Smart home technology is becoming more common as it becomes more accessible. An estimated 56.3 million smart speakers are expected to ship in 2018, with the Amazon Echo dominating 69% of that market. While the ability to turn on your back porch light when you’re on your way home from work, or to turn on the air conditioning so your house is nice and cool when you get there, is practical and proves the benefits of smart technology, there was one area it always seemed difficult to imagine it in: the bathroom. However, with the way technology is advancing into more and more niche markets, it seems that may be about to change.
When Convenience is Maximized
Amazingly, a survey done on the Future of Retail by Walker Sands produced the following statistics from respondents:
- 19% are interested in hands-free voice assistant access while showering
- 13% wanted more voice-controlled options for hands-free commands while on the toilet
- 14% already have voice assistant technology in their bathrooms
Bathroom fixture companies are already jumping on this technological bandwagon. Kohler announced, in an absolutely stunning and somehow emotionally touching advertisement, their smarthome system called Kohler Konnect. Boasting features that range from smart toilets that offer seat and feet warming and touchless flushing to smart showers that can accept pre-programmed settings in terms of temperature and water force (the commercial shows a man verbally requesting the “post-workout shower”), Kohler Konnect firmly takes the idea of smart technology and runs with it.
Moen has established its own smart partnership with Amazon’s Alexa that allows users full control over their shower experience, from temperature to duration and more.
Where No Smart Technology Has Gone Before
Statistics show that 60% of homeowners are planning on remodeling their master bathroom. With the invention (and inevitable popularity) of smart bathrooms, you have to wonder where smart technology will end. Will there ever be a point where life simply becomes too convenient? The thought brings memories of every futuristic movie ever made (Space Odyssey, anyone?), but only time will tell.
For now, humanity can enjoy the ease and luxury of life with technology available to help with any endeavor they might take on — including using the toilet!
