This year, I began exploring an AI-based smart home project through ongoing conversations with Edward Chen, whom I originally met while working on a home remodeling project. As we discussed the future of smart homes, we quickly identified a major problem in the current market: despite industry efforts like Thread and large tech alliances, many companies still rely on incompatible ecosystems, resulting in fragmented systems that are difficult to integrate into existing homes. Together, we explored ideas for creating a more seamless and practical approach to home intelligence, one that focuses on real usability rather than forcing homeowners into complete renovations or brand-specific solutions.
My current work on the project focuses on hardware development and system design, particularly improving presence detection using a combination of multiple sensors rather than relying on a single technology. A key goal is to design retrofit-friendly solutions that can integrate smoothly into existing homes without the need to run new wires or undergo major reconstruction. Drawing on my experience with Revit, I designed my own home in Hacienda Heights, which helped me think carefully about spatial layouts, power constraints, and how smart hardware can be discreetly embedded into real living spaces. This project combines my interests in hardware design, systems integration, and practical problem-solving, and it reflects my desire to build technology that fits naturally into everyday life.