The home automation market developed nearly 20 years ago out of a solution provided by electrical manufacturers using fixed-wire technology and the interoperable protocol KNX*. It required a rather complex installation procedure encompassing the full range of uses (alarms, automation, lighting, heating, openings) at a relatively high cost. Its market was therefore limited to new builds or heavy renovation works, with a modest growth rate.
The digital revolution completely transformed this market. Radio-operated connected objects allow the same uses as traditional fixed-wire ones, but their installation is much easier and less expensive. Their main advantage is that they can be installed sequentially: the end customer can start with central heating controls for example, then progressively add new items. The market, evaluated at around 500 million euros in France in 2017, is growing by 50% per year and should reach 1.5 billion euros in 2020.
*KNX: global communication and interoperability standard for home and building automation and technical building management