Nanomaterials, Sensors Put 'Smart Homes' Within Reach

摘要

A decade ago, Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates built the world's most technologically advanced house. In addition to fiber optics and Internet connectivity, the house employed touch pads, for controlling the lights and climate, and wearable pins, so that computers could track visitors. At the time, many believed that was the beginning of a new era where "smart homes" for the masses would offer computer-based intelligence. However, the concept never really caught on, mostly because the cost and complexity of such home-connectivity was well out of reach for the average homeowner.