Hygiene and health consciousness is the biggest wave in our country right now. Cleanliness is certainly next to godliness and has become the best defence against COVID-19. Be it at home or outdoors in these pandemic years, the Swachchata Abhiyaan is part of our DNA now. The home hygiene quotient has evolved from the basic soap, sanitizer, the masks to the high-tech robotic vacuum cleaners and mops and air purifiers. There is more than a significant surge in the awareness and sale of home automation and hygiene products. An increasing number of Indian families in urban areas are opting for robotic cleaners and automating several home appliances to take care of domestic chores and keep their surroundings sterile.

Approximately 20-30% of the total population in India suffers from at least one allergic disease. Out of this, about 15% develop Asthma according to the National Health Portal. Infectious diseases during early childhood, environmental pollution, allergen levels, and dietary changes are the major four reasons for major allergies in our country. With the current outbreak of COVID-19, frequently cleaning and disinfecting the home is essential for keeping the family safe and healthy. It’s important to note that cleaning a surface – simply removing dirt and particles – is not the same thing as disinfecting it to kill viruses and bacteria.

While before the pandemic, air purifiers were the prominent anti-allergen or anti-virus appliance that was being used by masses but now anti-allergen technology is going to be the key feature that is a must-have for any smart home automation device. From air conditioners to refrigerators, almost every home device comes with antivirus or anti-allergy features nowadays. In India, home automation was also viewed as an object of luxury and not a necessity. However, people are not only self-aware about basic hygiene but they are also very keen to adopt such positive practices in their day-to-day lifestyle and brands have started catering to these needs of the consumers.

COVID-19 have led to a spurt in automated devices that mop, scrub and vacuum household unobtrusively since most of the people are jittery about maids entering homes and, in a bid to become self-reliant, working for the population in metros are increasingly opting for automated cleaners. The role of technology in building smart home appliances is not only limited to the ease of the users but also delivers health benefits. Given the unusual circumstances placed upon them with the work-from-home scenario, it’s perhaps no surprise that home automation coupled with anti-allergen technology will continue to play a major part in hygiene practices. Anti-Allergen system for robotic vacuum cleaner traps and locks pollen and mold allergens and this combination can even help decrease the number of asthmatic or allergic reactions.

Smart devices are transforming every sphere of our lives – from ambiance to convenience. Smart devices, today, are adding unmatched comfort and convenience to modern Indians’ everyday lifestyles. The ability of smart devices to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure without requiring many changes in wiring while also fulfilling the aim of enabling automation makes it suitable for homes in India. Home automation does not need too much of a hassle for the user. In other words, we require a smart home that is well-equipped with several devices that automate tasks that are usually handled by humans. There is an increasing need for comfort, and ease coupled with the rising disposable incomes of the people living in metro cities. When technology is trickling down to nearly every aspect of life, it will disrupt the inconvenience that we still have to face in this day and age. Thankfully, smart home gadgets are helping us become more efficient and effective by reducing our workload and doing away with our physical constraints – one task at a time!

The author, Pulak Satish Kumar, is Director and COO, Puresight Systems (iRobot India).