The IFA 2014 stand of smart home solutions developer digitalSTROM houses a home automation system, with highlights including semi-automated household helpers, interconnected applications and integrated water valves.

The company's technology integrates appliances with open IP interfaces, such as Sonos and Raumfeld audio solutions, 4K TVs, Miele white goods or the iKettle tea maker, and adds additional functionality. For instance, it can transmit a doorbell sound on an audio system, or flash lights when the washing machine is finished.

Seen at IFA is integration with Dronbracht water fittings-- speech commands such as "wash vegetables" summons the correct water temperature in the kitchen faucets, while a personalised shower allows the programming of custom light and sound settings. Another system is "Kochbot," which downloads recipes from the internet and performs steps connected with the stove, exhaust hood or water faucets semi-automatically.

The company says the system can help with autonomous and barrier-free living via collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute and wheelchair maker Ottobock in the control of household devices via electronic wheelchairs. It is also testing out the use of wearable devices such as Google Glass.

Handling all these tasks, and more, is a small terminal block integrating IP-capable devices over existing power lines.

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