Nowadays everyone wants to be smart. Our houses are also becoming connected and automated. There are now numerous devices and technologies for the smart bathroom. From self-flushing toilets to smart mirrors and innovative fittings to app-controlled showers - the smart home trend provides far more comprehensive solutions that can increase efficiency and comfort in the bathroom. Such high-tech devices for the smart bathroom are not yet widespread, but the trend is upwards. Regardless of whether you are ready to invest in high-tech or are just interested in the existing options, here are four ideas that should significantly improve the feel-good experience in the bathroom.
1. Smart showers
Most of us turn on the faucet to activate the water flow. With smart systems like U by Moen, you can now control your shower using your phone, voice command, or a control panel before you get in the shower. The showers from the US manufacturer Moen are not yet available in Germany, but they show what we can expect in the coming years.
You can switch the shower on and off from your smartphone and pause it if necessary, for example when shampooing your hair. In addition to controlling the shower system, you can set shower preferences such as water temperature in the smartphone app. Once the personalized presets have been created in the app, the user can select which shower program they would like to start.
You can control the shower using voice commands because intelligent shower systems work with smart home-enabled devices. You can for exampleAlexa (from Amazon)or tell Siri to turn on the shower or start the morning shower program.
A smart shower system isn't a necessity, but for those interested in smart home technology, it could be something that suits your needsSmart home featurescan be added. Homeowners have the opportunity to integrate their shower into their smart home system and enjoy the convenience of a connected lifestyle.
Such technology could also have environmental benefits. The warm-up and pause function allows users to save water. A smart shower system also allows users to set timers for the length of the shower, allowing you to stay on schedule and control water usage.
There are now intelligent shower systems on the German market, such as Smart Water from Dornbracht, Amphiro and HydraO, which focus specifically on water savings. If you're looking for a smart shower system, do some research online and talk to your design professional to see which system might work in your home.
2. Smart bathroom mirrors
If you're performing a detail-oriented task like shaving or applying makeup in the bathroom, bright light is a must. Now smart mirrors come to the rescue!
The Verdera bathroom mirror from Kohler is another Alexa-enabled product. The lighting integrated into the mirror can be set to a specific mode or to the desired percentage of full power using a voice command. For example, you can say: “Alexa, turn on the light to makeup mode.” Or you can specify exactly how bright you want the light, like “Alexa, set the brightness to 40 percent.”
The Kohler Mirror can also control the functions of other smart bathroom amenities, providing a fully connected bathroom experience. The Kohler Konnect gadgets are controlled via the Konnect app, via a voice command assistant or manually.
3. Smart toilets
Although not much different in shape and design from a standard toilet, the high-tech toilet offers features that are not obvious but quite practical. These include, for example, automatic control of the lid or automatic toilet hygiene flushing.
The Neorest from Toto offers both. The toilet features an antibacterial ceramic glaze that reduces the accumulation of bacteria and minimizes the growth of mold. Thanks to an electrolysis process, the water in the toilet stays clean. Each flush uses only 1.28 liters of water, making the toilet an environmentally friendly, sustainable choice.
Numi from Kohler
Numi is the name of the innovative smart toilet from Kohler. It can be customized to suit each user's preferences, including ambient lighting, Bluetooth music streaming, seat heating and even a foot warmer function. Numi offers a personalized cleaning function while achieving exceptional water efficiency. Just like other Kohler Konnect products, the smart toilet can be controlled via voice command or app.
Duravit BioTracer – app-controlled toilet with urine analysis
As the name suggests, the smart toilet can analyze the user's urine fully automatically. The measured values are then sent to the smartphone or tablet via the associated app. The BioTracer records ten indicators in urine: glucose content, leukocyte count, blood percentage, protein value, ketone value, nitrite value, urine bilinogen value, bilirubin value, pH value and specific gravity. If the measured values deviate from the norm, the user is informed immediately.
4. Non-contact fittings
Touchless faucets have become particularly common in public toilets. Not only do they prevent people from leaving the water running, they are also more hygienic than standard options because you don't have to touch the faucet controls to turn them on and off. However, these faucets can be difficult to use because you usually have to place your hands in a certain position.
Touchfree fitting from Dornbracht
Touchfree from Dornbracht is a contactless fitting without a visible sensor on the tap. The water control is based on active motion control from the field of high-frequency technology. As soon as you approach the sink, the water flow is automatically activated. Similar to a motion detector, the water control can be programmed as desired. There are even thermal disinfection and water temperature settings.
While many consumers may be interested in the smart home concept, there are likely many others who feel that such technology is not necessary in the bathroom. In the end, it probably comes down to personal preferences and the budget that is available for the smart bathroom.
The connected home is about smart home systems making our lives easier - even the little moments. Imagine the water in the shower being brought to a comfortable temperature while you are still undressing. It's all about convenience and personalized settings.
