How AI Smart Home Tech Will Improve Lives for Seniors and People With Disabilities
After 27 years in technology, I've learned to be cautious about chasing shiny new tech too early, and I've been holding back on diving into smart home systems until now. Along the way, I've been monitoring how platform providers are integrating AI to actually make these systems smart to improve my life. And not just my life, but in particular for seniors and people with disabilities - with my parents serving as two unknowing personas with quite different needs to meet.
My dad is dealing with dementia while my mom has macular degeneration, which affects sight starting in the center and working its way to the peripheral vision as it progresses.
Remember when the VCR was the most complex tech in the house? Sure all these gadgets are amazing, but we have reached the cognitive breaking point with our household devices. To just figure out how to operate the TV or the washer practically requires a PHD.
The good news is that we're on the cusp of a major transition in how we interact with our homes. We are reaching a turning point where technology becomes so advanced that it... disappears. It becomes invisible. Instead of us having to learn and adapt to the technology, the technology learns about us and adapts to our needs, our language, our abilities.
We are reaching a turning point where technology becomes so advanced that it... disappears.
AI + Vision + Voice = Turning Point for Smart Homes
Why have I waited to invest in home automation? I've been watching the major players—Google, Apple, Amazon, and open source (Home Assistant)—waiting to see how they'd incorporate AI into their home systems. Going into selecting a platform, its important to focus less on today's capabilities, and pay more attention to the trajectory of the provider and thier tech.
I had already ruled out Amazon (I just can't imagine trusting Bezos). And I've been an Apple guy for a very long time, so I was really rooting for AI Smart Home tech with Apple Intelligence. However Apple "Intelligence" has been a flop and they just announced that Siri would not get a full AI overhaul until mid 2026. Boy did they miss the boat.
Meanwhile Google's Gemini has gained tremendous ground, and when its integrated into Google Assistant, which drives Google Home, its going to be the game changer. And while Apple has a great track record in coming in late but strong, their trajectory in AI has been completely off. Seems crazy that Apple has completely fumbled on this one.
So I downloaded Google Home and Google Assistant onto my iPhone, added a bunch of smart lights and switches, integrated my smart lock and cameras. All of that worked great from my iPhone. But then I add a Google Nest smart speaker.... and wow. It took very little to connect it all to then create automation such as when I say "Google, I'm fried", which triggers the locks to lock, the lights to turn off, for Google to remind me of tomorrow's calendar items and the expected weather, before then turning on the bedroom lights to a nice low warm level along with some soft jazz which will play for just 20 minutes.
I really think this is going to be big... and luckily it will be big for everyone. So often new tech leaves out the people who live along the edges. But this time, everyone (who can afford it) will benefit.
What Are the Components of A Smart Home System?
A modern smart home system typically consists of several core components that work together to enhance convenience, safety, and accessibility:
- Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants
Devices like Google Nest Audio, Amazon Echo, or Apple HomePod serve as the hub for interacting with your smart home. They respond to voice commands, manage routines, and control other connected devices. Advanced AI-driven platforms like Google Assistant with Gemini or Amazon Alexa AI are taking this further, enabling nuanced understanding of context and intent. - Smart Lighting
Includes smart bulbs, switches, and dimmers that can be controlled remotely or set on schedules. Advanced systems offer customizable settings for brightness and color temperature. - Smart Locks
Keyless entry systems that can be locked or unlocked via an app or voice command, adding both convenience and security. - Smart Thermostats
Devices like Nest or Ecobee learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust to save energy while keeping your home comfortable. - Smart Cameras and Sensors
Indoor and outdoor cameras, along with motion detectors, enhance security and provide real-time alerts for unusual activities. - Smart Appliances
Connected refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers that can be monitored and controlled via apps or voice commands. - Centralized Hubs
Systems like SmartThings or Apple HomeKit act as a bridge to connect and manage all your devices from one platform. Google Home and Amazon Alexa also serve as powerful platforms with integrated ecosystems. - AI Integration
Advanced AI features, like those powered by Google’s Gemini or Amazon’s Alexa AI, enable devices to understand context, predict needs, and adapt to individual preferences. This innovation makes smart homes more intuitive and accessible than ever before.
This combination of devices transforms a house into an ecosystem that is not just automated but also intelligent, adapting to the unique needs of everyone in the house. Again, rather than requiring people adapt to the technology, the technology will now adapt to us.
Smart Safety & Security
Let's talk about safety, because this is as important for people with young ones as those of us with older ones... and for ourselves! These next generation AI Smart Homes are on point 24-7 watching and listening for trouble. These systems don't just detect motion or loud noises—they understand context. They can tell the difference between someone bending to pick something up and someone falling. They know if a noise is just a pot dropping in the kitchen or something more serious like breaking glass from an intrusion.
It will be a huge assurance when AI is in my parents house to then take action of someone falls to call me or emergency services.
Companionship and Mental Health Support
Many elderly suffer from loneliness and these systems can do more than answer questions or play music. An AI system can act as companions, engaging in conversations, playing word games, checking in on mood, or even monitoring cognitive health.
The idea of my father having "someone" in addition to my mom to engage with is a very interesting idea. AI with endless patience to not just listen to his life of stories, but to keep his mind engaged. This kind of interaction can be invaluable for individuals with cognitive decline or those who feel isolated, offering not just connection but also subtle health monitoring.
Having A Full Time On-Call Life Assistant
It's easy to see how a life assistant could be invaluable for anyone, particularly seniors and people with disabilities. Imagine saying, "Hey Google, what's on tap for today?" and having it monitor daily routines to answer questions like, "Did I take my meds?" or "Are the dogs fed?". So if it notices Dad hasn’t taken his medication, it could provide a gentle reminder.
And just around the corner, my mom will be able to say "Hey Google, let's go see the new Star Wars movie on the big screen", and after it clarifies which showing, buy the tickets and order the Uber.
Let's Talk About Cost
I know what you're thinking—this all sounds expensive. And yes its not cheap, but it also doesn't have to be a wallet buster.
Let's just roll through some of those costs:
Smart Speakers
- Budget Options: Devices like the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) or Google Nest Mini are priced around $50 each.
- Mid-Range Choices: Standard models such as the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio typically cost about $100 each.
- Premium Selections: High-end speakers like the Apple HomePod are approximately $299 each.
Smart Locks
- Standard Models: Smart locks generally range from $50 to $150 per unit.
- Advanced Features: Locks with enhanced capabilities, such as biometric access, can cost more.
Smart Lights
- Individual Bulbs: Smart bulbs are typically priced between $15 and $30 each.
- Smart Switches: These range from $20 to $80 per unit.
Estimated Total Costs:
- Budget Setup: Approximately $500, using basic devices and self-installation.
- Mid-Range Setup: Around $1,000, incorporating higher-quality devices and potential professional installation.
- Premium Setup: Up to $2,000 or more, featuring top-tier devices and professional installation services.
In Support of Seniors Wishing to Age At Home
I'll also point out that when (I don't think 'if') AI is trusted, AI will become one part of a program that enables more people to stay in their homes longer. I hear that cringe... but work with me, because many people do not want to move into assisted living - especially my parents. And the cost for home-care is substantial, so if these systems can help people stay in their homes more safely and securly and even reduce that cost, then the value will be quite clear.
The Need for Standards of Accessibility with Appliances
While newer appliances offer integrations that already enable voice control and other accessibility features through an AI home platform, many appliances will continue to be inaccessible. But which appliances are accessible? There has long been a need for product testing and reporting that includes product accessibility. One organization that I'm working with, Standard Accessibility Reporting (SAR), is working to establish ratings and standardized labels to inform consumers of the accessibility of products. I expect AI will influence those assessments dramatically.
Looking Ahead
The combination of hearing, sight and speech infused with generative AI in a home automation system offers a vision of the future that George Jensen would dream of. And although AI is not perfect today and still likes to hallucinate, if you consider the pace of advancement in the past two years since Chat GPT dropped, its easy to see where these technologies will be tomorrow and just how people of all abilities will be able to interact with their homes to improve not just convenience but safety, security, and even health to improve lives for everyone.