It’s always good to know what’s going on “across the pond” (and Channel, as it were.) Leading companies and products in the European home automation market (and elsewhere) can offer insight and inspiration to our own. I speak specifically about when it comes to doing things simply, and cheaper. Difficulty in installation and high cost are two deterrents for the average home owner contemplating home automation. Demystifying the technology, easing the set-up process, and making the gadgets and software reasonably attainable should be the goal of the industry as a whole. Thankfully there ARE numerous companies who have these priorities in place, and these companies are probably looking toward Adapt Control Solutions of Oslo, Norway, for some ideas on how to make improvements. As the recent recipients of a Frost & Sullivan award, Adapt is clearly doing something right. Probably many things.
For starters, their Adapt Home Control works and acts like a professional (expensive) system, bringing distributed A/V, HVAC, blinds, shutters, lighting control, and remote access capability. It combines wired and wireless solutions to address the various control and distribution needs, and it does so at a competitive price. What did they win the award for? Understanding and meeting consumer needs, identifying and expanding into new market segments, and demonstrating “superior market growth skills.” I emphasize that last because the company has already moved products and solutions in a number of their European neighbors, and they are eying numerous others. The world is small, folks. The Atlantic Ocean isn’t so big, anymore.
Check out Adapt Control Solutions to read up on the company and all that they offer. I’ll be heading to England in a few weeks, so I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for their products and solutions in residential and commercial applications.
Between watching re-runs of the “The Jetsons” and convincing his Insteon and Z-Wave controls to get along, Ben Hardy is immersed in the world of home automation, home control, and home networking.
What types of technologies to they use? This does not look like the typical proprietary solution we typically see from most manufacturers. The website only mentions generic and open technologies, but lacks specifics. This could be the type of system we are waiting for. One that does not depend on dated technologies like proprietary PC-based software, and end-user license per device fees. Any more information?
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I’ve had my eye on the market for a while, and I also have a friend who had Adapt install a multi-room A/V, lighting, and home cinema system. He isnt that technologically inclined, but he let me check out his system and he pointed out the main controller which was a little black box with lots of inputs and outputs on the back, called AHC3000 which I guess stands for Adapt Home Control.. It definately was not PC based, and was operated by touchscreens around the house. Pretty cool, but I have no idea if the end-user can program it?