As we surround ourselves with more and more technically advanced appliances and gadgets, we should also ask ourselves whether incorporating technology with seemingly innocuous things like window blinds is possible without any major problems, and if yes, how would the people using them benefit from it.
Almost everyone will concur that technology has made our lives easier and more efficient in every aspect. People can stay connected with each other in a time of need, the small and mundane tasks – on the web and in real life – can be automated, saving crucial time and resources, the online education and businesses have respectively transformed the education sector and the economy.
Therefore, if we do the same with our window blinds, the process will probably utilise the same amount of resources as are usually expended. The blinds can be controlled remotely, without the need of any dangerous cords, they can be solar powered, or they can be connected to the IoT (Internet of Things). We will discuss these possibilities in this article, but the point is that doing so is efficient and doesn’t cost much in terms of time and resources.
Dangers of Unsupervised Blinds Cords
The cords of window blinds can be a really dangerous thing for children, especially those under three years old. A study showed that dozens of children die every year by strangulation from the unsupervised cords, the seriousness of the matter is such that last year IKEA and Target stopped selling window blinds with cords citing the risk of strangulation they bring to the young kids. In such a scenario, it is a no-brainer that more parents would opt for electronic and motorised blinds compared to the traditional choices.
Benefits of Motorised and Automated Blinds
Motorised blinds come with some of the most obvious advantages in the light of what has already been said here. More than anything else, you do not have to worry about children getting tangled in the cords of blinds and getting strangulated by them. They also allow you to remotely control the sunlight and heat coming into your home, even when you are not at home.
In some cases, a single button suffices in place of meter long cords, which is bath safe and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Additionally, when you are not at home, the automatic opening and closing of blinds gives the impression that someone is home, thus, eliminating any chance of a burglary.
Solar Powered and Arduino Controlled Blinds
If you do not want to buy the motorised and automated blinds due to them being more expensive than the standard ones, you can always get a little handy and try to make one yourself. If you have a little know-how of electronics, this would not be a big deal at all. You need an Arduino, a couple of sensors, a light dependent resistor and a motor to move the blinds along with some minor objects. People have been making these things for a while now, at a very minimal cost and with full functionality.
Alternatively, you can also try out the FlipFlic app which comes with a solar panel and a Bluetooth device and turns your regular corded blinds into smart blinds. You are, therefore, able to control your window blinds with just the push of a button or according to a schedule, temperature or intensity of sunlight.