What AI-Driven Smart Homes Will Look Like by 2030

The future of smart homes will be heavily impacted by artificial intelligence (AI). While debate around AI and sustainability remains unsettled and is likely to influence policy and practicalities to some degree, it’s impossible to deny where smart home devices are headed: right into the arms of AI.

From how devices interact and learn user behaviors, to the automation of tasks, AI is playing a major role in the smart home of the near future. Here’s how the technology’s ambitions are expanding far beyond voice assistants and simple shifts in lighting systems.

What Makes a Smart Home “AI-Driven?”

Smart homes and the IoT (the Internet of things) aren’t new concepts or experiences for most people. Smart appliances already adjust their own settings and alert their owners to problems. So what exactly is changing with AI-powered systems?

An AI-powered smart home can go beyond just following your commands. It can learn and adjust on its own. For example, a smart thermostat might start changing the temperature based on your habits, without you having to set anything. A video doorbell could recognize familiar faces and unlock the door automatically. Even your oven might preheat itself when it sees you have a dinner party on your calendar and finds the recipe you saved for it.

It’s essentially a distinction between reactive and proactive tech.

AI-Driven Features We'll Likely See by 2030

So what’s in store over the next five years? Here are some of the AI-driven features that may soon be available for smart-home owners.

Predictive Automation Based on Your Routine

Daily life for most people follows a predictable routine. Connectivity through AI-driven smart home systems can result in smoother processes at home — all without your involvement. Imagine your smart lights turning on earlier than usual because the AI knows a rainy morning means less sunlight to wake you up. That’s just one way AI can adapt to your routine in real-time. Add to that the peace of mind from smart locks that automatically engage once everyone is home, and it’s clear how AI-driven features can make home security and convenience feel effortless.

Integrated Voice AI That Learns Household Preferences

Voice commands for smart homes are nothing new, but integrated voice AI that can learn the preferences of each member of a household is. Imagine personalized living environments that individuals can command with ease just because they’re talking. With AI voice recognition and machine learning that can recognize each person’s voice and preferences, your home could automatically adjust things like lighting, temperature, or music as you move from room to room.

Adaptive Energy Management and Cost Savings

Traditionally, one of the most common use cases of smart homes has been climate control and energy efficiency. With AI, energy management becomes even easier. It can help lower utility bills by learning your habits and finding ways to save energy without sacrificing comfort. Some smart devices can even suggest how to use less power, which could lead to lower bills and a more sustainable footprint, even as you add more connected devices.

Cross-Device Conversation and “Ecosystem” Thinking

Today, almost any appliance in your home can be a smart device. From motion sensors that switch on the lights when you walk into a room, to fridges that remind you when the milk is about to expire, the IoT is already part of everyday life.

Still, most smart devices work on their own. They don’t really communicate or collaborate with each other yet.

AI could change that. Instead of reacting only to simple triggers, smart systems powered by AI could work together. Motion sensors, cameras, microphones, and other devices would collect data about your daily routines. AI would analyze that data, look for patterns, and send smart suggestions or automatic adjustments to improve comfort, convenience, and safety for everyone in your home.

Home Security with Facial/Behavioral Recognition

While AI facial recognition is not without its flaws and detractors, from a home security system perspective, it holds promise. Imagine your door automatically unlocking when the facial recognition component in the doorbell recognizes you on your way to the door. In the same way, imagine someone who shouldn’t have your smart lock combination trying to use it to gain entry. With facial recognition in your home security system, you could keep potential harm from entering your home environment.

The Infrastructure Needed to Support AI Smart Homes

Of course, all these AI-driven gadgets and sensors need to be powered and connected to assist in improving your quality of life. Here is some of the infrastructure you’ll need to support an AI-driven smart home.

Internet Speed and Bandwidth

Smart home technologies are only as good as the Internet plans that power them. But how much speed and bandwidth do you actually need? Well, it depends on the type and number of smart devices. To be on the safe side, consider choosing an Internet package that provides at least 200 Mbps in speed.

Device Compatibility

As technology changes, it’s easy for some tech to become obsolete. No matter which devices you choose — whether they use WiFi 6, WiFi 7, Matter, or another standard — make sure they’re compatible with each other. That way, all your smart devices can work together smoothly.

Unified Ecosystems

Whether you go with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, or another digital ecosystem, sticking with one overarching platform will ensure your devices work as intended.

How You Can Start Future-Proofing Your Home Now

Whether you already have several smart devices or you're learning how to create the smart home of your dreams, it's important to prepare for the future of AI-powered living.

Think about upgrading your router, and if you haven't yet, set up a voice assistant system at home. As you add more smart devices, try out different automations that can improve comfort (like lights and temperature), health (like air quality), and even save money (by reducing energy use).

If your WiFi starts to slow down or gets overloaded as you connect more devices, it might be time to upgrade your Internet plan to support your needs.

SmartMove Makes Preparing for Next-Gen Smart Homes Easy

SmartMove makes it easy for you to compare Internet providers. We can also suggest ways to bundle other services, like your mobile plan, home phone, or cable, to help you save money.

Start building your future-ready setup today with SmartMove.