As Indian cities grow smarter, the definition of comfort and security at home is rapidly transforming. Home automation, once considered a โluxury,โ is now gaining momentum as a practical, scalable solution for modern Indian households. Driven by advancements in IoT, AI, and integrated platforms, the market is witnessing an influx of both domestic innovators and global giants. But beneath the buzz lies a more complex story of challenges faced by the industry players in adoption, infrastructure readiness, pricing sensitivity, and digital trust. In this feature, Tejaswini Paranjape uncovers the insights of industry leaders on how they are navigating the competitive terrain, customizing global tech for Indian sensibilities and shaping the future of smart homes in the subcontinent.
IoT, AI, and their Interoperability
Add pic of Pulkit Mathur and his products
According to Pulkit Mathur, Founder and CEO of Escala Tech, the companyโs strong foundation in IoT and AI enables it to offer cutting-edge home automation solutions that are fully interoperable with international platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Matter. โWe design around the KNX standard, which ensures compatibility, future tech upgrades, and robust functionality,โ says Mathur. โThis gives homeowners peace of mind and system longevity.โ
Echoing the importance of seamless integration, Saachi Rana, Principal Designer at Saachi Rana Design Studio, says, โItโs all about making different systems talk to each other smoothly. We make sure the automation setup works well with whatever BMS (Building Management System) or smart tech is already planned for the buildingโwhether itโs for lighting, security, air conditioning, or even elevators.โ This integration of systems allows harmony in operations and could be controlled remotely with one click and with assured safety. This also facilitates energy conservation.
Ar. Vishakha Sareen, Principal Architect, Studio Aartarcโs emphasizes early-stage planning and open protocols to ensure compatibility with BMS and smart technologies. โThis integrated approach allows centralized control, reduces redundancy, and enhances operational efficiency,โ she explains. โHome automation complements BMS by offering personalized comfort, energy optimization, and real-time data insights.โ
Navigating Market Challenges: Awareness, Pricing & Adoption
While there is increasing interest in automation, the path to adoption is strewn with barriers. From convincing architects and builders to integrating with legacy systems, companies have their hands full. โHonestly, one of the biggest challenges is changing the mindset,โ says Rana. โA lot of people still think home automation is only for luxury homes or itโs something you add at the end. But itโs about making life simpler, safer, and smarter.โ
Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO of Prama Hikvision India Private Limited, highlights challenges such as high upfront costs, interoperability issues, lack of standardization, security concerns, limited awareness, complexity of installation, and regulatory obstacles. โDespite these challenges, the Indian home automation market is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as urbanization and smart living trends, technological advancements in AI, IoT, and 5G, increasing disposable income, Government Initiatives and smart city projects, rising demand for convenience, security, and energy efficiency.โ
โBy linking automation to sustainability and market competitiveness, I help clients see its long-term value, making it an essential feature rather than an optional upgrade in modern Indian homes,โ says Sareen.
ย Smart Cities, Smarter Homes: Automation for Sustainability
As India expands its smart city initiatives, home automation is increasingly becoming a part of the blueprint. Itโs not just about comfortโitโs about conserving energy, reducing operational costs, and building greener futures. โHome automation plays a huge role in smart and sustainable buildings,โ says Rana. โWhen your home or building can control lights, AC, water usage, or security on its ownโor with just a tapโit saves a lot of energy and resources.โ
Hikvision’s home automation tools contribute to building smart and sustainable cities by providing innovative solutions that integrate advanced technologies, such as AIoT, video security, and intelligent automation. Dhakan says, โHikvision offers integrated solutions for commercial and residential buildings, enhancing security, efficiency, and sustainability.โ
Addressing Cybersecurity
As smart devices proliferate, concerns around data privacy and digital vulnerabilities are mounting. For homeowners and builders alike, cybersecurity is non-negotiable. โWe use KNX Secure, which is globally recognized for its cybersecurity robustness,โ says Mathur.
Hikvision takes cybersecurity and data protection seriously, implementing various measures to protect its home automation systems from vulnerabilities, including secure design, regular updates, encryption, access control, data minimization, and vulnerability assessment.
Trends to Watch: From Smart Homes to Smart Lifestyles
The home automation market is no longer limited to lights and climate control. The next frontier involves integrating appliances and servicesโan ecosystem thatโs intuitive, adaptive, and uniquely Indian.
โA lot is changing, and fast,โ says Rana. โPeople now want homes where they can control everything from their phone or even just speak to a voice assistant. Thereโs also a big shift toward eco-friendly automation.โ
The Indian smart home market is rapidly maturing, driven by increasing urbanization, rising incomes, and growing demand for connected living experiences. According to Dhakan, โThe revenue in the Smart Home market is projected to reach US$7.3bn in 2025.โ
Road Ahead
With growing disposable incomes, tech-savvy consumers, and an increasing focus on sustainable living, the home automation market in India is poised for significant growth. As technology continues to evolve and prices decrease, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption of smart home solutions.
Hikvision, for instance, plans to continue innovating and expanding its product offerings to meet the growing demands of the Indian market. By leveraging advanced technologies and collaborating with local partners, the company aims to provide superior pre-sales and post-sales services, driving the adoption of smart home solutions across the country.
As the market continues to mature, we can expect to see new trends and innovations emerge, shaping the future of home automation in India. With its potential to transform the way we live and work, home automation is set to play a significant role in shaping the smart cities of tomorrow.
