The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) stands out as the leading global platform for consumer brands to unveil groundbreaking products. This massive event transforms Las Vegas into an epicenter of technology from January 5 to 10. It’s remarkable to grasp the scale of CES and the vast array of products on display, particularly in the rapidly evolving smart home sector, which has secured its own dedicated area at The Venetian this year.

When discussions arise about the anticipated innovations at CES, it essentially reflects our aspirations for advancements in the coming year. Many exhibits are still in the prototype stage, not yet ready for widespread consumer adoption. While glimpses of upcoming products for 2025 have been shared, there are ongoing developments in several categories that are eagerly anticipated.

A Greater Variety of Sensors for Enhanced Automation

Sensors are crucial elements in the smart home ecosystem, functioning as catalysts for various automated actions. Their effectiveness hinges on two primary aspects: dependable functionality and adaptable automation software. Both of these areas have significant potential for enhancement.

Numerous brands currently offer sensors that struggle with reliability, especially those designed for monitoring temperature and detecting leaks. An increase in reputable brands delivering reliable basic sensors—such as motion, light, presence, temperature, and water—is desired.

Moreover, there’s a pressing demand for innovative sensor applications. Given the surge in smart lighting expected at CES, more sensitive and responsive light sensors would be welcomed—imagine a scenario where a sensor activates a robot mop upon detecting that the tiles have lost their brightness due to dirt. Additionally, a detailed comparison of indoor and outdoor air quality, pinpointing the source of any issues, would be invaluable, as would weight sensors that track consumption in pet food and water bowls.

Notably, Aqara, a trusted leader in the sensor space, is reportedly set to unveil a new presence sensor. While this is exciting, a broader range of innovative sensors covering new functionality is highly anticipated.

Advancements in Robot Vacuums and Lawn Mowers

The past year has seen numerous interactions with various robot vacuums and lawn mowers, alongside personal robots like the Enabot. The anticipation is high for further advancements in robot vacuum technology, particularly regarding suction strength and added capabilities. Following last year’s introduction of a stair-climbing vacuum, the expectation is that we will witness more dexterous robots emerge this year. Additionally, Switchbot has experimented with the notion of a robot vacuum that acts like a butler, transporting water to humidifiers, and this idea is likely to evolve further.

Consistency in high-end robot vacuums is needed. By now, these models should universally include compartments for cleaning solutions within their charging stations, along with app-controlled remote operation.

There’s a desire to eliminate the ineffective robot assistants that currently accompany vacuums; they often add noise without providing meaningful assistance. Instead, integration with established voice assistants would be far more beneficial.

Additionally, robot vacuums should address baseboards more effectively. Although brands have focused on corner cleaning, baseboards are frequently neglected. Narwal has made some initial efforts, but further innovation is necessary.

Excitement builds for the anticipated influx of robot lawn mowers this year. Models like the Yarbo and Mowrator are expected to broaden their functionalities to include leaf collection and disposal. Improvements in stability for mid to large models would be ideal, specifically with sturdier wheels suited for rough terrain alongside tighter turn radii to minimize lawn damage. The emergence of compact robot mowers for small lawns at affordable prices is also desired. However, the concept of lawn printing, which allows for decorative mowing patterns, does not seem practical and should be approached with caution.

Anticipation for Personal Robots

Remember Samsung’s Ballie? There’s hope that 2025 will be the year personal robots genuinely interject themselves into everyday life. Current offerings, however, remain underwhelming. An example is the Enabot designed to follow pets, which has yet to perform its primary function effectively. Although these robots might not need to perform extensive tasks just yet, there is potential for them to provide companionship and assist with minor chores around the house. A brand that can successfully deliver a well-designed personal robot to the market would be greatly appreciated.

Innovations in Smart Lighting Throughout Homes

In the past year, smart home technology has significantly impacted new construction and remodeling. Today’s smart lighting extends beyond mere lightbulbs or smart plugs to encompass an array of fixtures, including recessed lighting, under-cabinet fixtures, and permanent outdoor solutions. Continued growth in the retrofit market is essential, especially for renters.

A notable increase in entertainment-focused lighting options has emerged, featuring floor lamps capable of displaying any color, flexible foam lighting resembling neon lights, and even illuminated curtains. Following a love for my radiant Nanoleaf lights, a demand for LED smart lighting that caters to adult aesthetics—rather than solely for children’s spaces—is evident. The potential for every light in a household to transition beyond standard white hues, facilitating cooperative shifting of colors across all fixtures, transforms homes into vibrant sanctuaries of light therapy.

Innovations in Smart Locks

Each time it appears that smart locks have reached their peak, new developments introduce enhanced security features. Recent introductions include facial recognition locks, palm print authentication, and the anticipation of Eufy’s new palm recognition lock, which evokes a sense of futuristic innovation akin to Star Trek.

One of the primary concerns is improving retrofitting options for older homes, which often lack smart lock solutions. Furthermore, a wider variety of aesthetically pleasing smart lock designs that complement traditional architecture should be explored.

Enhancements for Smart Cameras

Smart cameras have witnessed notable trends this year, including the shift towards continuous recording for enhanced surveillance data. An increase in off-grid camera solutions relying on solar energy has also been observed. However, these off-grid options often consume considerable data, as they do not connect to Wi-Fi.

Improvements in video compression for these setups would enhance their usability. Smaller and less conspicuous camera designs are also desired. At this point, the focus should shift towards PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras while moving away from static cameras. Additionally, strengthening security measures for camera feeds remains a critical area of focus.

The Future of Automation, Standards, and Hubs

Although it’s not a personal preference, there is an expectation for a surge of brands attempting to reintroduce their hubs as multi-hubs—offering control over devices across various brands. Most consumers utilize platforms like Google, Amazon, or Apple for this purpose. Ideally, a concentration on robust integration with existing multi-hubs would be favorable. Recognition of Matter—the proposed standard intended to streamline smart home connectivity, reducing reliance on multiple hubs and apps—should become standard in all new devices. Although its adoption has been slow, its promise remains significant.

Moreover, simplifying automation with multi-hubs and assistants would enhance user experience. While AI is starting to play a role—evidenced by Google’s introduction of Gemini—automation typically remains overly simplistic, often limited to “if this, then that” scenarios. A push towards facilitating more complex multi-step automations with varied conditions would be a valuable evolution.