DIY Home Automation using microcontrollers (and more!)

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It's 02014; Where's my Jetsons house? I was promised flying cars and a personal robot assistant! We may not be there yet, but we're getting there and home automation is one major step forward.

There are all sorts of products out there now that will allow you to control your coffee maker or garage door from the other side of the globe. There are security systems you can check in on via your smart phone. Smart thermostats and smoke alarms that adapt to you. The list goes on and on, but these are just products. Enter the world of Do-It-Yourself and you can dive much much deeper. It can also be easier on the wallet.

Do-It-Yourself Home Automation comes with huge benefits and we're going to talk about some of the hardware, software and communities you want to pay attention to in order to get started with your own automations. Home automation isn't a particular technology or product--It's a way of thinking.

Me? I want things like sidewalk lighting that follows me (and turns off behind me). A weather-aware 'hands free' furnace. A garage door that opens up for my car (and my car only!). A voice authenticated beer kegerator. My list goes on! Whats on yours?