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Bathrooms swirl into the future
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ADVANCES in Internet of Things technology mean bathrooms will become “smarter” with smart device users being able to control everything from water temperature to lighting, according to numerous companies that unveiled such products at the recent Kitchen & Bath China Trade Show in Shanghai.
Such products are already in five-star hotels, but will soon feature in more homes.
Smart devices such as handsets, tablets, Apple Watch and in the future, even jewelry, will be used to control lighting and other things, according to Grohe Group, a Germany-based bathroom technology and device provider.
“The future trend is from passive digital to active digital once the technology is ready,” said Paul Flowers, global senior vice president of design at Grohe.
Flowers said Grohe’s SmartControl technology allows users to customize their baths and showers by selecting the precise water temperature, adjusting bathroom lights and playing music.
Another popular product at the show was toilet seats that open automatically. Users will be able to set up their smart toilets so that the seat opens when they turn on the bathroom light or when the toilet senses human movement nearby.
Decreasing costs
Switzerland-based Geberti introduced a “magic” board that allows users to flush their toilet without touching it. A simple wave of the hand over the “magic” board will flush the toilet.
China-based Jomoo unveiled a special application to allow users to control the operation of toilets with mobile devices through Bluetooth connections. The app lets users control the strength of each flush and bidet functions.
The Wifi module supporting wireless connections among devices will cost less than 20 yuan (US$3) within one or two years, about 50 percent less than current prices, said Lei Jun, Xiaomi Corp’s founder.
Companies also said 3D printing is being utilized in the design process of new bathroom and kitchen products.
“We have fully used 3D printing in our research labs. It’s a fast and accurate way to design. It provides more choice in materials and surfaces,” Flowers said.
Flowers said 3D printing will lead to better consumer products because it saves time and offers more choice.
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