By Sabine Klier
The IFA, the largest trade fair for consumer electronics and household appliances in the world (2059 exhibitors in 26 halls), opens on Friday. One of the highlights under the radio tower in Berlin-Charlottenburg: a house that thinks for you!
In the “House of smart living” (Hall 2.2.), the Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH) shows how the latest technology can save 60 percent energy. An intelligent household manager takes control of the bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom.
Walk in: The House of smart living thinks along with you Photo: Olaf Selchow
“Everyone is talking about digitization. We demonstrate how it works in practice,” says product manager Klaus Ott (58).
The core is the energy control, which regulates consumption with the help of networked meters (smart meters). They should be standard across Germany by 2032.
Energy management decides for you:
► Is electricity from the grid used or are the devices switched on at a later point in time when the photovoltaic system has supplied enough.
The sensor floor recognizes whether someone has fallen and reports this to a service provider for first aid Photo: Olaf Selchow
► It automatically closes blinds for extra thermal protection or starts the washing machine after the electric car has been charged.
► It can open and close the windows automatically and turn off the stove if accidentally left on.
In the kitchen, cupboards can be lowered at the push of a button. The energy manager registers if the hotplate was accidentally left on and switches it off Photo: Olaf Selchow
► Contactless fittings on the sink (from 300 euros) or in the shower allow water to flow out of the tap at the desired temperature.
► The bathroom mirror (from 1500 euros) provides information about the news of the day, the weather or acts as an infrared heater (from 150 euros).
► Sensors behind the shower wall control light or music just by hand movements.
► How much energy has been used and what it costs can be seen on the smart TV or tablet.
Klaus Ott (58) shows the intelligent energy control depending on the energy requirement on the tablet Photo: Olaf Selchow
According to the ZVEH, apartments can also be retrofitted in this way.
The latest trend for the home office: a height-adjustable desk (from 1500 euros) is hidden in the closet behind the television or in the sideboard. Product Manager Ott: “At the moment it is still being discussed whether this is tax deductible as a study.”
Illuminated bell with built-in camera or door opener using a finger sensor Photo: Olaf Selchow
The IFA takes place from September 1st to 5th, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Messedamm 22, Charlottenburg. tickets can only be bought online, costs 28.55 euros for all 5 days.