Virginia Tech's FutureHAUS combines modular construction and cutting-edge technology. The goal is not only to invent the future of housing, but also invent the future of how they will be built.
If I have my keys in my pocket or my purse I can lock and unlock my car just by touching the handle. That doesn't mean it's fool proof from car thieves, but if they could use that same kind of technology with houses....
They may be the shape of things to come, but they will for many years most likely be affordable to only the upper crust of society. That is the way technology innovation goes. Still a pretty cool idea though.
I don't know about all the high tech stuff but I've drawn up designs years ago where you have movable walls where you could have a small bedroom and a small living room but if needed you can slide the wall over basically eliminating the bedroom and making a much larger living room. This doesn't need to be expensive as it adds versatility without adding square footage.
Anything is an improvement over the old days. I remember all the messes I lived in on ship had tonnes of wasted space that could have been designed much better. Instead you had your bunk and half a locker that could hold approx. 2 uniforms, a set of civi's and toiletries to last however long you were at sea.
I was on a LPH (USS OKINAWA LPH-3). Our berthing area was right above the fan tail. Our tracks were stacked four high with personal item storage under the racks. Was so glad I had the bottom rack. Our berthing area was just behind Medical and would have been converted into a hospital ward in a emergency.
That sounds like fun, I imagine the engine drone made sleeping easier. My fave was three years up in 1 mess, it was above the waterline and almost at the pointy end so high seas were like sleeping on a roller coaster. I was lucky and most of the time had the top rack (3 tiers) which gave you a little extra storage room and a place to hang your towel on top of the pipes and conduits
Yeah, we had a scuttle that opened up right over the fan tail. When they called garbage detail, we just opened the hatch and slid right down that ladder. Used to tick other departments off because Medical was always first in line.
we had a scuttle that opened up right over the fan tail.
Very nice
LOL, the medics on my ships were great, my office was just down the hall from sickbay so they'd come grab me as a casualty sim for emergency drills so I'd only rarely have to do my actual emergency stations jobs.
I'm dating myself here...but sing along with me if you know the tune..."Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy...."
When it comes to the Internet of Things...who exactly controls security/privacy?
I love the idea of 'smart' homes...but I'm like a lot of people who prefer privacy in the home. I understand when I'm on my smartphone or computer what the risks are...and I'd like to think I'm pretty cautious about what I click on. My Kindle has Alexa...and she's turned off. My computer has Cortana...never used. My TV and phone are android devices that allow you to speak to google. (I made the mistake of turning that on for my phone. While having an argument with my husband...my phone was making all kinds of 'suggestions'!) Both 'voice activated' devices were quickly disabled.
When I saw the cabinet that raises or lowers to the users height...I thought, 'Oh Cool'...then 'oh wait, now an IOT object knows my height?' What do these items report back to their 'creators'?
It could be my age, but geeze...I prefer privacy in my home...and control over who I invite into it.
When it comes to the Internet of Things...who exactly controls security/privacy?
In theory the user. In reality mostly no one. There are new things going on in the home router that will make things a little better, but people should still change their home wifi passwords like they change their smoke detector batteries.
I have an Alexa device in my living room. True story - yesterday at lunch -
Character on the TV: "I'll take my payment now."
Alexa: "I'll contact (credit card company) for you now."
I have an Alexa device in my living room. True story - yesterday at lunch -
Character on the TV: "I'll take my payment now."
Alexa: "I'll contact (credit card company) for you now."
Me: "Alexa STOP!"
Yikes!!
Yes, users are ultimately responsible. I believe that makers of these IOT items must disclose in LARGE PRINT exactly how they will be using any data collected...or commands, or conversations. They too must be held responsible.
I agree so far we have some of the big tech companies giving lip service to self restraint, but as older lawmakers retire and newer more tech savvy ones are brought in more will be required on that front.
The up/ down works on simple optics. It doesn't require anyone to intervene.
As long as the optics are not on the wifi...I could use one of those cabinets! Otherwise, no thanks. Data collection leads to ads on other devices.
If you disable features in a 'smart home'...just how smart would it be? I've disabled quite a bit on my phone...and with each update, I must go back through and disable things. It seems the more I disable...the more updates I get. Google isn't happy with me at all.
Alexa speakers given to me for free. I use them for music, and to find my phone when I misplace it. A Google smart thermostat bought on discount through a state energy savings program. Google has recently closed off 3rd party applications that would work with Google smart appliances for security reasons - I think this includes ITTT (If This Then That) programming. 3 couple of smart plugs. These do not connect through the internet, but I have a smart power strip on my aquarium equipment that does. Several Hue smart lights. These are super convenient, but expensive.
Here's an interesting article I just read that applies to Amazon and Alexa -
“This is an incredibly broad arbitration clause, and what it’s seeking to do is basically take this one transaction involving Alexa and to have the arbitration clause cover anything that you do with Amazon,” Deepak Gupta, an attorney who is also teaching a seminar at Harvard Law School on forced arbitration, tells Gizmodo. “I think it’s particularly troubling because Amazon is this company that is involved in virtually any kind of consumer product or service you can think of, they are in that market or expanding into it.”
Why do I get the feeling this house would take a lot of windex.
Also if the prefab walls come with all electric and plumbing, and just plug into one another, if one section goes out, would one have to replace that whole wall section?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The shape of things to come in housing. But does it feel like home?
I don't want a smart house - or a smart car. If I can use an app to unlock my doors, so can a hacker.
Interesting point but I am sure they have firewalls for these homes.
If I have my keys in my pocket or my purse I can lock and unlock my car just by touching the handle. That doesn't mean it's fool proof from car thieves, but if they could use that same kind of technology with houses....
They may be the shape of things to come, but they will for many years most likely be affordable to only the upper crust of society. That is the way technology innovation goes. Still a pretty cool idea though.
I don't know about all the high tech stuff but I've drawn up designs years ago where you have movable walls where you could have a small bedroom and a small living room but if needed you can slide the wall over basically eliminating the bedroom and making a much larger living room. This doesn't need to be expensive as it adds versatility without adding square footage.
I agree with you about the living space part. I was referring primarily to the expense of the technical and electronic components
Wow, very cool Steve. You are ahead of your time.
Ed,
I think the cost will come down in time. I remember when flat screen TV's were over 10K and now they are in the hundreds.
I have actually seen articles and video of apartments like that. In places that are tight on space, like NYC.
Movable walls, furniture and unique hidden storage.
I hear that is becoming a common feature on naval vessels these days.
Anything is an improvement over the old days. I remember all the messes I lived in on ship had tonnes of wasted space that could have been designed much better. Instead you had your bunk and half a locker that could hold approx. 2 uniforms, a set of civi's and toiletries to last however long you were at sea.
I was on a LPH (USS OKINAWA LPH-3). Our berthing area was right above the fan tail. Our tracks were stacked four high with personal item storage under the racks. Was so glad I had the bottom rack. Our berthing area was just behind Medical and would have been converted into a hospital ward in a emergency.
That sounds like fun, I imagine the engine drone made sleeping easier. My fave was three years up in 1 mess, it was above the waterline and almost at the pointy end so high seas were like sleeping on a roller coaster. I was lucky and most of the time had the top rack (3 tiers) which gave you a little extra storage room and a place to hang your towel on top of the pipes and conduits
Yeah, we had a scuttle that opened up right over the fan tail. When they called garbage detail, we just opened the hatch and slid right down that ladder. Used to tick other departments off because Medical was always first in line.
Very nice
LOL, the medics on my ships were great, my office was just down the hall from sickbay so they'd come grab me as a casualty sim for emergency drills so I'd only rarely have to do my actual emergency stations jobs.
Dear Friend Perrie: It looks like a high tech house.
For anything level of technology, to be a home it needs warm loving mutually supportive family dwellers.
P&AB.
Enoch.
Very true Enoch. Home is where the heart is.
I guess I should have said feel homey.
Knowing me I'd probably just end up permanently locked out of my own home or cause the fridge or something to blow up
Yeah, but at least it would all be on video.
Then we could laugh it about here on NT
I'm laughing already.
Ready for the demo!
I'm dating myself here...but sing along with me if you know the tune..."Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy...."
When it comes to the Internet of Things...who exactly controls security/privacy?
I love the idea of 'smart' homes...but I'm like a lot of people who prefer privacy in the home. I understand when I'm on my smartphone or computer what the risks are...and I'd like to think I'm pretty cautious about what I click on. My Kindle has Alexa...and she's turned off. My computer has Cortana...never used. My TV and phone are android devices that allow you to speak to google. (I made the mistake of turning that on for my phone. While having an argument with my husband...my phone was making all kinds of 'suggestions'!) Both 'voice activated' devices were quickly disabled.
When I saw the cabinet that raises or lowers to the users height...I thought, 'Oh Cool'...then 'oh wait, now an IOT object knows my height?' What do these items report back to their 'creators'?
It could be my age, but geeze...I prefer privacy in my home...and control over who I invite into it.
In theory the user. In reality mostly no one. There are new things going on in the home router that will make things a little better, but people should still change their home wifi passwords like they change their smoke detector batteries.
I have an Alexa device in my living room. True story - yesterday at lunch -
Character on the TV: "I'll take my payment now."
Alexa: "I'll contact (credit card company) for you now."
Me: "Alexa STOP!"
I don't want to near an Alexa. But my kids both have one. I like my privacy.
But funny story though!
Yikes!!
Yes, users are ultimately responsible. I believe that makers of these IOT items must disclose in LARGE PRINT exactly how they will be using any data collected...or commands, or conversations. They too must be held responsible.
Mr Giggles used Alexa on the TV in the Man Cave all the time. He tells it to turn on the TV and turn it off. I once had an argument with it.
But I don't use Alexa in my living room or my bedroom. I don't trust it
I agree so far we have some of the big tech companies giving lip service to self restraint, but as older lawmakers retire and newer more tech savvy ones are brought in more will be required on that front.
I agree about privacy issues, and I am sure a house like this has the same way of disabling features like your phone has.
The up/ down works on simple optics. It doesn't require anyone to intervene.
And I remember the Jetson's too... so we are both old, LOL
As long as the optics are not on the wifi...I could use one of those cabinets! Otherwise, no thanks. Data collection leads to ads on other devices.
If you disable features in a 'smart home'...just how smart would it be? I've disabled quite a bit on my phone...and with each update, I must go back through and disable things. It seems the more I disable...the more updates I get. Google isn't happy with me at all.
Nope not me, my washing machines control panel looks like something out of Star Trek.
Luther.... Join us in the 21st Century and embrace your washing machine for all it can do for you, LOL.
Only on the spin cycle Perrie
Star Trek:TOS or Star Trek:TNG?
TOS, the simpler version
I have:
Alexa speakers given to me for free. I use them for music, and to find my phone when I misplace it.
A Google smart thermostat bought on discount through a state energy savings program. Google has recently closed off 3rd party applications that would work with Google smart appliances for security reasons - I think this includes ITTT (If This Then That) programming.
3 couple of smart plugs. These do not connect through the internet, but I have a smart power strip on my aquarium equipment that does.
Several Hue smart lights. These are super convenient, but expensive.
I would feel like I was living in a space ship.
And to think I would be happy with a Roomba.
Here's an interesting article I just read that applies to Amazon and Alexa -
Why do I get the feeling this house would take a lot of windex.
Also if the prefab walls come with all electric and plumbing, and just plug into one another, if one section goes out, would one have to replace that whole wall section?
Very, very cool. Now, can they do the same with straw bales or adobe?
A very nice solution to living on the grid.
I would like to live off the grid, except for the net. The net is my heroin.