Suburban roof tops
By John Dixon, CMO and VP of North America Sales, Silicon Labs, and Austin Habitat for Humanity Board Member
As a tech leader at Silicon Labs, I’ve been deeply involved in the smart home evolution, and I’ve always been passionate about the role that homes play in our lives — sometimes, it’s where we build our fondest memories with loved ones. So, it felt natural to combine this tech experience with my dedication to social impact. Recently, I joined the Board of Directors of Austin Habitat for Humanity as chair of the development committee. As a non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity works alongside families to build and improve their homes, promoting self-reliance and community development. This role has solidified my belief that technology, especially smart home technology, can transform affordable housing.
Silicon Labs is deeply committed to this vision, and we’re taking concrete steps to make a real difference. At our recent Works With developers’ conference keynote, we highlighted our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver and Arrow Electronics to develop a unique, affordable smart home community in Aurora, Colorado. This project is particularly exciting because of the positive impact it will have on the families living there and the potential to inspire future sustainable housing developments.
Thanks to the support of Arrow Electronics’ and Silicon Labs’ customers like Resideo and Rachio and suppliers like Silicon Labs, 20 homes in Aurora will feature a suite of smart home devices. These devices will help homeowners reduce energy and water use, enhance security, and save money — freeing up resources for necessities like healthcare and transportation. Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home, particularly in these challenging times. I’m inspired by Habitat for Humanity’s work and thrilled to be a part of it.
“At CES 2025, we saw real advancements in AI-powered home automation, smart energy management, and even robotic vacuum cleaners. It’s clear that the industry is shifting gears, with truly intelligent homes becoming extensions of our imagination, working for us while improving sustainability and efficiency.”
Smart Homes For All
I believe it’s my responsibility as a business leader in the technology sector to demonstrate how technology can create meaningful change for all. While many people still associate smart homes with science fiction, portraying them as ultimate havens with endless possibilities, the truth is that this future is quickly becoming a reality. Year after year, events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcase how connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming our homes from futuristic fantasies into tangible realities. At CES 2025, we saw real advancements in AI-powered home automation, smart energy management, and even robotic vacuum cleaners. It’s clear that the industry is shifting gears, with truly intelligent homes becoming extensions of our imagination, working for us while improving sustainability and efficiency.
But the question that concerns me is: Can these advancements be accessible and sustainable for everyone? The challenge extends beyond smart home technology to the broader issue of housing affordability. Today’s homebuyers face a much tougher market than previous generations, with median house prices now six times the median income — a significant increase from the previous four to five times, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. While some smart home gadgets may seem more like wants than needs, I believe that strategically integrating this technology across entire communities presents a unique opportunity to address safety, security, immediate costs and long-term sustainability goals.
Cutting Costs Without Compromising Comfort in Smart Homes
One of the things I’m most excited about is how smart home technology can be built with savings in mind. It’s not just about the bells and whistles; it’s about enhancing security, stability, and safety for all residents. On the utility side, smart thermostats can learn occupants’ schedules and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. Smart meters provide real-time data on energy consumption, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their usage and potentially save a ton on utility bills.
And it goes beyond utilities. Smart home security systems offer significant financial benefits and peace of mind. Insurance companies often offer premium discounts for homes with these features, recognizing that they reduce risks associated with theft, fire, and water damage. For example, integrated motion sensors can automate lighting and HVAC systems to save energy and prevent malfunctions while homeowners are away.
Conversely, smart lights can be turned on remotely to simulate occupancy when needed and deter intruders. Smart locks help ensure authorized access, eliminating the need for costly physical keys and rekeying if a breach occurs. Doorbell cameras provide an extra layer of security, allowing you to see what’s happening at your doorstep from anywhere in the world. Silicon Labs provides wireless System on Chips (SoC) like the SiWx917, an energy-efficient Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE combination SoC to end manufacturers to ensure that these smart home devices are reliable, safe and have long battery lives.
I know the upfront costs of outfitting homes with modern technology and resilient infrastructure can seem daunting. But it is proven that it’s an investment that pays off over time. Not only can it significantly reduce energy bills, but it also provides greater protection for families’ safety and security. It can also protect against the growing threats of climate change, like extreme weather events. For instance, installing smart water sensors and automated shut-off valves can detect leaks early, preventing costly water damage and conserving resources during droughts. These systems can automatically turn off the water supply when a leak is detected, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and reducing water waste. That’s real, tangible value.
One thing I’ve learned is that homeowners want smart home technology that’s both practical and easy to use. Matter, an open-source standard, promises to deliver just that. By ensuring seamless compatibility between devices, Matter simplifies the user experience and empowers consumers to choose devices that fit their needs and budget. As a royalty-free standard, Matter could also lead to lower device prices, making smart home technology more accessible to everyone by easing developer challenges. At Silicon Labs, we’re all in on Matter, offering a range of Matter-ready platforms and development tools to drive interoperability and user-centric design.
Smart Homes, Stable Foundations
I think it’s time we rebranded smart home technology. The industry is actively working to transform it from a perceived luxury to a practical solution for everyone, regardless of income. By providing real-time data and automated control, smart home technology can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year. This allows families to allocate resources more effectively, contributing to greater financial stability and improved well-being.
Affordable housing with integrated smart technology can foster more stable living environments, positively impacting family security and health outcomes. Studies from the Urban Institute’s Housing Matters have shown that housing stability is closely linked to improved academic performance and overall well-being. Likewise, energy-efficient homes can contribute to better health outcomes by maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and improving air quality.
The benefits of smart home technology extend beyond individual households. On a larger scale, the adoption of smart meters and other grid technologies can help utilities better manage energy demand, potentially reducing the need for additional power generation and contributing to a more sustainable energy future. It’s a win-win situation.
Building a Better Future with Smart Home Technology
Ensuring the long-term affordability and accessibility of smart home technologies is just as crucial as the initial installation. While these technologies offer significant benefits, ongoing costs like subscription fees can create barriers, particularly for low-income families who need to allocate resources carefully. Here’s where collective action becomes essential. By partnering with community organizations like Habitat for Humanity that are deeply familiar with local needs, we can deliver affordable and sustainable solutions tailored to residents and restore the dreams of homeownership.
The future of housing is taking shape today. Together, and I mean all of us — industry, community organizations, and individuals — we can create homes that are more connected, efficient, and responsive to residents’ needs. We can even build entire neighborhoods that run off renewable energy. The future is looking bright, but this progress must benefit everyone! Learn how Silicon Labs is transforming our homes into much more than just where we live here.
The author is John Dixon, CMO and VP of North America Sales, Silicon Labs, and Austin Habitat for Humanity Board Member
Copyright permission/reprint service of a full Ojo-Yoshida Report story is available for promotional use on your website, marketing materials and social media promotions. Please send us an email at [email protected] for details.