In our rapidly evolving world, an increasing number of products are either connected to the internet or wireless, so we take a look at the one room in the house we thought would be sacrosanct, the bathroom.
We are familiar with telephones, TV and music being available in luxurious hotel bathrooms and this has slowly migrated into the domestic environment. But another revolution is also adapting, moving control of various taps and temperatures away from mechanical objects we physically turn, to elegant touch panels and proximity sensors that activate when we are near.
Part of what's known as "The Internet of Things" (IoT), this technology is connecting the world like never before. Low-cost sensors coupled with wireless technologies are bringing everything online. Devices communicate with each other on the home network or via Bluetooth, sharing information, transferring files and digital media, and providing remote access and control for domestic appliances. This means that increasingly more 'connected home' devices such as heating, lighting, security systems – and now, bathroom appliances – can be controlled remotely by a smartphone, tablet or computer, usually via an app.
Already firmly a reality in sectors such as automotive and kitchens, our recent experience and our patent research (including data from 1995 – 2015) shows IoT technology is starting to permeate into bathrooms. Although the numbers aren't huge at the moment, the rapid increase year on year of patent filing activity shows this is a trend that is only going to increase as homes around the world become smarter and more connected. By researching what patents in this sector are being filed, we can create a picture of what products and innovations will be driving customer demand in the next few years.
Download - Turning the tap on digital bathrooms
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