SmartMat - Smart door mats

Technology can appear everywhere in your home, from smart door handles, smart locks and today we have smart door mats - a product called SmartMat created by Dr. Andrew Clark. Designed to sit underneath a regular foot mat, SmartMat acts as a pressure sensor and integrates Wi-Fi connectivity to enable an action when someone steps onto the carpet.

>>>Video: SmartMat - Smart door mats

SmartMat is 46 x 69cm in size and is made of a pressure sensitive plastic film placed between two layers of conductive polymer film. All components are covered with a protective layer against water and dust. In addition, an Electric Imp micro controller has been integrated into SmartMat to collect, process data and allow the rug to connect to an indoor Wi-Fi network.

Once connected to a Wi-Fi network, the data collected by the rug is sent to a cloud-based server to perform actions such as emailing or messaging notifications based on certain circumstances. Through a web browser interface on the phone or computer, users can set actions corresponding to the activation on the carpet.

Unlike normal floor sensors that act as an electronic switch: turning on when there is pressure on and off when there is no pressure, SmartMat can detect the magnitude of the down pressure and calculate the weight. how long is someone or something placed on the carpet. This allows different actions to be triggered by different people, animals or objects depending on the difference in weight.

Clark has provided many examples of SmartMat's potential to use, including sending a message when a pet is on the carpet waiting to be in / out or a package left at the door and even sending a tweet to Users track actions over time. Wi-Fi connectivity also allows users to set up carpets to control other Wi-Fi devices in the home such as light bulbs or IP webcams. In addition, SmartMat also has the option of connecting to a multi-plug socket. SmartMat will now act as a smart switch for electrical appliances that use electricity directly from this socket.

With built-in 9V battery, SmartMat can connect to Wi-Fi and continuously send data within 3 days. In power saving mode, the rug will automatically return to sleep after 60 seconds, stop the touch operation to extend battery life. According to Clark, in this mode SmartMat can maintain up to 100 days of operation provided that each day must have a weight placed on the average 15 minutes.

One drawback of the device is signal latency, usually 3 to 5 seconds for the carpet to establish a connection back to the Wi-Fi network after being reactivated. In addition to the built-in battery, the rug can also be connected to an electrical outlet on the wall with an AC plug for fixed use in one location.

SmartMat is currently being raised on Kickstarter. Those who donate $ 75 or more will receive a SmartMat, the expected delivery time is in June this year if the fundraising campaign reaches $ 15,000.