miles.

A sustainable and efficient future

Dan Sodergren asserts that smart thermostats hold the potential to drive environmental transformations in the next decade. The wider adoption of these devices can substantially reduce carbon emissions, as shown by the smart thermostat users of Hive in the UK. As more people incorporate smart technology into their homes, smart thermostats will play a vital role in creating sustainable, digitally integrated, and efficient living environments.