Smart Homes. They seem like something from a James Bond movie. The thing is, they were made a long time ago. Wikipedia.com says, “In 1975, the first general purpose home automation network technology, X10 was developed.” It could communicate and be controlled remotely through the home's power lines. By 2012, in the United States alone, 1.5 million Smart homes were installed!

Today, Smart homes can remote control of lighting, thermostats, and appliances; automated tasks and routines; enhanced security and safety features; and energy management. They can include smart thermostats that learn your schedule, smart lighting that can be controlled by voice or app, and integrated security systems with cameras and smart locks. One example is sensors that see when you leave a room. In Japan, there are self-cleaning toilets that even play music!