Home automation or smart home? Differences and advantages

We often hear about home automation and smart homes. Although one may think that these are two identical concepts, in reality, the differences between the two are substantial. Choosing between home automation or smart home implies taking completely different paths. In this in-depth study, let's see together the main differences between the two systems and the advantages of one over the other.

What is smart home

The concept of smart home is closely linked to that of IoT (Internet of Things). The latter, which has various applications even outside the home, refers to everyday physical objects, and therefore devices, capable of connecting to the internet, directly or indirectly.

A smart home is a connected home made up of devices (appliances, switches, light bulbs, thermostats, sockets, cameras, etc.) able to send and receive data thanks to a wireless communication protocol (and not wired as happens in home automation).

The user can group all these objects in a real interconnected network, thanks to the use of a hub/gateway which, sharing the same communication standard, allows them to interact with each other. 

Some smart home devices directly integrate a WiFi module, while others use the hub as a bridge to access the internet connection. 

This connection allows remote control of the various devices (individuals or groups) via smartphone, tablet, PC, but not only. In fact, in recent years we have witnessed a real boom in the market for smart speakers and virtual assistants (see Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant), which allow voice control of these products, as well as a unified management interface. 

In addition, some smart speakers are real gateways that, in addition to WiFi connectivity, integrate another wireless communication module (Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc.) to interface with compatible products.

What is home automation

To define the concept of home automation, we can analyze the etymology of the word itself. The term is in fact composed of domus (in Latin house) and ticos, which in Greek referred to applications. In summary, home automation is the discipline that studies how to improve the quality and comfort of homes, applying concepts from sciences such as engineering, computer science and architecture. 

The implementation of home automation interventions necessarily passes through wiring to the electrical network. These are therefore interventions carried out structurally by a professional in the sector. Therefore, unlike the concept of smart home, with home automation all the elements are physically connected to each other and, in turn, connected to a control unit.

From the latter, it is possible to manage all the devices in the system in an integrated way: we are talking about lighting, heating, alarm and video surveillance systems, detectors, etc. Obviously, it is possible to control it remotely and by voice thanks to the internet connection of the control unit.

The above comfort usually translates into a series of automations, which significantly facilitate the life of users. Compared to a smart home system, with smart home automation, user input is reduced to a minimum. In fact, all the elements that make up the home automation are closely interconnected and are prepared from the beginning to work in synergy with each other. 

This, in addition to relieving the user of various tasks and tasks, allows a real and sensitive optimization from an energy point of view, a very central theme in recent years.

As we can easily guess, a home automation is a smart home, but the opposite is not always true.

Differences between home automation and smart home: which one to choose?

What are the main differences between home automation and smart home, two apparently very similar concepts?

The first substantial difference, as anticipated, lies in the implementation of the two systems. A home automation system is a system that is wired and connected to your electrical system. Therefore, it requires structural interventions and the help of a professional. For example, it is an ideal option in the case of buying a new home or renovation work.

On the contrary, the smart home lends itself perfectly to DIY and is a completely wireless system that does not require significant interventions. In particular, its implementation is quick and simple, and above all flexible: you can add or delete devices, at any time. 

For the operation of the smart home, the internet connection is essential; The same cannot be said for a home automation system, where the control unit, the real brain of the system, can also locally control the different aspects of the house thanks to the electricity network. 

In addition, home automation allows a very high level of customization. In other words, it is possible to create an ad-hoc system that meets your personal needs. On the contrary, the smart home is more limiting from this point of view and is a more rigid system based on the default functionalities of each device. 

As you can easily guess, costs also vary greatly. Opting for a home automation system involves a significant investment (a few thousand euros) which, however, contributes to increasing the overall value of a property, also thanks to its certified impact on energy savings. 

Creating a wirelessly connected home is instead possible with a few tens, or hundreds of euros according to your needs, by purchasing the devices directly in online or physical shops. Of course, the smart home offers the possibility of extending the ecosystem at will and autonomously. 

Somfy solutions for the smart home

We have seen that the control unit of a home automation system is essential for issuing commands and setting scenarios. Similarly, to fully enjoy the potential offered by the smart home, it is necessary to equip yourself with a hub that is able to communicate with your smart devices. 

This gateway not only allows remote or voice control, using the internet connection, but also allows you to create a network of products capable of interacting with each other. For example, it is possible to give a single command (or press a single button) to operate several devices at the same time, as well as subordinate the operation of a given device to that of another. 

It is therefore possible to create customized scenarios according to your needs: turn on the light if the sensor detects movement, lower the temperature or the shutter if you set the "away from home" mode and so on.

Somfy offers two smart home gateways based on user needs: the Connectivity Kit and the TaHoma Switch. 

The Somfy Connectivity Kit is a WiFi hub equipped with the io and RTS radio communication protocols, recommended for those who want to control a limited number of devices equipped with a radio receiver: roller shutters, curtains, gates and garage doors, lights and power sockets. 

The TaHoma Switch is a more advanced and complete gateway that, in addition to radio communication standards, also integrates Zigbee 3.0 and OVP and is therefore able to control a wider range of devices including sensors, thermostats, cameras, alarms and lights. 

To learn more, you can check out our TaHoma Switch vs Connectivity Kit comparison.

Andrea Giorgi is content creator and co-founder of Smartdomotica.it, the portal dedicated to the world of home automation, smart home, technology, home and smart life. Smartdomotica's mission is to help users by answering the most common doubts and questions and providing information content of concrete value. Andrea has always worked in the world of consumer electronics and has held important roles in digital marketing for brands such as Electrolux, Russell Hobs and Remington.