U.S. home automation adoption on the rise

About 15% of U.S. households using the internet also own a home automation device, according to a report by NPD Group.

The latest number is up from 10% in April 2016, NPD — a global information and research firm — said in a recent report. NPD also reports that year-to-date sales of home automation products has increased 43% lead by home security and monitoring devices. Sales of video doorbells has increased 123%, while smart lighting has grown 83%, NPD says.

“The growth we are seeing in the number of owner homes is an indication that a broader field of available products, wider distribution and greater awareness are actually adding users,” said Ben Arnold, executive director, industry analyst for the NPD Group. “Voice-enabled speakers have also played a key role in catalyzing interest in the smart home.”

According to the new "Digital Voice Assistants: Ownership & Applications Report" from NPD’s Connected Intelligence, ownership of voice-activated wireless speakers has more than tripled in a year's time, now totaling 10% of U.S. internet households. Of Amazon Echo and Google Home owners, 48% and 57% respectively, consumers reported buying their first home automation product after owning a voice-enabled speaker. 

NPD says 36% of existing smart home device owners also own a voice-activated speaker, and 65% of smart home device owners are interested in using voice commands to control other devices in their home.

The results of the NPD Group report draws data from the semi-annual Connected Home Automation Survey, the research company said. The survey is based on consumer panel research that reached more than 5,600 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and up from diverse regions and demographical backgrounds. The resulting base was more than 2,600 consumers that have used voice commands to operate a consumer electronics device. 

Consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 are the most likely to own a voice-activated wireless speaker, as well as a home automation device; but noticeable growth is also occurring in other age groups. About 11% of consumers ages 35 to 54 report owning a voice-enabled speaker, up from 7% the prior year, while consumers 55 and older grew to 6% from 1%. About 16% of consumers ages 35 to 54 report owning a home automation device, up from 11% the prior year, while consumers 55 and older grew to 8% from 7%.