AI plays a big part in the world we live in and is predicted to play an even bigger role in the future. But how much, exactly? Experts say it’s too early to know for certain. However, every year, many new technologies are introduced to the public, many of which are designed to make our lives a lot easier. And smart home automation is no exception.

Smart Home Automation Is the Future

Smart home automations are internet-connected devices and appliances that can be controlled remotely and typically work as part of as an integrated system. Implementing even a few smart home automation upgrades can do wonders for elevating your lifestyle, from saving money on energy to entertaining to providing security.

And fortunately, as AI and tech continue to advance, the opportunities for smart home automation truly are innumerable. With cutting-edge innovations like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our living spaces, the future is looking especially bright.

To learn how to start integrating tech into your living space, here are four basic smart home automation upgrades for more convenient living.

1. Voice Control for Hands-Free Operation

A big advantage of using tech in your home is that you can control your electronic devices and appliances using only your voice. For example, specialized voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant have the ability to understand natural speech. This helps them respond to your commands so that you can enjoy a more convenient, hands-free lifestyle.

Integrating tech helps you easily tackle multiple tasks at once for better productivity. By placing a smart speaker — i.e. Amazon Echo or Google Home Hub — in a common area, you can do everything from adjusting the thermostat to locking the front door to playing your Spotify playlist.

2. Automated Climate Control

If you’re tired of constantly having to get up to adjust the temperature in your home, a smart thermostat can help.

When it comes to temperature control, these unique devices are a godsend. They’re specifically designed to learn your preferred temperature settings, and then automatically adjust accordingly. That way, you save energy, you save money, and you get to enjoy a comfy, cozy climate no matter the season.

That’s because a lot of smart thermostats on the market like the ecobee SmartThermostat or Honeywell T9 are voice-operated so you can control the temperature in your home wherever you are.

3. Advanced Security Systems and Devices

Beyond convenience, smart home automation is capable of keeping you safe. Advanced security systems can detect motion, help you surveil your home when you’re away, and notify you of any suspicious activity through a connected app.

If you already have a system in place, smart locks are specialized devices that provide an added layer of security. With these devices, you don’t need a key. Instead, you can enter your home using a keypad or even a smartphone. This makes it a lot easier to let loved ones inside when you’re not home or lock up remotely without needing a physical key.

4. Lighting Scenes and Automation

The lighting in your home plays a hefty role in its ambiance. And when automated, it can add to the overall comfort of your space. By using smart lighting systems such as Philips Hue or Lutron Caseta, you can program, schedule, and control the lighting in your home based on your unique preferences.

You can control your lighting system to help you wake up in the mornings, use colored lighting to create a certain mood, or even set up illuminated pathways in your home that detect your movement so they light up when you walk around at night.