Singapore‘s Agency for Science, Technology and Research or A*STAR has set up a laboratory of sorts to test out technologies for an intelligent home of the future.Researchers will be able to use the fully furnished model home to test out if the technologies they create are feasible, reliable and usable.
However, A*STAR admits the high cost of wiring up a home makes it out of reach for the average person for at least the next 10 years.
The Star Home helps develop the high tech home of the future. It does so by acting as a test bed for companies and A*STAR to get a better idea of how to bring the products to the market.
However, the cost could freeze many out of buying into the lifestyle, and A*STAR says previous attempts to test smart homes were not successful because the timing wasn’t right for the technology to hit the market.
“For the basic future home with embedded intelligence in the house, I think it should not cost more than $10,000,” said Prof Chong Tow Chong, Executive Director, A*STAR.
The basic system includes sensors to detect movement and a wireless connection system among other features.
To help develop these concepts further, Singaporean companies and A*STAR have signed a memorandum of understanding.
“SME’s generally do not have a lot of resources especially to invest in R & D. R & D is a very expensive investment so that’s how we help them. We invest first and we build the technologies, we have the expertise and we have the facilities and we can help them develop products,” said Prof Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director, Industry, A*STAR.
A*STAR projects the idea of the Smart Home will not become a reality for another 10 to 15 years, when demand for the technology could push the price down.
Source: Channel NewsAsia, 01 November 2006