Smart Home Device

This project revolves around the design of a device which retrofits existing chain or cord driven shade systems to be automated and controlled via voice commands to the Google Assistant. With the design of this device, we will tackle three problems. Firstly, automating shades can reduce energy bills by regulating heat flow through windows on timed cycles. Secondly, it will solve problems with inconveniences associated with accessing shades on inconveniently placed windows - this is especially relevant for elderly persons. Lastly, we aim to design a system which is versatile, low cost, and reliable in order to fill a hole in the smart home device market. 

There are a few other similar devices on the market, but each has its own flaws. We are innovating in this market by designing a device to retrofit existing shade systems. The only other device like ours requires an additional hub, which ours will not. In terms of the big picture, we’ve noted the steadily increasing size of the smart home device market and have intentions of bringing this device to market.