The future, according to movies and books, looks like this: homes with multi-touch interfaces, voice-activated devices, interactive buildings and . By 2020, tech-enhanced homes and buildings will be possible. However, experts predict average consumers will continue living the simple life.
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are here; gesture-sensitive interfaces and everyday robotics are coming. The question is -- will the market soon be saturated with high-tech houses? Probably not, according to results of a opt-in survey of 1,021 Internet experts, researchers and critics discussing the "home of the future."
It's projected that by 2015, 25 billion connected devices will be used to monitor everyday things -- buildings, bridges, water systems and more -- and 50 billion by 2020. So, what's holding us back from a "smart home" future?
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Experts from Google, General Electric and universities predict only a handful of "elites" will live in smart homes by 2020. In addition to the recession slowing down progress, there are a few things industry leaders will need to do to make it a reality.
They need to standardize technology and systems for global consumers. Companies will also need to address widespread privacy concerns about smart grids. Many experts believe there's still a lack of consumer trust in, and comprehension of, smart home products.
Experts surveyed believe it's more likely we'll see more environmentally friendly homes. Electric and water consumption will be much more efficient, they say.
Industry experts from Google and large tech companies predict hospitals will be the first to adopt smart systems. General Electric is currently working with a smart hospital prototype that uses cameras to keep patients safe. By monitoring doctors and nurses, the system can send alerts to doctors to watch their hands or sterilize a tool before use. Cameras can also detect pain or distress on a patient's face to alert staff.
The entire report can be found .
What's the first smart device you'd buy for your home? Share with us in the comments.
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This story originally published on Mashable .
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