Presence simulation technology

Lighting

The most common and effective way to simulate your presence is through Smart lighting. Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times of the day, mimicking the natural flow of activity that might occur when someone is home. You can program your lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn for instance. You can even include randomised lighting, whereby a light will flick off in one room and on in the other in an unpredictable pattern, just as they would in real life.

Integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit also allows for remote control of your lights, enabling you to adjust the lighting in real-time if you so wish.

Smart Blinds and Curtains

Automated window treatments, like smart blinds and curtains, can be controlled remotely to give the appearance of someone moving about inside the house. These devices can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day, just as they might if you were at home.

Smart Audio and TV Systems

By setting up certain devices to run intermittently, you can make it seem like there’s someone home, watching TV or listening to music. There are a few key ways these systems work:

Smart speakers and music systems –  you can set up your smart speaker (such as an Amazon Echo or Google Nest) to play music or even podcasts at different times of the day. Some Smart systems even allow for the randomization of content, making it more difficult for someone to know whether the sounds are being played by a person or by a system.

TV and streaming devices –  did you know you can schedule your TV to turn on at certain times, or even use streaming devices (such as Apple TV or Chromecast) to play a random selection of shows or movies? In addition, many home security systems now offer the option to stream a live feed of your TV on your mobile device, making it easy to simulate TV activity from afar.

Smart Security Cameras and Doorbells

Security cameras and doorbells with video feeds can also be integrated into your system to provide that extra peace of mind. Video doorbells allow you to see who’s at your door from the other side of the world, and if someone approaches your property you can answer the door through the app, making it seem as though you’re in residence.

Additionally, some Smart security cameras have motion-detection features that can be used to trigger other devices, such as lights or sounds, to reinforce the presence simulation.

Smart Locks and Garage Door Openers

While you’re away, Smart locks and garage door openers can be programmed to make it appear as though you’re still accessing your home. These devices can be remotely controlled, allowing you to “unlock” the door at certain times (or you can even choose a random sequence), making it seem as if you’re returning home or heading out.